Chapter 1

The day after Xavier Gardner proposed to Nancy Lowe, he took her to have their wedding photos taken.

"Xavier, do I look good?" Nancy, who wore an exquisite white gown, spun around shyly in front of him.

However, he merely stared at an ordinary white gown in the corner, his expression blank.

Nancy followed his gaze and looked over. "Do you like that?"

The store assistant immediately said, "This is the most basic gown in our store. Given your status, I don't think it's good enough for you."

The gown Xavier had his eyes on looked ordinary and cheap.

Back when we got married, I didn't even get to wear the cheapest gown.

After registering our marriage at the city hall, I spotted a gown in the shop window at a glance.

Smiling, he said, "Let's go in and try it on."

I made up an excuse to turn him down. "You've just started your business. There will be many expenses.

"Once you've become rich, I want the prettiest and most expensive gown, okay?" I feigned an upset look and pinched his ear, and he laughed.

However, my dream never came true.

He fulfilled his promise, but to another woman.

Xavier only snapped back to his senses when he heard someone calling him.

"Our company has only come this far thanks to you. Those cheap gowns aren't good enough for you. You deserve the best things in the world."

Leaning against his chest, Nancy grinned. Then, they started taking photos affectionately.

"Mr. Gardner is such a handsome and caring man. How could his ex-wife bear to leave him?"

"She's just a materialistic woman who leeched off him. She dumped him during the most difficult time and took all his money. She's heartless."

"Damn. Do you think she'll regret it if she sees how successful Mr. Gardner is now? Will she come back shamelessly?"

A few people were gossiping next to Xavier, unaware that his expression was gradually darkening.

He didn't even finish taking the photos. Clenching his fists, he left in a huff.

I hovered in the air and followed him home.

A sense of bitterness washed over me when I saw him entering his house with Nancy.

He went into the study and pressed a button, then a door opened.

It was actually a hidden room.

I was startled after following him in. The room was full of my belongings, photos, clothes, pillows, and plushies.

He smashed everything frantically until a photo frame dropped and shattered.

He slumped to the ground and picked up the photo.

"Victoria Zahn, you're so cruel! Why are you doing this to me?

"You want money, don't you? I'm rich now, but why aren't you… back yet?

"I hate you! I'll make sure you suffer terribly if I find you!"

The shard cut through his palm, blood trickling down. But he didn't even notice it.

I squatted beside him, sensing the resentment welling up in him. A wave of bitterness surged through me.

I wondered why he had believed someone's lie so easily, even though I had been with him for many years.

Why didn't he trust me?

"Xavier, you're injured!" Nancy exclaimed when she came in and saw the blood. Her heart ached, and she quickly tended to his wound.

Xavier remained expressionless like a puppet, but his eyes were fixed on my photo.

Nancy's face turned as pale as a sheet, yet she forced a bitter smile.

"We're getting married soon. Just throw everything away, or we can move into a new house.

"Forget about the past. I'll be here for you from now on. Don't be so hard on yourself. Only then can you move on and start over again. I'll never leave you."

Xavier raised his head at her last sentence.

Holding Nancy's gentle gaze, he gritted his teeth, then let out a sigh. "Alright. Whatever you say. I'll forget… everything."

Nancy leaned against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. Xavier shut his eyes, and it was impossible to read his emotions.

Seeing that he was in a bad mood, Nancy prepared a full spread of dishes.

Just as they were about to dig in, Xavier's phone suddenly rang.

The one calling was the person Xavier had sent to look for me. He quickly answered the call.

"Mr. Gardner, I think I saw Victoria Zahn."