Chapter 1

It was finally here.

 My first wedding anniversary with the love of my life.

 Butterflies twisted and flowed in my stomach, doubling with every thought of him. A soft reddish blush walked slowly over my cheeks as I toweled off my damp hair, enjoying the excitement bubbling inside me.

 I hurried through styling my hair and getting dressed, but not without care.

 I always made sure to look my best, and today was no exception. I chose the best dress in my closet.. a deep green gown. Bruce's favorite color.

 I took a quick quick look out the window, my eyes scanning the empty driveway.

 Bruce wasn't here yet. My heart sank for just a moment, but the excitement quickly took over again. He'd be here soon, I told myself.

 Turning back inside, I headed to the living room to check on the gifts I'd prepared.

 Everything was exactly how I'd planned it.. the cake perfectly boxed on the coffee table, the wrapped gifts arranged neatly beside it, and the handwritten letter sitting on top.

 As I changed to make better the ribbon on one of the boxes, my thoughts drifted to the text Bruce had sent me last night.

 I pulled out my phone and opened it again, rereading his words for what felt like the thousandth time:

 "Happy yearly recognition of our love in advance, sweetheart . I still can't believe it's already been a year.. it feels like yesterday that I saw you walking down the aisle , the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. You've made this year the best of my life. Thank you for being you. I have a surprise for you tomorrow, something I think you'll love. I'll be heading out of the office early, so I'll see you first thing in the morning. I love you more than words can ever say."

 I caught myself red- cheeked from embarrassment , my cheeks warm with the thought of him.

 What was having me almost dying of excitement was the surprise he said he has for me. Bruce was so thoughtful, always finding ways to make me feel special. I couldn't wait to see what he had planned .

 I held in hand my phone to my chest, a giggly and happy laugh slipping out before I could stop it. It was impossible to contain how happy I felt.

 Today was going to be perfect.. I could feel it.

 Just then, I heard it. That familiar honk of Bruce's car. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly smoothed down my dress, the green fabric hugging my body just right. I rushed to the window, eager to catch a short look of him.

 The gate opened, and his car slowly rolled in.

 He got out, but instead of heading toward the door like usual, he paused . He turned, walking around to the other side of the car.

 My breath caught in my throat as I tried to figure out what he was doing.

 Then, I saw her. Selena . My best friend.

 I blinked , half in shock. What was going on here? My mind raced .

 Bruce had talked about a surprise, but I hadn't expected this.

 Selena , three months pregnant, was climbing out of his car with a wide grin. My heart flapped wings unsteadily .

 Wait. They had both planned this? The surprise wasn't just from Bruce .. it was from both of them.

 I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. My hands were practically shaking with emotion as I quickly adjusted my hair and rushed back into the living room.

 I had to get ready. I couldn't let them see me standing there in shock.

 Bruce , being the thoughtful, sweet man he was, had even involved Selena in the plan. I was bubbling with excitement, and all I could do was blush at how much effort he'd put into making today unforgettable .

 I was so lucky to have him.. and lucky to have Selena , too..

 The door flew open, and Bruce stepped inside first, his attractive face glowing . He didn't look tired at all.. not like someone who had worked overnight. He looked like he had just woken up from the best night's sleep.

 I couldn't help myself.. I greeted him with a big smile.

 "Hi, baby," I said, my voice filled with excitement.

 He gave me a tight smile in return, but there was something off about it.

 Something... strange.

 His eyes didn't sparkle like they usually did. Selena walked in after him.

 I was expecting the usual excitement from her.. especially since it had been three weeks since we last saw each other.. what I got was a cold shrug .

 My heart dropped into my stomach. I tried to brush it off, but I couldn't ignore the sick feeling that curled in my chest.

 I forced a laugh, trying to keep things light.

 "What's with you guys ?" I said, hoping to break the tension.

 I turned back to Bruce , trying to keep my calmness .

 "Hey, Bruce ... is this the surprise?" I asked, my voice a little softer now, the excitement dimming just a fraction.

 He didn't answer, simply opened his briefcase slowly, and I watched, confused, as he pulled out a sheet of paper that looked like it had been taken straight from a file and stretched it toward me, his lips curling into a tight smile.

 "Happy anniversary, Sophie ," he said, but his voice was colder than usual.

 My brows grooved as I took the paper from him. What was this?

 A check, maybe? Something to mark our celebration?

 I opened it quickly, my heart racing. But as my eyes scanned the words on the page, my body froze .

 Divorce papers?

 I could barely breathe.

 Was this some kind of a sick joke??

 "Sign it," Bruce said, his voice almost mechanical. "It's my anniversary gift to you."

 It felt like a knife had been stabbed in my chest. This couldn't be real.

 We'd been planning this day together.. this very day.. So how..?

 I lifted my look, my eyes searching for answers. Selena ?

 I didn't need to ask.. Bruce seemed to know what I was thinking.

 "Oh and permit me to re -introduce Selena ," he said, his voice cold. "The mother of my unborn child."

 A laugh, sharp and bitter, escaped my lips before I could stop it. "Stop it Bruce . You guys okay? Fine, I get it. This is some kind of expensive prank , right? The surprise... it's the joke. Stop it already!"

 But neither of them answered. I could feel the world tilting beneath me.

 This wasn't a joke. It wasn't a prank .

 The understanding hit harder, just as the main door flew open again.

 Three police officers stepped inside. One of them, a tall man with a serious face, approached me.

 He paused for a moment before speaking, his eyes never leaving mine. " Sophie Hendricks ?"

 I found my voice, though it felt like a whisper. "Yes..."

 "You're under arrest."