Chapter 1

It was then that Maddie Jenkinson, my housekeeper, asked with her eyes puffy and bloodshot from crying, "Why are you getting a divorce when everything was going so well, Mrs. Gunning?

"You and Mr. Gunning have been married for so many years and have always lived a harmonious life. Mr. Gunning is a devoted man, which is hard to find these days. You also have to think about your children as well, right, Mrs. Gunning?"

Holden Gunning, my husband, had long been considered one of the most desirable bachelors in Aeloria's upper-class society.

He was born into a prestigious family with a diplomat grandfather, was blessed with exceptionally good looks, and had taken over the family business at a young age with an immeasurable future ahead of him.

Dad was the wealthiest man in Aeloria. He ultimately originated from the countryside, though, so marrying Holden was still considered marrying into a higher status for me. He never frequented nightclubs, nor was there ever any romantic scandal about him since our marriage.

Charles Gunning and Sierra Gunning, our children, had excellent grades and were well-behaved, never giving anyone cause for worry.

It could be said that my life was a source of envy and jealousy for others.

I had already learned that it was all an illusion since I had been reborn.

I looked at my youthful, radiant face in the mirror and stated resolutely, "I no longer want Holden or the children. I'll tell my family shortly that I'll be returning to my hometown tomorrow."

Maddie walked away, barely managing to hold back her tears.

Holden came over with a drink in hand at that moment. He had never been the kind to bring anything home before, yet recently he had been coming back late and always returning with something in hand.

I surmised that he brought a portion back for me as an afterthought while purchasing them for another person, attempting to use this small act of goodwill to counteract his guilt.

Holden casually set it down on the table. He furrowed his brow slightly after noticing that I had no intention of drinking it. "I heard that women are into this kind of drink, so why aren't you drinking it?"

"Have you forgotten that I don't drink sweet beverages?" I asked calmly. He always returned with drinks so sweet that even a single sip required insulin on standby.

That was exactly the kind of thing that Leah Linton—Holden's first unrequited love—liked, though.

Holden's handsome features shifted from displeasure to embarrassment in an instant. He pushed the drink away and said, "I thought your preferences had changed. I'll take a look to see if there are any drinks that aren't sweet tomorrow."

He looked somewhat uneasy after seeing how indifferent I was. "I'll probably be sleeping at the office since there's a lot going on at the company right now."

I merely replied flatly, "You must have been working very hard lately."

Holden sensed that something was off. "I'm sure that you understand that the company affairs are the top priority at the moment, Raelynn."

I merely offered a slight nod of my head.

Holden continued, "I notice you haven't bought any new clothes, even though spring is around the corner, so do you want me to accompany you to buy a few pieces?"

I turned him down indifferently. I had to persuade him endlessly just to get him to go shopping with me or order tailored clothes in my past life, but now that he was offering on his own accord, I no longer wanted to.

Holden was obviously caught off guard by how bluntly I rejected him. He looked startled for a second before leaving angrily with a slam of the door. "Have it your way, then!"

I maintained a composed expression outwardly, but I couldn't stop my fingers from trembling slightly.