Chapter 1: Another runined anniversary

Sylvia*

The wall clock wouldn’t stop ticking, each sharp tick drumming the same reminder into my head—today is supposed to be special. Our fifth wedding anniversary. Yet Greg hadn’t sent a single message all morning.

I picked up my phone and called him, but it rang out. No answer.

Then a notification lit up my screen—just a location from him.

For a moment, relief washed over me. Oh… maybe he didn’t forget after all. Maybe he was finally trying to make up for all the times he pushed this day aside.I rushed into the bathroom, showered quickly, and slipped into a dress with my cleavage showing—something to set the mood tonight. I sprayed on the perfume he always struggled to resist and headed to the address he sent.

But as soon as I walked into the restaurant, I froze.

Greg sat at a table surrounded by his high school friends… and right beside him was his ex-girlfriend, her hand resting on his cheek in that soft, intimate way he hasn’t touched me in years.

I lifted my brows just to stop the tears from spilling.“Oh, you’re here,” Greg said, walking toward me. His ex lifted her head and our eyes met—her gaze sharp, proud, almost daring me to see that Greg wasn’t over her.

“Today is Arias’ birthday,” Greg explained. “I wanted to celebrate it for her. She suggested we invite you since you two know each other from high school.”

Of course we knew each other.I had loved Greg for years but never had the courage to go near him—he was too far out of my league. Arias, my best friend back then, offered to help… but ended up throwing herself at him instead. They hit it off instantly, and she later got bored and dumped him for another man. He broke completely, and that was when I stepped in—risking my suitor, my inheritance, everything—just to marry him.

“So you didn’t call me because of our anniversary,” I said, my voice trembling, “but because your ex is celebrating her birthday?”

I clutched my purse, praying he would apologize. I was ready to forgive, ready to save tonight.“Oh, is it today? Gosh… I forgot again. You didn’t remind me,” he murmured, scratching his hair.

“But you remembered hers,” I said quietly.

“Oh, Sylvia don’t be such a drama queen,” Arias cut in, pasting on a cute pout. “Greg just wanted me to be happy today. Don’t ruin the fun, pleeease.” She even held my hand. I pulled away and went to sit down. Most of our high school friends didn’t even look happy to see me.

“Sylvia, today is your wedding anniversary and Greg forgot? Does that mean he still hasn’t gotten over Arias?” someone asked.“They say men never get over their first love,” another added.

“Guys please,” someone said, trying to lighten the mood. “Let’s play a game—Spin and Dare!”

“Yesss, that sounds fun!” they shouted.

The bottle spun and landed right in front of Arias.

“I dare you to kiss anybody in this room.”

Arias slowly scanned the table… then turned to Greg.

Heat crawled up my neck. My face burned. How could she be this shameless—in front of someone’s husband?

I silently begged Greg to look away… but he didn’t. Instead, he blushed like a boy handed candy.

Arias wrapped one arm around his shoulder, cupped his cheek with the other, and kissed him as the others cheered. My purse slipped from my hand. I bent to pick it up, but no one even noticed me. Greg pulled her closer and kissed her back.

I stood up and quietly slipped away to the bathroom.

Idiot.

I cleaned up his mess after she abandoned him, and now that she’s back, he’s ready to toss our marriage aside like it meant nothing.

The door opened. Arias stepped in.“Are you enjoying my birthday?” she asked, the mockery dripping from her voice.

“You invited me here to watch my husband cheat on me?” I asked.

“No, sweetheart. I invited you so you could finally see how much he loves me. From high school till now—you never had a chance. He’s always been into me, not you. You’re only good at cleaning up whatever I leave behind. He married you out of pity, darling. That’s because I walked away.”

“You left him. So why are you back?”

“Because he’s successful now. I can’t get him off my mind. And I want him back.”

“You manipulative witch,” I snapped. “You think I’ll just let you?”She smirked. “You can’t do anything, my love. Greg is mine. Let that sink in.” She shoved me. I lost my balance and fell, my elbow slamming painfully against the floor.

Footsteps approached. Arias dragged her arm against the wall and suddenly screamed.

The door burst open. Greg rushed in with two others.

“Greg, love,” Arias whimpered, “Sylvia pushed me because she’s jealous you still love me.”

“How could you, Sylvia?” Greg asked, holding Arias protectively.

Was he blind? Or just pretending?

“How could I push her when I’m on the floor?” I said, pain ringing through my elbow. “Can’t you see she pushed me?”

“Sylvia, I know you’re angry, but don’t take it out on poor Arias,” one of the friends scolded. “Greg is just… in love.”

“It is not a crime to love someone is it?”

“Poor Arias was just playing a dare”

“Let’s rush her to the hospital,” another said.

Greg immediately scooped Arias into his arms and carried her out.

I pushed myself up, wiped my tears and the dust from my clothes, and walked outside with blood sliding down my elbow.

“Let me help you,” a deep, masculine voice said—and arms lifted me gently.