Chapter 3

On the day of the anniversary, Marlow posted a long post on his social media the moment the clock struck twelve. It was a heartfelt post expressing his love and gratitude for Ameera.

Within a few hours, the post had received over ten million likes and shares. Every screen in the city featured the video he had filmed and edited himself, so everyone knew just how devoted he was to Ameera.

Then, a group of people arrived outside the house and laid out a path using thousands of bouquets of roses. At the end of the path, there was a large collection of clothes and bags from a variety of trending fashion brands, as well as a giant crystal ring. To top things off, a music box looped Marlow's beautiful voice on repeat.

"Happy anniversary, honey! As always, I love you."

Ameera observed the spectacle indifferently before shutting the door and burrowing under the blankets. She behaved as if this had nothing to do with her.

Shortly after that, Marlow called her. His voice was filled with guilt, "Honey, there was a hiccup with the project, and I'm afraid I can't make it back home for our anniversary today. I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back."

Ameera sniggered upon hearing his flimsy excuse. Her voice quivered when she spoke, "It's fine. Take your time sorting things out."

"Honey, I can tell you're upset." Marlow was very observant and pointed it out right away. "I have a lot more surprises in store for you. I hope you like them. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"I'm not upset. I know you have work. I'm feeling a little sick, so I'm going to get some sleep," Ameera remarked dully before hanging up. Then, she curled up in a ball and tried to ignore the nagging pain within her.

Meanwhile, the commotion went on outside the house. Marlow had made arrangements for a drone show exhibiting all kinds of intricate formations professing his love for Ameera.

A crowd of reporters had made it to the scene, hoping to score an interview with Ameera to write about their romance.

Ameera ignored them. Meanwhile, her phone rang persistently.

When she saw Marlow's name on the display, her vision became clouded with tears again. A part of her wanted to pick up and ask him why he had gone back on his word and why he would fall for another woman.

In the end, all she did was turn her phone off and bury her head underneath the blankets.

She was not sure how long she remained underneath the blankets when it was suddenly ripped away. A sudden burst of light blinded her momentarily.

After adjusting to the brightness, she made out the silhouette of Marlow, who seemed disheveled. His hair was messy, and his face was pale. There was even a stark look of concern in his eyes.

When he realized Ameera was upset, he rushed back home immediately. His agitation mounted when she refused to pick up his calls on his way home.

The moment he saw Ameera, he embraced her tightly. His voice was choked up and on the verge of breaking. "I'm so glad you're home! Honey, I'm so sorry, I'm so, so sorry!"

His eyes were frayed red, and he was trembling uncontrollably. "I'll never leave you home all by yourself again. I was worried sick when you wouldn't pick up. It felt like the world was ending. Nothing in this world is more important than you. I'm back. Let's celebrate our anniversary together."

When Ameera remained silent, Marlow assumed she was still upset with him. He proceeded to get on one knee and tried to sweet-talk her, "Honey, please promise me you won't ignore my calls anymore, alright? I can't handle the thought of you ignoring me."

His agitation and fear did not seem forced at all. He truly loved her. The only problem was that this was not the only devotion he had.

"It didn't take you long to come back," Ameera remarked with a jerk of her lips.

The color drained from Marlow's face, and for a moment, he seemed to be wracked with guilt.

"Honey, you haven't eaten all day, have you? Come, I'll take you to your favorite restaurant." He swiftly changed the subject and gently raked his fingers through her hair.

"No." Ameera shook her head.

Marlow grew frantic. "Alright, I'll let you get some rest while I make you something downstairs."

"Hm," Ameera grunted before turning her back to him.

Assuming she was still upset, Marlow took a deep breath before retreating from the room.

About fifteen minutes later, Ameera heard some noises downstairs.

She went downstairs to find the living room packed with Marlow's friends. They were helping him hang up a collection of newly printed pictures on the wall.

When they saw Ameera, they all started to vouch for Marlow.

"Ameera, you sure had Marlow frightened. I have never seen him so nervous!"

"If he does something to upset you again, tell us and we'll lecture him for you! Just don't throw out the pictures or ignore his calls. You had him worried sick."

"He was going to lose his mind if he couldn't find you."

"Yeah! He nearly passed out when he came home to see all the pictures removed. He went straight to the trash can to look for them."

......

"Silence, all of you." Marlow hadn't even had time to remove his apron when he emerged angrily from the kitchen. "This was on me. I shouldn't have upset my wife. I deserve to be punished."

"Marlow, you're so obsessed with your wife that you don't even care about your dignity when it comes to her," Josette popped out of nowhere and remarked with an envious gaze.

Marlow remained poised and stated with a gentle smile, "Of course. She's my wife. It's only right that I have a soft spot for her."

Ameera felt a chill run down her spine when she sensed how hypocritical he was being. Nevertheless, she did not want to expose him right then and there.

She stated calmly, "Forget about the pictures. I was thinking I'd like to repaint the walls."

Marlow went up to her and put his arm around her waist. "Alright, guys, take them down. Whatever she wants."

"You're such a sucker for your wife!" one of his friends jested, but Marlow did not take it to heart.

Then, Marlow helped Ameera to the couch before returning to the kitchen to cook. He made every dish she liked, but they all tasted bland to her.

While he served up spoonfuls of food to her plate with one hand, he was interlocking his fingers with Josette's with the other hand under the table.

Ameera felt swept over with a wave of nihilism. She wanted nothing more than to get out of here and away from Marlow.

However, Marlow did not give her any room to leave after dinner. He bent low to put on her shoes for her before carrying her out the door with his friends gawking behind him.

Josette was making light-hearted jokes about his behavior, but it was not hard for Ameera to sense the jealousy and hostility veiled underneath.

Marlow specially made arrangements for a fireworks show for Ameera. He even invited her favorite band to perform for her.

Midway through the show, he excused himself to go to the bathroom.

Ameera discreetly trailed behind him.