A Love Without Anchor

"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe." On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him. Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage— She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign. Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name. Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed. "Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance." The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?" "Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker." Chapter 1 "Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe." On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him. Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage— She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign. Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name. Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed. "Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance." The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?" "Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker." A brief silence followed. Connor Walker was Elizabeth's first love. The secretary's voice wavered. "Sir, when should the wedding take place?" Xavier turned his gaze to the window. For an hour, blue fireworks had been lighting up the night sky. Now, the final sparks faded, leaving behind a message in midair. "Elizabeth & Xavier, Happy Fifth Wedding Anniversary." He withdrew his gaze, pressed his lips together, and said, "Seven days from now. Also, book me a flight to Neirway for that day." "Neirway?" The secretary was startled, hesitated, then urged, "Sir, perhaps you should reconsider?" Five years ago, on the day of their marriage, aside from the divorce agreement Elizabeth willingly signed, his parents—who had settled in Neirway—had added a condition. They offered a sum of fifty million, but only if she signed a prenuptial agreement: If Xavier ever left the marriage wounded, returning to Neirway alone, Elizabeth would be barred from stepping foot in Neirway for the rest of her life. She would have no chance to make amends. "No need to reconsider." Xavier shook his head. Seven days later, on his birthday, he would leave Elizabeth behind and fly to Neirway. At the same time, he would arrange for her and Connor's wedding, fulfilling their love story. After his secretary left, Xavier's phone vibrated. A notification popped up. Elizabeth had used the company's official account to post a photo of blue fireworks, tagging him in the caption. [My dear husband, happy fifth wedding anniversary. Love you forever.] Within seconds, the post exploded, comments flooding in beyond count. [Wow, I was wondering why there was an hour-long fireworks show tonight at Lieutt City. Turns out it was Elizabeth Eaton's gift to her husband!] [Five years of marriage, and she still declares her love so boldly every year.] [I heard that last year, after a major surgery, she wasn't fully conscious when she woke up. The first thing she asked was if her husband had eaten lunch on time. Even the nurses were moved to tears.] Among the sea of comments, Elizabeth personally replied to one: [Xavier is my husband. Loving him and taking care of him is my duty as his wife.] Instantly, admiration and envy surged through the replies. But the man at the center of all this had no expression as he stared at the empty seat across from him. There was a time when he and Elizabeth had truly been in love. Seven years together, never a single argument. For seven years, as a powerful CEO, Elizabeth had given him both wealth and unwavering affection. And then, a month ago, the night she left for a business trip, everything shattered. That night, she sent him a voice message. When he played it, he didn't hear her voice. Instead, a man's low chuckle echoed through the speaker. "I've been back for six months. One little gesture, and she fell for me again. She prepared blue fireworks for me tonight, but I don't like blue. Rather than waste them, I told her to give them to you for your anniversary." Back then, Xavier hadn't known who the man was. Two weeks later, at a gathering, Elizabeth walked into the private room with him. With a bright, easygoing smile, she introduced the man. "This is Connor Walker, a distant cousin of mine." Connor's elegant face held a warm expression as he greeted Xavier cheerfully. "Hey, I've been back for over six months, and I finally get to meet you, cousin-in-law." His voice—it was the same voice from the recording. Xavier's mind went blank. Later that night, unable to stay any longer, he left early. That night, Elizabeth returned home drunk. His phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. [It got a little intense at the rooftop tonight. I lost control a little. Left some marks on her.] [Not gonna lie, my ex is something else. She'll try any position.] Xavier glanced at Elizabeth, passed out on their bed. Her blouse was unbuttoned, revealing fresh scratches across her bosom. She was still wearing the white shirt—the custom-made couple's shirt he had gifted her for their anniversary last year. On the collar, he had personally embroidered the word "Wife." That night, when she received the shirt, she had held his hand and made a promise. "Xavier, whenever I wear this, I'll remind myself to stay away from other men. I'll stay loyal to you forever." Now, that same shirt carried a scent thick with passion. Today marked five years of their marriage. He arrived at the restaurant first. Five minutes later, his phone rang. Elizabeth said, "I have a surprise for you. I won't make it in time for dinner, so enjoy the fireworks on your own." She hung up quickly. Two minutes later, she sent a photo. When he opened it, she was sitting at a candlelit dinner table with Connor. Fresh flowers, red wine, an atmosphere dripping with romance. Now, as Xavier looked at her public anniversary post, he imagined her curled up in Connor's arms, typing out those words. [My dear husband, happy fifth wedding anniversary. Love you forever.] Chapter 2 Xavier ignored Elizabeth's grand declaration of love from afar. He stood up, grabbed his bag, and headed home. Once inside his bedroom, he asked a servant for a pair of scissors. He took out the custom-made men's couple's shirt, sliced it into thin strips, then did the same to the marriage certificate, reducing it to a pile of shredded paper. He placed the scraps into a gift box and neatly wrote on the lid: "Second Marriage Gift." Just as he finished, he turned and saw Elizabeth stepping into the room. Her delicate face carried a gentle smile as she took his hand and led him downstairs. "I have a surprise for you. Come and see." Outside, a large moving truck was parked in front of the house. On its platform sat an enormous deep blue gift box. As Elizabeth clapped her hands, the box automatically unfolded. Balloons and confetti floated into the air, revealing a sleek, ash-gray Maybach. Two staff members quickly lifted a banner that said "Happy Anniversary, Xavier." The sight drew envious gasps from the onlookers. Elizabeth held out the car keys, her voice tender. "Honey, you casually mentioned wanting a new car, and I remembered. As your wife, it's only natural for me to buy you everything you desire." Xavier reached out to take the keys, his gaze sharp. He noticed it immediately—the faint mark on the right side of her neck. A kiss. It had been covered with concealer, but up close, it was unmistakable. A wave of nausea churned inside him. His brows furrowed tightly. "What's wrong? You don't like the Maybach? Or is it the color?" Elizabeth, sensing his shift in mood, looked at him with worried eyes. Xavier shook his head, his gaze reddening as he fixed it on her. "The car is fine." It wasn't the Maybach he didn't want. It was her. Hearing his response, Elizabeth let out a relieved breath. As they returned to the bedroom, Elizabeth's sharp eyes landed on a gift box sitting on the dressing table. Just as she was about to check it, Xavier moved first, covering the words on top with his hand. "Honey, is this a surprise for me?" A flicker of delight surfaced in her eyes. Xavier's smile was cold and empty. "Yes, but not yet. I'm preparing a second gift as well. In seven days, I'll give them to you together." "Two surprises in seven days?" Elizabeth's anticipation grew. She tilted her head, mumbling to herself, trying to recall what special occasion was coming up. Suddenly, it hit her. She stepped out of the room and called her assistant. "I almost forgot, seven days from now is Xavier's birthday. "Start preparing a grand birthday banquet. Make it as extravagant as possible. Every year, he throws me a huge celebration. I can't treat his birthday lightly." As she spoke, she didn't notice Xavier standing at the bedroom door, his face terrifyingly cold. Seven years together, and Elizabeth had never once forgotten his birthday. But this year, with Connor's return, she had completely erased it from her memory. Fine. He was curious to see how she would react when the birthday celebration she so painstakingly arranged was missing its birthday star. Xavier took out his phone and sent a message to his secretary: [Find out which hotel Elizabeth booked for my birthday celebration. Set up the wedding ceremony one floor above it.] The reply came swiftly. [Yes, sir.] Xavier turned, heading for the bathroom. Just as Elizabeth was about to re-enter the bedroom, her assistant called again. "By the way, Ms. Eaton, don't forget—you promised to take your husband to the university barbecue stall tonight. If he doesn't get to eat there, he'll be really disappointed." "Right, I almost forgot. Order the barbecue to match Xavier's usual taste, and I'll take him there." Hanging up, she hurried back into the room. Xavier had heard every word. She took the bathrobe from his hands and placed it aside. "Xavier, let's go eat barbecue at the university. I already asked the owner to prepare it, so it'll be ready when we arrive." That little stall outside the university—it had been his favorite place during their university years. A minor incident there had led to his first encounter with Elizabeth. Two years later, they married, and every anniversary, she would take him back to that same barbecue stall. She used to plan ahead. Now, she needed a reminder. An hour later, a black Bentley pulled up in front of the tiny stall, drawing everyone's attention. A small-time influencer doing a livestream spotted them and rushed forward, phone in hand. "Oh my god, it's Elizabeth Eaton, the ultimate wife who spoils her husband! "Look, everyone! My favorite couple! It's true—rumors say Elizabeth brings her husband here every anniversary, and now I've seen it with my own eyes!" Elizabeth stepped out of the car and instinctively reached for Xavier's hand. As they walked toward the stall, she noticed his collar was slightly out of place. In front of the watching crowd, she tiptoed to fix it for him. A group of female university students watching the scene squealed in delight. One bold girl stepped forward and called out, "A billionaire CEO fixing her husband's collar—so sweet! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!" Xavier remained expressionless as he gazed down at the woman on tiptoe. Then, he turned away and offered her a polite yet distant smile. They entered the barbecue stall and sat at their usual window-side table. Elizabeth turned to the owner. "Is the food ready? Grilled chives, chicken wings, oysters, and roasted buns. Medium spice, with a bit of numbing heat. My husband likes it that way. Also, two bottles of room-temperature cola." "Just finished grilling," the owner responded, beaming. She had watched this couple over the years. Just earlier, she had told her husband, "It's past nine, but those two lovebirds will show up. They always do on their anniversary." And here they were. As she placed the food on the table, her face warmed with a kind smile. "It's been five years now. You two are still as in love as ever. So, Elizabeth, when are you planning to have a child?" Chapter 3 Elizabeth looked at Xavier, her face tinged with shyness. "Let's take it as it comes. Hopefully by the end of the year. I'd like to have a little Xavier too." Xavier lowered his gaze to the skewers in front of him. He remained silent for a few seconds, then said nothing. Elizabeth, ever considerate, handed him a skewer. Just then, a man walked into the barbecue shop. "Your car got scraped by another vehicle. You should come take a look." Elizabeth frowned, her face darkening. "I'll go check. Honey, eat first. I'll be back as soon as I sort it out." She turned to leave but added, "Order whatever you want, but nothing cold. Your stomach isn't good." Her thoughtful words sent a wave of admiration through the shop. "Goodness me, Elizabeth is so attentive. She even remembers that her husband's stomach is weak. That's real care." "Unbelievable. If I were him, I'd be the happiest man alive." The shop owner, observing Xavier's silence, chuckled. "Mr. Hampton, you have great fortune. Meeting a woman who's beautiful, gentle, and devoted in this life? That's rare." Xavier forced a bitter smile. "Yes. It's rare." But the truth was, he hadn't met one at all. Not wanting to continue the conversation, he turned his head toward the window. Outside, Elizabeth followed the man out of the shop. He lowered his head and whispered something to her. She nodded and strode toward a black G-Class parked beside her Bentley. Xavier narrowed his eyes. The car looked familiar. At the last gathering, Connor had arrived in a black G-Class, making a grand entrance. The license plate was identical to this one. Rumor had it Elizabeth had given it to him as a welcome-home gift. It cost three million, give or take. About the same price as the gray Maybach she gifted him today. Elizabeth was a master at balance. Ex-boyfriend, current lover; first love, and husband—she kept the scales perfectly even. Xavier couldn't see what was happening inside the car. He averted his gaze. His phone rang, and an unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. He hesitated, then answered. "You've gotten smarter. You knew to have someone call me out." Elizabeth's voice was coy, dripping with affection. "Did you ask my assistant for my location? Didn't I tell you, once Xavier falls asleep, I'll come over." Connor's voice was hoarse, tinged with impatience and something deeper, darker. "It drives me crazy, knowing you're spending your anniversary with him. Thinking about what you two will do later—I can't stand it." Elizabeth laughed softly. She knew he was jealous. She coaxed him. "Haven't I been with you every night these past few days? I can't handle him tonight. Besides, didn't you just have me three times two hours ago? Still not enough?" "I still want more. Send him home. Come to me." "Hmph, jealous again? Follow me in your car later. We can do it inside." "You little minx. You're tempting me again." Then came the unmistakable sound of a deep, lingering kiss. Xavier's hands trembled as he ended the call. He stared at the skewers in front of him, suddenly feeling sick. Something coiled inside his heart, pulling tight, making him dizzy, making his whole body ache. He picked up his fork and stabbed at the plate of scallions until they were nothing but a mashed heap. Half an hour later, Elizabeth returned. She glanced at the barely touched food, then at Xavier's pale face. Her heart clenched. "You don't look well. Are you feeling sick? I'll take you to the hospital." Her concern was urgent. Xavier turned his head away, unwilling to see the false sincerity in her eyes. "I heard something disgusting. Lost my appetite." Elizabeth frowned. "What did you hear?" "You wouldn't want to know." His eyes were dark, faintly bloodshot. Elizabeth couldn't make sense of it. She reached out to hold him, but he dodged her touch. Without another word, Xavier stood up and strode out of the shop. He got into the first taxi he saw and motioned for the driver to take him home. "Xavier, wait!" Elizabeth tried to stop the taxi, but it pulled away. Without hesitation, she got into her Bentley and followed. Xavier sat in the back seat, watching through the rearview mirror. The scene was almost comical. The Bentley tailed the taxi. And behind it, the black G-Class followed close. After arriving at the villa neighborhood, Xavier stepped out of the taxi. Elizabeth hurried after him, grabbing his hand. "Honey, why are you upset? Is it because I left to deal with the car and didn't stay to eat with you?" Xavier lifted his head and stared at her. Her delicate face was filled with worry and guilt—everything but fear. Fear of being caught. "Mm." Elizabeth sighed. "It's my fault. Next time, even if the car is totaled, I'll stay with you." She paused, then gently took his hand. "My assistant just called. An important client had a sudden accident and fell from a building. It's critical. I need to go. Will you let me?" Xavier frowned. There it was—an expression of helplessness on her face, but beneath it, a flicker of something else. Anticipation. Excitement. She couldn't wait to leave. She even went as far as making up a client's life-or-death accident. Xavier's lips curled slightly. He couldn't even be bothered to expose her. "Mm." He walked away, not into the villa, but toward the parking lot. Through the windshield of the black G-Class, he saw them. Locked in a deep, fervent kiss. Inside the car, Connor's eyes burned with desire. "I put on the butler outfit. Got the special spike condoms. After all these years, I know your tastes haven't changed." Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with unrestrained delight. Her hands roamed under his coat. "How many times do you plan to take me tonight? Show me the butler outfit first." Connor grabbed her hands, smirking at her eager expression. "Let's take it somewhere else. Didn't you say you like excitement? How about the lakeside tonight?" Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. "That intense?" "Tomorrow's my birthday. Butler outfit, lakeside, the special condoms—all for you." The black G-Class roared to life and sped out of the parking lot. Xavier's phone vibrated. It was a message from Elizabeth. He opened it. It was a location pin of a lakeside. Chapter 4 Half an hour later, Xavier sat in a taxi, staring at the black G-Wagon parked not far away. Elizabeth opened the sunroof. In less than a minute, the black G-Wagon began to shake violently. People nearby stopped to watch, murmuring in astonishment. "Wow, outdoor action, huh? That must be thrilling." "Tsk tsk, that pretty lady sure knows how to have fun. Lakeside, a G-Wagon, a man dressed as a butler—seems like someone's in for an unforgettable night." Xavier's eyes burned red as he watched the swaying G-Wagon. A chill spread through his body. His hands trembled as he recorded a five-minute video. Then he sent it to his secretary, his voice hoarse as he instructed, "Play this video on the wedding day." After sending the message, he called his mother. "Mom, I'm coming to Neirway in seven days to see you and Dad." On the other end of the line, his mother immediately sensed something was off. Her brows furrowed tightly. "Is Elizabeth coming with you?" "I'm coming alone." "Alright, don't be sad." She already had an idea of what had happened. With a sigh, she reassured him, "I'll be at the airport to pick you up." It was past midnight when Elizabeth returned, making enough noise to wake Xavier. She was drunk, her breath heavy with alcohol. Wrapping her arms around his face, she kissed him over and over again. Maybe she sensed his anger from earlier in the night. She whispered anxiously, "Honey, I love you so much. You can be mad at me, you can yell at me, even hit me, but don't ever leave me, alright? Don't worry, I'd never cheat on you." Lying on the big bed, Xavier stared at her coldly. She must have forgotten to cover the marks on her neck before coming home. Yet, there was no deception in her eyes—only genuine affection. The next morning, Xavier woke in a daze. Elizabeth had already squeezed toothpaste onto his brush, poured warm mouthwash, and picked out his clothes for the day. Once he finished getting ready, she walked downstairs with him. At the dining table, her phone vibrated. She glanced at the message, then looked at Xavier with an apologetic smile. "Honey, I won't be home tonight. There's a gathering I need to attend." Xavier paused mid-bite. He knew she was meeting Connor tonight but didn't bother exposing her. "Alright." After Elizabeth left, he hailed a taxi and followed her. Twenty minutes later, she drove into an upscale residential complex. From a distance, Connor stood waiting, wrapped in a gray trench coat with a matching scarf, exuding effortless charm. Seeing Elizabeth's Bentley, he smirked and waved before slipping into the car. They stayed inside for a while before the Bentley pulled out of the complex. Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a bridal photography studio. Connor stepped out of the passenger seat. As Elizabeth approached, he naturally took her arm and walked inside with her. The receptionist greeted them with enthusiasm. "Ms. Eaton, Mr. Walker, welcome! We've cleared the venue for you. Let me take you to see the styles of wedding photos we'll be shooting today." From inside his car, Xavier watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable as a cold wave engulfed him. His phone rang suddenly. He glanced at the screen. It was his friend, Vincent Mallark. He picked up. Vincent's cheerful voice came through. "Where are you? Let's grab a drink." Xavier gave him the address. There was a brief silence before Vincent groaned in mock envy. "You and Elizabeth have been married five years, and now you're taking wedding photos again? Damn, growing more in love, huh? Every day, you make us single guys jealous." Xavier stared ahead blankly, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Vincent, she's not taking them with me." Vincent paused. Then his voice sharpened. "With another man? Elizabeth is cheating? Hold on, I'll be there in twenty minutes!" Twenty minutes later, Xavier slid into Vincent's car. Xavier explained how Connor had returned a month ago and how Elizabeth had betrayed him. Then, he played the taunting voice message Connor had sent from Elizabeth's phone. Finally, he pointed toward the bridal shop with a bitter smile. "As you can see, it's Connor's birthday today. Elizabeth is celebrating by taking wedding photos with him." Vincent followed his gaze. Inside the shop, Elizabeth adjusted Connor's suit collar, her expression gentle, her touch careful, as if handling a priceless gem. Vincent clenched his fists. "I can't take this. I'm going in to beat them up for you." He rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge in, but Xavier stopped him first. "Wait. I want to see what else they'll do." Half an hour later, Elizabeth and Connor walked out of the bridal shop. He was dressed in a crisp black suit, she in a snow-white, form-fitting wedding gown. Hand in hand, they climbed into the Bentley. They drove to the lake. To prevent paparazzi, the area had been cordoned off in advance. The photographers were already waiting. As the couple arrived, one of them grinned obsequiously. "Ms. Eaton, Mr. Walker, you two look perfect together. In fact, you're the most attractive couple I've ever photographed." Connor wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's waist, chuckling. "I have good taste in women. My wife is drop-dead gorgeous." Over the next half hour, they changed into three different wedding outfits. The winter air was cold. During breaks, Elizabeth draped a thick coat over Connor's shoulders. When his poses weren't coming out right, she encouraged him patiently, helping him find the right mood. The shoot ended, but Elizabeth didn't leave immediately. Instead, she suddenly dropped to one knee. Connor's eyes widened in surprise as she pulled out a bouquet of roses and a ring. "You once said you envied Xavier because I was the one who proposed to him first. I told you I could do the same for you, but you kept saying I didn't have to. But I can't let you feel like you're second best. Connor, will you marry me?" Chapter 5 Connor's eyes were red. He nodded eagerly, his voice trembling with excitement. "I do! I swear, I'd marry you a hundred times over!" The film crew erupted in cheers. "Congratulations!" Inside a car parked nearby, Xavier watched the scene unfold, his face frozen in an expressionless mask. A chill spread through his body. Five years ago, Elizabeth had proposed to him with the same deep affection. She had worn a beautiful white wedding dress, held a bouquet of bright red roses, and carried a meticulously prepared engagement ring. That day, she had choked on her own words, tears brimming in her eyes. "Xavier, I love you. You are the only man for me in this lifetime. No other man will ever enter my heart. Please, marry me. I'm begging you. I swear, if I ever betray you, I'll die." Xavier let out a hollow laugh. It started as a chuckle, but before he knew it, tears were rolling down his face. Everything had been a lie. The vows, the tears, even the so-called sincerity. In the end, everything changed so easily. Beside him, Vincent watched him with quiet sympathy. "They've left. Do you want to follow?" "Follow them." Xavier lowered his gaze, then slowly turned to look out the window. He wanted to see where Elizabeth was going. An hour later, the Bentley stopped in front of a restaurant. The place was in the busiest part of town, and the window seats were notoriously difficult to reserve. It wasn't peak dining hours, so only a few tables were occupied. Each seat was separated by a screen, offering ample privacy. Clearly, Elizabeth had taken precautions. Xavier watched as the two stepped inside. Then, he walked into a nearby store, bought a more mature-looking outfit, put on a mask and a hat, and sauntered into the restaurant. Vincent had already made arrangements. He had thrown money at the problem and secured the table right behind Elizabeth's. Just as they sat down, a middle-aged couple arrived, guided by a waiter to Elizabeth's table. They looked to be in their fifties, ordinary in every way. But if one looked closely, the man bore a striking resemblance to Connor. "No way… Is she meeting his parents?" Vincent whispered in shock. Xavier remained silent. He took out his phone, found the perfect angle, and snapped a few quick photos through the narrow gap in the screen. The timing was perfect. He captured the exact moment Elizabeth handed a black card to Connor's mother. "Damn, she sure is generous." Vincent cursed under his breath. Xavier lowered his gaze, setting his phone down slowly. "Let's go." He had no desire to stay a second longer. Back on the street, Vincent offered to drive him home, but Xavier shook his head. "Vincent, my mind's a mess right now. I need some time alone." Vincent didn't press him, only reminding him repeatedly to stay safe. Once Vincent was gone, Xavier wandered aimlessly. The night was bitterly cold, the temperature already below freezing. His coat was thin, offering little protection against the chill. But none of that mattered. The cold outside was nothing compared to the cold seeping into his heart. He didn't know how long he had been walking when his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Elizabeth. He opened it. Three wedding photos filled the screen. In the first, Elizabeth leaned against Connor, looking delicate and affectionate. In the second, the two of them kissed passionately. In the last, she knelt on one knee, holding up a bouquet, while Connor smiled triumphantly. Then, a message followed. [We took wedding photos today. She proposed to me in front of everyone. I was really moved.] [She even insisted on meeting my parents. Other than registering our marriage, we've gone through all the steps.] [Who says sharing a wife is a bad thing? I'm fine with it. The question is, are you? After all, it's not like I'm losing anything.] Xavier stared at the arrogant words, his expression unreadable. He didn't reply. Instead, he forwarded the wedding photos to his secretary, along with the pictures he had taken of their dinner. Then, he screenshotted the entire conversation and sent it over. "Make sure these are displayed at the wedding." With that, he slid his phone back into his pocket. He kept walking, step after step, his mind blank. He didn't notice the black car speeding toward him until it was too late. Bang! The impact sent him flying two meters through the air. He didn't know how long he had been unconscious. When he finally opened his eyes, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled his nose. A white hospital room came into view. Elizabeth stood by his bedside, her dark eyes filled with worry and fear. "You're awake! Do you feel any pain? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?" Xavier slowly turned his gaze toward her. Her eyes were red. She looked anxious, distressed, as if she wished she could take his place in suffering. Disgust churned in his stomach. The images of her in a wedding dress, clinging to Connor, flashed through his mind. He felt like throwing up. Elizabeth, oh Elizabeth. Which version of you is real? "Why aren't you saying anything? Do you feel unwell? I'll call the doctor." She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist before she could take a step. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Why are you here?" Chapter 6 Elizabeth froze for a moment. When the hospital called, she was still having dinner with Connor's parents. A wave of fear swept over her, and she left them behind, rushing straight to the hospital. Fortunately, Xavier wasn't seriously injured. "I was having dinner with a client, working on closing a big deal. Then the hospital called about your accident, so I came right away." Xavier's gaze darkened. His deep eyes locked onto hers. "You came straight from the client's place?" "Yes. Xavier, I'm exhausted." Elizabeth pressed her fingers against her temple, frowning slightly. Xavier slowly closed his eyes and said nothing more. Elizabeth sat by his side, keeping him company. Before long, her phone rang. She hung up immediately, but the caller was persistent. The phone vibrated again and again. Switching it to silent mode, she lowered her head and sent a message. A minute later, her expression shifted. She muttered an excuse and hurried out of the hospital. Not long after she left, Vincent arrived. His face was clouded with something between irritation and amusement. "Guess who I ran into on my way up?" Xavier propped himself up slightly. He thought for a few seconds before answering, "Elizabeth?" Vincent scoffed. "The third floor of this hospital? It's the andrology department. I took the elevator up, the doors opened, and there she was—with Connor." He paused for effect, then continued. "It felt off, so I followed the crowd out of the elevator. That's when I saw Connor holding Elizabeth's prenatal check-up report, grinning like an idiot, telling her she was going to be a mother." Xavier's expression barely changed. He lowered his eyes, lost in thought, but there wasn't a hint of anger on his face. "She's pregnant." Vincent stared at him, feeling something was off but unable to put his finger on it. He moved closer, pressing a hand to Xavier's forehead. "You're not mad? No fever either. You haven't lost your mind, have you?" Xavier gave a faint smile, lips pale. "You don't understand. Elizabeth has a medical condition. The doctors said she could never have children." Three years ago, they had tried for a child for over a year, but nothing happened. Thinking the issue might be his, Xavier made an appointment for a check-up. Elizabeth, worried about his stress, accompanied him. The results came back. Elizabeth was infertile. That night, he lay awake until morning, forcing himself to accept a childless future as long as Elizabeth loved him. He even asked Dr. Peel to keep the diagnosis a secret, telling everyone the problem lay with him—that he just needed time to recover before Elizabeth could conceive. And now, she was thrilled to become a mother. The three years he had spent carefully hiding the truth now seemed like a cruel joke. "Holy shit! This is huge!" Vincent nearly jumped up, rubbing his hands together. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "I have an idea. Xavier, you're leaving for Neirway in five days. Let's just act like we don't know anything." He smirked. "There's no way Connor isn't scamming her. Let's see how he explains himself when the time comes. And when the moment's right, we'll send Elizabeth her medical report. I'd love to see her face when she finds out the truth." The next morning, Elizabeth didn't come to the hospital. That afternoon, Xavier's secretary arrived to update him on the wedding preparations. After her report, she hesitated, stealing a glance at him. "Just say it." Xavier frowned slightly. The secretary hesitated before whispering, "At noon, Ms. Eaton asked me to deliver some documents to the villa. When I arrived, Connor was sitting in your living room… in his pajamas." She took a cautious breath. "Sir, you've always treated me well. I just couldn't stay quiet about it." A chill spread through Xavier's body. His face turned cold. He was still in the hospital, and Connor had already moved into their home? No wonder Elizabeth had insisted last night that he let her know before he was discharged—she wanted to be the one to pick him up. "I see. Thank you." Xavier picked up his phone and checked the surveillance footage. The screen was pitch black. Elizabeth had disabled the cameras in advance. He frowned, then turned to his secretary, who was still standing there. "Tonight, I'll make sure Elizabeth and Connor are occupied. Get someone to reinstall the cameras. Keep it discreet." "Yes, sir." That night, at ten o'clock, Elizabeth walked into the hospital room. She looked at Xavier lying on the bed, her eyes filled with guilt. "Honey, you called me over. Did you miss me? I'm sorry, I was so busy today…" Xavier interrupted her smoothly, giving her an easy way out. "I know. You've been planning my birthday party. That's why you're visiting so late." Elizabeth froze for a second before smiling, squeezing his hand. "You know me so well." Xavier met her gaze and spoke calmly. "Yes. I know you. I know everything you've done." Her heart skipped a beat. "Xavier…" She opened her mouth to say more, but at that moment, a nurse entered with a cart, changing his IV. The next day, Xavier checked the surveillance footage. In the villa, Connor and Elizabeth were having lunch together. Connor sat in Xavier's usual seat. Elizabeth pouted, saying she was pregnant and didn't feel like eating. Connor patiently fed her spoonfuls of food. "Come on. You have to stay healthy for the sake of our baby." Elizabeth smiled, her eyes filled with happiness. After lunch, Connor went upstairs. Elizabeth called the house staff together and spoke in a serious tone. "Connor doesn't have an official status here. If he loses his temper sometimes, be patient with him. And listen, no one tells Xavier about him moving in. Understood?" "Yes, ma'am." Xavier watched the footage in silence, then looked away. He picked up his phone and instructed his secretary to start preparing the wedding invitations. By the end of the day, he would finalize the guest list. Chapter 7 The next day marked the third day of the countdown. Early in the morning, Elizabeth arrived at the hospital with a steaming bowl of soup. "I had our housekeeper make this just for you," she said, placing it on the bedside table. "It's your favorite. Try it." Xavier didn't refuse. He took small sips. After Elizabeth left, he waited another thirty minutes before switching on the surveillance footage. In the living room, Connor was sitting beside Elizabeth, watching prenatal education videos with her. He rested his palm gently on her belly, his face soft with tenderness. "Babe, your big eyes are beautiful. Our baby should inherit them." Elizabeth smiled, lips curling slightly. "But your facial structure is better. I hope the baby looks like you." That evening, Attorney Harvey arrived at the hospital. "Sir, your divorce agreement with Ms. Eaton is now in effect." "Thank you." Xavier glanced at the papers, then turned to his secretary. "Make a copy and put it in the 'Second Marriage Gift' box." Seven years of entanglement—it was finally coming to an end. … Two days left. Morning arrived with Elizabeth stepping into the hospital room again. This time, she carried a bouquet of sunflowers and a protection charm necklace, one she had spent a fortune to obtain. Seeing Xavier looking noticeably better, she smiled and carefully fastened the necklace around his neck. "You'll be discharged tomorrow. Last night, I got this for you. It's a protection charm." Xavier touched the charm, his expression unreadable. Last night, Connor had undergone a minor appendectomy. Worried, Elizabeth had taken him to the hospital and later sought a protective charm for him. This necklace for Xavier was just an afterthought, something she had picked up along the way. The moment Elizabeth left, Xavier's secretary entered. "Sir, the wedding invitations are ready. Once you board the plane, we'll send out the electronic invites." His secretary hesitated before continuing, "Ms. Eaton just purchased the villa behind yours. She paid a high price and threw in a major contract to persuade the previous owners to leave." Xavier frowned. "Wasn't that house occupied for years?" The secretary nodded carefully. "Yes, sir. But she offered too much to refuse. Word is, the villa is registered solely under Connor's name—a gift for him, now that Ms. Eaton is pregnant." Xavier pressed his lips together, dark eyes cold. So this was her plan—a private retreat for her lover. That evening, the surveillance footage showed Connor reluctantly instructing the servants to pack his belongings and move them into the newly acquired villa. … Today was the day. Xavier was finally leaving. Early morning, Elizabeth arrived to take Xavier home. In the car, she leaned over, fastening his seatbelt with gentle care. "Xavier, today's your birthday. I've prepared a banquet for you. It starts at seven. Don't forget to invite your friends." "Alright." The black sedan pulled into the villa neighborhood. It had been four days since he was last here. Everything remained unchanged, as if Connor had never set foot in this house. Xavier stepped into the master bedroom. On the vanity, a brand-new electric shaver rested neatly in place. He glanced at it indifferently. It was a luxury brand, costing nearly ten thousand dollars. Left there intentionally, no doubt—a silent provocation. He didn't linger. A servant soon called him down for dinner. At the table, Elizabeth peeled shrimp for him, placing them carefully by his lips. Her gestures were intimate and considerate—the same way Connor had fed her just two days ago. Xavier chewed slowly, watching the affectionate look in Elizabeth's eyes. Then, suddenly, he asked, "If—just hypothetically—you dreamt that I left you, would you be sad?" Elizabeth's hands paused. Her expression tensed as she clutched his hand. "Xavier, I wouldn't just be sad—I'd go crazy. Please, don't leave me." Xavier pressed his lips together as if about to say something else, but at that moment, Elizabeth's phone vibrated against the table. His gaze shifted to the screen. It was a message from Connor. [The wound from my surgery is bleeding. It hurts so much. Do you think something's wrong?] A flicker of panic crossed Elizabeth's eyes. She stood abruptly. "Xavier, there's been a minor issue with the banquet setup. I need to handle it. I'll pick you up later." She turned to leave, but Xavier suddenly grabbed her wrist and smiled faintly. "Elizabeth, goodbye." She froze, body stiffening. She looked back at him, her entire being trembling. Once, his eyes had held nothing but her. Now, there was only emptiness, a vast and desolate coldness. "Xavier, you…" Her phone vibrated again. She hesitated for a moment before rushing out the door. Xavier walked back to the master bedroom. He gathered his documents, tossed the charm necklace into the trash, and called his secretary. "Elizabeth has gone to Connor. I'm heading to the airport. Once I board, proceed as planned." A pause. "And make sure Connor gets an invitation to his own wedding." "Understood, sir." … An hour later, Xavier arrived at the airport. After clearing security, he sent a final message to his parents—his flight would depart in thirty minutes. Then, he opened his chat with Elizabeth. [There are two surprises for you tonight. I hope you like them.] She replied instantly. [Honey, I can't wait! I'm still handling the banquet setup. I need to be on-site to make sure everything's perfect. I'll pick you up soon.] Xavier's lips curled slightly. [No need. I'll go to Jaewyn Hotel myself.] He had no intention of going. The birthday banquet was on the second floor of Jaewyn Hotel. The wedding would be on the third. Elizabeth would wait for him downstairs. And once the invitations were sent out, the wedding ceremony upstairs would proceed as planned. Half an hour later, the boarding announcement for the flight to Neirway echoed through the terminal. Xavier removed his SIM card and flicked it into a nearby trash bin. 'Goodbye, Elizabeth. From now on, you will never see me again.'