Chapter 8

The nanny got to work, collecting every photo album and frame, then stacking them on the lawn.

Jessica uncorked several bottles of Anthony's prized red wine, dousing the memories in scarlet.

She poured a glass for herself and one for the nanny.

Their glasses met with a hollow clink, the echo of a five-year love breaking apart.

Jessica flicked the lighter and tossed it into the heap, watching the past go up in flames.

Flickering flames cast a warm glow as Jessica tipped back her glass, the last of the wine mingling with the tears that traced a path down her cheeks.

The remnants of Anthony's affection lay scattered around her—designer bags, silk gowns, glittering jewels, all tokens of years gone by.

With a sense of finality, Jessica boxed up the luxury and posted it for sale on a second-hand site, directing the funds to an orphanage.

The news hit Anthony like a punch to the gut when his assistant called. "Mrs. Harris is selling everything you gave her."

He scrambled into his clothes, his face pale, his heart racing. He tried to reach her, but his calls echoed unanswered as he sped through the city streets, his car a blur of motion and red lights ignored.

The car barely stilled when he burst into the yard and found Jessica. There she was, lost in a sea of empty bottles, cradling a glass, her song a soft, sad murmur. Relief washed over Anthony as he knelt before her.

"Jess, why didn't you pick up? I was worried sick."

She turned, her gaze piercing. "Why would that worry you?"

He caressed her warm cheek. "I thought you were mad, hiding from me."

The alcohol lent her courage, and she asked the question that haunted her. "Anthony, are you keeping secrets from me?"

His heart plummeted. He looked away as a battle raged within. When he faced her again, his eyes were wide, his expression earnest. "No, never. We're in this together, open and true."

However, as Jessica's eyes drifted past him to the lifeless ashes beyond, the truth lay there, unspoken.

The last glimmer of hope in Jessica's heart was snuffed out when Anthony lied to her once more.

Anthony saw the scab on her palm and asked with concern, "Jess, what happened to your hand?"

She thought about blaming him but bit back the truth. "Oh! Just a dog bite."

Anthony fetched the first-aid kit and knelt to clean and wrap her wound. "You're always so reckless. I can't imagine how you'd manage without me," he said.

Jessica scoffed silently. She had once seen him as her protector from life's storms, but at this point, she knew he was the source of them.

"I heard you sold the gifts I gave you," he mentioned casually.

Jessica looked away. "They were getting old. I wanted something new."

Anthony tied off the bandage with extra care. "If you don't like them, just toss them. I'll get you better ones."

He stood and drew her close, his breath warm on her ear. "Jess, I'm planning a welcome party for Tracy on Monday."

When she did not reply, he pressed on. "You've always dreamed of stargazing in Omaraine, right? After the party, how about we go there, just the three of us?"

The peaks of Omaraine's Green Mountain soared over 2000 meters high, a perfect canvas for the stars.

It was Jessica's dream destination.

However, that dream felt hollow then, especially after the email she received yesterday from Brittania.

"Mrs. Sullivan, it's with deep regret that I must tell you, the observatory has confirmed your blue star is set to fall in three days."

The love once believed to be unbreakable was then scarred and battered.

Even the stars, once thought eternal, were on the brink of collapse.

Anthony released her from his arms. "If it doesn't make you happy, Jess, we don't have to go through with the welcome party..."

With her head cleared from the fog of alcohol, Jessica replied calmly, "What are you talking about? The welcome party is happening, and I'll take care of the arrangements myself."

A look of joy spread across Anthony's face as he embraced her once more.

"I'll do whatever you wish, Jess. And I've got a few more surprises up my sleeve for you."

Anthony had it all planned out. On that day, he would formally present her with their marriage certificate, making their union official in the eyes of the law.