Chapter 1

"Ms. Granger, your purchase of our staged death service is successful. When the time comes, we will erase your identity and arrange a death that meets your expectations so that you can leave without worries," the staff member on the other end of the phone said politely.

I responded with a flat hum. "Set it for three days from now. I need time to pack my things."

After hanging up, I dragged my aching body back toward the hospital room. I had barely reached the door when I ran into my husband, James Lambert. The moment he saw me, concern flooded his face as he hurried over.

"Darling, you just fell into the water. You haven't recovered yet. How could you get out of bed on your own? Come on, lie back down."

He helped me onto the bed, carefully tucking the blanket around me.

Once I was settled in, he pulled a small box from inside his thick down jacket and gently placed it in my hand. It was still warm.

"Here. Your favorite pastries," he said softly. "I caught a flight to Ashville to buy them for you and rushed straight back. Eat them while they're warm."

Ashville?

That was several districts away from Stonegate, practically on the other side of the city.

Before I could process it, the patient in the neighboring bed let out an envious sigh.

"Your husband is incredible. He braved the snow and traveled over a thousand miles just to buy you pastries, and he even kept them warm inside his coat!"

Another patient added, "Ever since you were admitted, he's been taking care of everything himself. He helps you wash up, feeds you, and never leaves your side. He even brings you jewelry just to make you smile. I'm honestly so jealous."

Hearing that, I couldn't help but look at James.

With snow clinging to his hair and the cold tinting his nose red, he looked at me with pure tenderness. In that moment, he was nothing like the cold, untouchable James the world admired.

And yet, it was precisely those loving eyes that fooled everyone, including me.

Over the years, everyone knew how deeply James doted on me. Even when I merely twisted my ankle, he would worry endlessly.

I thought he loved me too, right up until everything was laid bare.

When I fell into the water, he swam to Cassandra White without a second thought and kissed her beneath the surface. Later, he even fought his own brother, Morgan Lambert, just to stay by her side.

By the time I heard the truth slip from his lips, I finally understood who he had loved all along.