Chapter 2

I could not tear my eyes away from Charles's grin, that grin I knew better than anyone. At this point, it seemed miles away, like it belonged to a stranger.

The dam burst, and the tears I had been holding back all night came flooding out.

The ping of a text message cut through my sobs, sounding more annoying than ever. I wiped my face in a mess and checked the screen.

It was from a number that seemed vaguely familiar, with a picture of Charles, bare-chested and asleep.

The caption twisted the knife. [He said I'll be the real Mrs. Lawrence soon.]

I did not need to guess; it was Fiona's doing.

There, on Charles's chest, was my name in initials, a tattoo he once said meant I was the only one in his heart. All that, yet he was sound asleep in another woman's bed, my name marked up with love bites. The irony was not lost on me.

I took shallow breaths, trying to steady myself with the thought that in just three days, I would be done with Charles for good. It was a small comfort against the sting in my heart.

I typed back with a shaky hand, [Congrats, your dream's about to come true.]

I tossed my phone aside and collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion washing over me. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.

My dreams were a jumbled mess: Charles on bended knee, proposing, and then, in stark contrast, him cozying up to Fiona.

In that hazy state between sleep and wakefulness, I felt a sticky suffocation. My eyes snapped open to Charles's gaze, dripping with feigned emotion.

I shoved him away, taking in deep breaths, unable to mask my revulsion.

Unprepared, Charles staggered back. His eyes, a blend of skepticism and concern, probed me. "I came back right after the party ended and found you trapped in a nightmare, looking furious. Who's gotten under your skin?"

I regained my composure, realizing dawn had broken. "I watched a movie last night," I murmured, "about a husband, a childhood friend, who betrays his wife. After more than twenty years together, he finally shows his true face. It was pretty awful."

If he was putting on an act, I would play my part.

I cocked my head. "And then, I actually dreamed you cheated on me..."

Charles quickly covered my mouth, his voice steady, "Even if the entire world turns against you, I won't. Sienna, did you forget? You're the only one for me."

He took my hand, like he always did when we were close, and placed it over his heart.

"If I ever betray you, may I lose you forever."

He pulled out a sheaf of papers. "This is the anniversary surprise I've been planning for you: ninety-nine asteroids named after you, orbiting in a heart shape. Here's the certificate.

"Sienna, I love you."

His eyes were brimming with sincerity, as if the previous night's events were just a figment of my imagination, and he was still the devoted lover I knew.

Tears welled up in my eyes, as if I was touched beyond words. Inside, I was a barren wasteland, a knot in my throat keeping me silent.

Charles studied my face with an intensity that made me feel like he was looking for something hidden. Once he seemed satisfied that I was just my usual self, he leaned in close. Fresh from a shower, he still carried a trace of perfume that definitely was not mine. I fought the urge to shove him away, holding it in until I thought I might actually get sick. That was when his phone rang.

He scowled at the disruption, muttering, "Seriously, who's ruining the moment now?"

However, his irritation melted away when he saw the name on the screen. "Got to handle something at work, babe. I'll be back," he said, slipping into his jacket and heading out the door.

I did not miss that the caller was 'Fiona.'

I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and followed him, stone-faced, ready to uncover whatever secrets he was keeping.

I trailed behind Charles until he pulled up at a swanky, members-only club on the outskirts of town. Fiona was there, waiting. She practically leaped into his arms the moment he stepped out.

He caught her with ease, cooing, "What's wrong? Was last night not enough for you, my greedy little bunny?"

Fiona clung to him, all soft curves and longing. "I just missed you when I woke up, and I can't help but be jealous of those lucky enough to have stars named after them."

He laughed, a low, warm sound, and handed her a set of keys. "Wasn't the drone show I put on for you the other night spectacular? How about I sweeten the deal with this exclusive sports car?"

I remembered the drone show that had lit up the skies over Jubilee City, spelling out Fiona's initials for all to see. At the time, I had no idea the man behind the grand gesture was my own husband, cheating on me with the woman whose name danced among the stars.

Fiona's face lit up as she eagerly took the car keys from Charles, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Charles could not help but bask in the moment, then leaned in and whispered, "Just keep this between us, okay? I promise you, the power and riches you'll get will dwarf Sienna's."

Her smile grew wider, and with a playful twinkle in her eye, she teased open her coat a bit and said with a shy giggle, "Actually, I wanted you to come over to unwrap a special gift..."

Charles's gaze turned intense, his hands boldly claiming her with a firm squeeze before lifting her into his arms. "Well then, let's not wait any longer," he said with a grin.

I watched from the car, every detail etched into my memory, as they walked away, their closeness fading into the night. A wave of weariness washed over me, too deep for words.

Charles's words cut through me like a knife, leaving me torn and bleeding inside. I could not tell if it was pain or numbness anymore.

If I could have written off yesterday's drama as Charles just putting on a show, today's private words and actions showed his true colors, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had.

I drove aimlessly around Jubilee City, letting the night air whip through the open window, drying my tears only for them to be replaced by fresh ones, over and over, until the night grew old.

When I finally got back to the villa and opened the door, a loud thud echoed through the hall.

Charles's voice thundered, "Where's Mrs. Lawrence? Where the heck is Mrs. Lawrence?!"