Chapter 1

I quietly slipped the phone back into the inner pocket of his suit jacket.

Just as I smoothed out the fabric, my husband, Lucas Thorne, walked over groggily. He gently wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"Wilma, you already picked out my outfit?" he asked sleepily.

I nodded, and he smiled. His eyes were full of tenderness as he said softly, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even know how to take care of myself."

I forced a faint smile, though a strange ache welled up in my chest.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on the suit jacket in my hands. His expression tightened, and he hastily said, "I don't feel like wearing this one today. Put it back."

I paused for a moment and stared at him. Then, I returned the suit to the hanger.

He exhaled silently, clearly relieved. Sensing my silence, he turned to look at me with concern.

"What's wrong? You don't look so good," he remarked.

I shook my head gently and replied, "It's nothing. I didn't sleep well last night."

"Then maybe I shouldn't go to that salon event today?"

His hand slid down and softly clasped mine. He looked at me seriously. "I can stay home with you and take a rest for a change."

"I... I'm fine. Go on ahead," I said, managing a slight smile to hide the complicated emotions my eyes might give away.

Lucas lowered his head and kissed the top of my head.

In a tone that was full of utter trust and reliance, he said appreciatively, "Wilma, I really don't know what I'd do without you."

As I watched him leave, my thoughts drifted back to our past seven years together.

Lucas had always been distant with other people. His demeanor was polite but cold. If I hadn't seen those messages on his phone today, I never would have imagined this other side of him.

The texts his assistant, Serena Cox, sent to his other phone flashed through my mind again, each one stabbing into me like a dagger.

"I'll wear that red dress you like next time. Just for you."

"You looked so handsome in that suit today. I can't stop imagining what you'd look like after taking it off."

"Professor Thorne, don't be lazy. You have to think of me today too!"

My hands clenched into tight fists. A wave of suffocating anger and sorrow surged through my chest.

Just then, I heard familiar footsteps outside the door.

I turned my head. "You're back?"

Lucas stood at the doorway with a smile. "I thought it over. Nothing's more important than spending time with my wife."

He paused, as if something occurred to him, and his smile softened. "Besides, our seventh anniversary's coming up. Let's go pick out a gift for you today."

I responded with a strained smile. "Didn't we always commemorate our anniversaries by naming asteroids all these years?"

He blinked a few times and laughed while ruffling my hair. "Yeah, but let's try something new this year. Let's go and check out some jewelry."

At the store, he picked out a necklace for me almost immediately. The pendant was in the shape of a delicate star.

Lucas held it up and looked at me, his gaze as soft as starlight flickering in the night sky.

The store clerk chimed in at just the right moment, "Your husband has great taste. This necklace symbolizes eternal protection. It suits you perfectly. You two make such a loving couple."

Lucas gave a small smile as his fingers gently brushed over the pendant. His eyes were tender and focused.

He replied, "That's right. She's my star."