Chapter 1: Nobody

They say you can feel the loneliest in a room full of people.

Tonight, Anna Roberts understood exactly what that meant.

She sat quietly at a round table, surrounded by familiar faces—people she’d shared holidays with, birthdays, charity events—but she had never felt more alone.

Golden chandeliers spilled soft light over the crowd of elites, entrepreneurs, millionaires. Names that opened doors, faces that filled magazine pages.

The decorations were flawless. The air shimmered with perfume and polite laughter. But none of it touched Anna.

Her brown eyes were locked on one person: Andy Roberts, her husband.

He stood at the front of the hall, holding a microphone, bathed in spotlight. Behind him, the giant projector glowed with the logo of Power Group—the multimillion-dollar company he’d inherited from his father, Albert Roberts.

“Thank you all for gracing this occasion,” Andy said, flashing that perfect, press-polished smile.

The crowd hushed.

“It brings me immense joy to see this day,” he continued, voice steady, practiced. “It’s been a long journey for Power Group—a ride full of highs and lows. But today…”

He paused. Let the silence speak for him.

“We celebrate fifty years of success.”

Applause rippled through the hall. Champagne glasses clinked. Smiles stretched wide.

Andy basked in it all, standing like a man who had finally claimed his kingdom.

When the noise settled, he went on, emotion laced in every syllable.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, carrying my family’s legacy with everything I have. First, I want to thank myself for being strong—for being resilient.”

A soft chuckle swept through the room. Andy chuckled too, charming as ever.

Anna smiled. Despite everything, she was proud of him.

He’ll thank me next, she thought, straightening her soft pink fur coat. She adjusted the little fascinator in her hair, heart fluttering. He has to.

She had been there through it all. The late nights. The failed deals. The hospital visit after his breakdown. The early days when Power Group nearly collapsed.

She was the quiet force behind the man.

Andy looked out across the crowd, sweeping his gaze over the VIP tables.

“A special thanks to my amazing family—my mother, Margaret, and my sisters, Sophie and Adeline. You’ve been my rock.”

Margaret Roberts, cloaked in diamonds, blew a kiss to her son. The light caught every ring on her fingers.

Anna clapped softly, lips pressed in a tight smile.

Maybe next. He’ll mention me next.

Andy moved on—business partners, investors, his leadership team. Everyone who’d played a role.

Everyone but her.

Anna shifted in her seat. A small frown tugged at her lips. Her brow creased.

Had he forgotten?

Then she noticed him scanning the room. Eyes darting, searching.

And then—there it was. That smile.

The one that reached his eyes. That lit up his whole face.

Anna turned to look.

Through the wide double doors walked a woman in a deep red silk gown.

Every head turned.

Her dark curls bounced effortlessly. Her legs, long and lean, moved with a deliberate sway. Around her throat, a necklace sparkled—easily worth more than Anna’s car.

Power. Confidence. Glamour.

Wow, Anna thought. She’s beautiful.

But she wasn’t the only one watching.

The entire room seemed to inhale at once.

“Penelope Kings,” someone at her table whispered.

“The queen of the business world,” another murmured.

“Managing Director of Kings Business Empire,” someone added. “What’s she doing here?”

Anna blinked, unimpressed. She didn’t keep up with corporate royalty. She knew recipes, not rival empires. Her world was family, home, and their son, Aiden.

She turned back to Andy—expecting him to refocus, to continue.

But he was still staring.

Still smiling.

Maybe now, Anna thought. Maybe now he’ll thank me.

But then Andy did something she hadn’t prepared for.

Still holding the mic, he stepped off the stage and walked straight to Penelope.

“I want to say a big thank you to Penelope Kings,” he said warmly, his voice slicing through the quiet. “An outstanding woman who has made all of our recent projects successful.”

Before Anna could process it, Andy leaned in—and kissed Penelope on the cheek.

Anna sat frozen. Her heartbeat roared in her ears.

Am I dreaming? Did my husband just kiss another woman in front of everyone?

It’s just business. Just a friendly peck. Right?

But then Andy looked at Penelope—really looked at her—with a softness Anna hadn’t seen in months.

“I wouldn’t have come this far without you,” he said, eyes locked on hers.

Anna gripped the table. Her fingers trembled. Her chest felt hollow.

No. No, this isn’t happening.

The celebration rolled on. Laughter. Toasts. More applause.

Andy returned to his VIP table. Margaret, Sophie, Adeline, Penelope—they all sat together now. Laughing. Whispering. Clinking glasses like royalty.

Anna sat at her table alone, sinking deeper into silence.

She glanced at Penelope—flawless skin, perfect waist, polished nails.

Then she looked at herself.

Chubby. A soft belly that told the story of motherhood. Full cheeks. Eyes tired from too many late nights and early mornings.

She had never been ashamed of her body. She believed Andy loved her through every change.

But now... doubt cut through her like ice.

She stood.

Quietly at first. Then one step after another, fury and heartbreak guiding her across the hall.

“Andy, can I talk to you for a minute?” she asked, voice calm but shaking slightly.

Andy didn’t turn. Instead, he leaned toward Penelope, laughing softly.

“This gown looks incredible on you,” he told her, like Anna wasn’t even there.

Anna blinked.

Did he just ignore me?

Her jaw clenched. Rage swelled.

She took a breath, then spoke again—louder, firmer.

“Anderson.”

Andy turned.

His eyes were cold.

There was no warmth, no apology—only a warning: Leave.

Anna held her ground.

Penelope raised a brow, looking Anna over like she was scanning a menu.

“Who is she?” Penelope asked sweetly, her voice laced with mock innocence.

Andy didn’t hesitate.

“She’s nobody,” he said.

The words hit harder than a slap.

Anna blinked, stunned.

Nobody.

In that moment—surrounded by crystal glasses, gold chandeliers, and hundreds of people—

Anna didn’t just feel lonely.

She felt inviible.