Chapter 2

I walked upstairs in a daze and casually tossed the bouquet onto the vanity.

The way Kai showed love had always been—a simple leaf he picked up on the road, a flower he found, or a small doodle…

I used to treasure every gift from my son, thinking they were the most precious things he could give me.

However, it was only today that I realized when Kai truly loved someone, he would give them everything.

I held back my tears as I pulled out the box where I had stored all of Kai’s gifts.

These used to be my most treasured keepsakes, things I planned to keep for a lifetime. Now, I didn’t want any of them anymore.

“My dear, what are you doing?”

Elijah pushed the door open. When he saw the mess all over the floor, he frowned slightly.

My hands paused for a moment, and I replied lightly, “The house is too messy. I’m just cleaning up.”

Elijah walked over and pulled me into his arms.

“Just let the housekeepers handle this. You don’t need to do it yourself. Your health has never been great. You should rest more.”

He glanced at the now half-empty room, then suddenly smiled.

“You cleared out space on purpose, didn’t you? For our fifth anniversary gifts?”

Elijah pinched my nose gently, his eyes full of anticipation.

“Good thing I prepared enough gifts. It’ll be just enough to fill your room.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow to come.”

I hesitated for a long time before finally asking, “Elijah, will you stay with me the whole time tomorrow?”

He paused for a second, then smiled and kissed my forehead.

“What kind of question is that? When have I ever not stayed by your side on our anniversary? This is our big day.”

Still unwilling to let it go, I pressed further.

“What if something very important comes up? Would you leave because of it?”

Elijah lowered his head. In his gray-blue eyes, my reflection was the only thing there.

“There’s nothing more important than you. My power, my position, none of it is worth leaving you on a day like that.”

The affection in his eyes was so clear that, for a moment, I almost believed that I was his entire world.

I lowered my head, trying to hide the bitterness rising in my chest.

‘Elijah, this is the last chance I’m giving you. I hope you don’t disappoint me.’

Just as my resolve softened, I received a message from Naomi Cook that very night.

Along with it was a photo of her celebrating her birthday with Elijah and Kai.

In the picture, Naomi held up two gift boxes with the Cartier logo, smiling brightly.

Her message was smug and provocative.

[You’re still not leaving? Your husband and son both like me more. How do you still have the nerve to hold on to the donna position?]

Her words were like a sharp knife stabbing into my heart, making it hard to breathe.

Yes, Naomi and I have always been in contact. Every time Elijah cheated, she would make sure I knew.

Elijah could never have imagined that everything he tried so hard to hide was exposed so mercilessly by his own mistress.

Naomi was Elijah’s childhood sweetheart.

Five years ago, she went abroad to study and left Tilea. Everyone said I looked very similar to her, that I was just a substitute Elijah found.

Even Naomi believed that. So when she returned two years ago, she was certain that Elijah would divorce me and end up with her.

In those two years, she slowly made both Elijah and Kai lean toward her.

And now, she’s no longer satisfied with staying in the shadows. She wanted to replace me openly and take everything that belonged to me.

Faced with her provocation, I originally planned to ignore it like I always did.

However, thinking about Elijah’s promise, I found myself replying to her instead.

[Tomorrow is our fifth anniversary. If you can call him away that day, then I’ll give you the donna position.]

Naomi seemed a little surprised, but she quickly replied.

[You’d better keep your word. No matter when it is, as long as I call, he’ll drop everything and come to me!]