Chapter One

I glanced at my watch for the third time that night. It was already past 11 p.m. and Rowan was still not here.

A light snore escaped from Ruby who was comfortably resting on my chest.

She looked so peaceful—a huge contrast to the feeling that was tugging at my heart.

Today was the seventh anniversary of I and Rowan, and we were supposed to be having dinner with our kids Ruby and Russ.

I and Ruby had been waiting for three hours, and still no word from Rowan.

"Excuse me, Ma'am," Someone said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I glanced to the side to find a waiter next to me. He had a sad look on.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but the time of your reservation is up."

I didn't need any more explanation to know what he meant.

"Thank you," I muttered weakly as I patted Ruby on the back.

"It's time to go now, baby," I said to those big blue curious eyes that stared back at me, threatening to flutter shut again.

She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands as she yawned, before tilting her head to survey the table.

"Mommy," She said, folding her tiny hands in front of her as she furrowed her brows.

"Daddy and Russ didn't show up anymore."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I gently pinched her cheeks.

"An emergency came up baby, so they had to head out to do something else," I lied.

My heart ached as I said each word.

I carried Ruby and placed her on the floor before picking up our stuff and heading out of the restaurant with her.

We headed for the car. I gently tucked her in her kiddie seat before getting into the driver's seat and driving off.

This wasn't the first time I had been stood up by Rowan.

He would always prefer doing something else other than spending time with me, which hurt because that was all I had ever wanted.

After miles of driving, I stopped the car the moment I saw a red light.

My fingers drummed on the steering wheel as I waited patiently for the traffic light to turn green.

I leaned back into my chair, tilting my head to the right side when my eyes widened in shock.

The scene before me sent a stab through my heart.

Rowan was seated in the driver's seat, while Elora, his assistant sat next to him.

They were both laughing as they stared at each other—talking.

Russ, on the other hand, was sitting comfortably on Elora's thighs.

Suddenly, his eyes met with mine. Without hesitation, he folded his arms beneath his chest as he poked his tongue out—squinting his eyes.

Rowan and Elora seemed to have noticed. They turned towards me.

Rowan's smile faded, while Elora's remained on her face, deepening into a malicious smirk.

The green light finally came on, Rowan drove off.

I stared there, unable to take my eyes off the spot where the car was.

The thoughts raced through my mind, sending a tear rolling down my cheeks.

He had spent our anniversary with her, not me and our kids.

I was lost in my thoughts when the blaring of a car's honk sliced through the atmosphere.

"If you are going to sleep, then take it home, creep!" Someone yelled from inside a car.

I nodded before putting the car in gear and driving off.

Luckily Ruby was asleep and didn't hear what had happened.

When I got to the Black's mansion, I drove in, only to find different cars parked in the parking area.

I unbuckled Ruby's seat belt and carried her gently on me, her head resting comfortably on my shoulder.

There was music coming from the house, and the lights were all turned on.

I walked in, only to find family, friends, and business partners of the Black family in the house.

Close to the flight of stairs which was set as a podium, Rowan and Elora stood next to each other, with Russ on Elora's hips.

"They would make a great couple," I heard someone murmuring.

"I know, right? And the kid seems to think the same way. Look at how happy he is in Elora's arms."

I shook off their words.

I didn't want to let it bother me, even though that was the first thing that came to my mind when I walked into the mansion.

"Mommy, what is going on there?" Ruby's weak voice came as she pointed towards them.

"I have no idea, baby, but I guess we are going to find out," I replied.

I pushed through the crowd until I finally got to the man who was meant to be my husband.

"What is the meaning of this?" I asked as I dropped Ruby on the floor, holding her hand in mine.

Rowan's lips parted, but Elora was the first to speak.

"What else, Alessia, if not your wedding anniversary celebration?" She said cheerfully.

I turned to Rowan.

"Our... wedding anniversary?" I asked, scoffing.

His gaze remained as emotionless as ever.

"Why are you acting surprised?" He questioned.

"Maybe because me and your daughter had been sitting in the restaurant where we were meant to have the family dinner—waiting for you for hours!"

Murmurs erupted in the room, but I didn't care.

"What are you talking about? Elora said she sent you a message ages ago, asking you to meet us at the company's parking lot so we could leave together. We had been waiting there for hours, only to see you on the road, heading home."

I shook my head, confused.

We had planned to have a quiet dinner alone with our kids, so why would he pick her idea over mine?

"But, I didn't get any text or whatever," I muttered.

"So are you calling Elora a liar?" He asked, his brows furrowing.

"Are you calling me one?" I retorted.

Rowan didn't say anything. I guess I got the answer I was waiting for.

Without saying anything, I pulled my phone out of my bag, unlocked it, and showed it to him.

"Here, I wasn't lying."

He was scrolling through my phone when suddenly Elora started sobbing.

Tears rolled down her cheeks like a dam let loose.

"I'm sorry, Rowan. I must have made a mistake. Because of me, you guys didn't get to spend time together on your anniversary. I'm so sorry!" She cried out.

"It's okay, Elora," Rowan said, patting her back. "I'm sure you didn't mean for any of it to happen."

Before I could react or say anything, a glass of wine was thrown my way.

"How dare you make Aunt Elora cry, Mommy?!" Russ cried out, his face etched with fury.