Your Love for Her Was the Death of Me

"Ms. Rowe, are you certain you want to delete all identity records? Once they're erased, you'll be completely removed from the system. No one will be able to find you again." Eva Rowe pauses for a moment before nodding with quiet resolve. "Yes. I want to disappear from this world. I want to make sure no one can ever find me." Two seconds of silence follow on the other end, as if they're giving her one last chance to reconsider. "Understood, Ms. Rowe. The wipeout protocol will be completed within 14 days. By then, you'll be officially 'dead' in all databases. Please make the necessary arrangements." With that, the call ends. Eva books a one-way ticket to Felnor, scheduled for 14 days later. Then, she turns off her phone, watching as the screen goes dark. She stands by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the endless city lights, and lets out a soft, cold laugh. She is no longer anyone's Eva. Chapter 1 The TV played a live broadcast of Sereno Group's global jewelry launch. The powerful conglomerate, headquartered in Veritas and dominating both luxury and financial sectors across Avalon, had long been shrouded in mystery. But one name loomed behind its empire—Leo Sereno, the enigmatic kingpin of Veritas' criminal underworld. Tonight, for the first time in years, he made a public appearance. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he unveiled the group's newest masterpiece—the Amoura Eva necklace. The necklace featured a 30-carat pear-cut diamond at its center, surrounded by seven blood-red rubies. Each stone symbolized silent devotion. The moment it was revealed, media across the globe went into a frenzy, and social media feeds exploded, with hashtags trending in less than a minute. Leo said only one thing. "For her, any price is worth paying." The screen flickered, cutting to street interviews. "Hi there, do you know anything about Don Leo and his wife, Eva's love story?" the reporter asked. A woman in a floral sundress sighed dreamily. "Who doesn't? He published an entire private journal just for Eva—every single page was a memo to her. She once mentioned that she liked cherries, so he flew in an entire shipment of cherry trees from Bellavigna and planted them all over their estate. "It looks like a damn forest from a fairytale now! If my husband had even half that devotion… Forget it. It's infuriating to even think about it." The screen flickered again. A college student clasped her hands, her eyes gleaming. "He's beyond devoted! A few years ago, Eva had acute kidney failure, and the doctors said she needed a match immediately. "That night, Don Leo went under the knife and gave her one of his kidneys. He said, 'If she can't live, I don't deserve to either.' That's not just love—it's something out of a romance epic." Across Veritas and the internet, everyone was in awe of Leo and Eva's romance. Eva sat in the dimly lit living room, her gaze fixed on the interview playing on the screen. A cold smile tugged at her lips. She had never been short of admirers. But she never believed in love. After watching her parents' marriage fall apart piece by piece, she had come to see even family as fragile. She thought romance was even more fleeting. For every romantic gesture, she gave the same answer. "Sorry, I'm not interested in relationships." That changed when she met Leo—the man who ruled a criminal empire with ruthless precision. He was obsessive, cold-blooded, and powerful beyond reason. Yet in front of her, he humbled himself, chasing her for three relentless years. She turned him down time after time, but not once did he back away. To get her a single 18th-century oil painting she had only glanced at once, Leo stormed into an underground auction in Londaire. It was a black-market antique exchange so dangerous that even international agencies stayed away. But he risked everything to claim it—trading under the table, dodging gunfire, and nearly being ambushed by a rival syndicate. Yet, when he brought the painting to her, looking bloodied and bruised, all he said was, "Worth it." In that moment, the part of her that had been frozen for as long as she could remember finally began to melt. When they got together, he gave her everything and protected her like a precious treasure. He proposed 52 times, each one like a sacred ritual. And she finally said yes. She remembered that day clearly. He got down on one knee, holding out the ring. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at him and whispered, "Leo, I'll try to be the best wife I can be. Rich or poor, in sickness or in health, I'll never betray you. But promise me one thing—never lie to me. If you do… I will vanish from your life. Forever." And now, every vow sounded like a cruel joke. Three months ago, Eva discovered something that shattered her entire world. Leo had taken a lover six months earlier. By day, he played the devoted husband, but by night, he disappeared into the arms of a woman named Cleo Guzman. It turned out, the heart that had felt the most was the first to go numb. Eva slowly raised her hand and turned off the TV. She pulled open a drawer and took out a divorce agreement, one she had prepared weeks ago. With calm, deliberate strokes, she signed her name. She headed to the garage and stepped into the RV Leo had given her on their 100th day together. Quietly, she placed the signed papers on the bed inside. Then, she placed the RV keys into a velvet gift box and tied it shut with a ribbon by hand. … An hour later, Leo returned to the villa in his signature black suit. He didn't even take off his coat before crossing the room in long strides, headed straight for Eva, where she stood staring blankly out the window. He pulled her into his arms, his voice filled with playful affection. "Eva, I'm sorry. There was an issue at the port. I had to go pick up the necklace myself. That's why I was late for our anniversary. Please don't be mad, okay?" As he spoke, he pulled out the custom jewelry box carrying the Amoura Eva and offered it to her, his eyes full of eager devotion. The top buttons of his black shirt were undone, and his collar was crooked. Below the fabric, faint hickeys and claw-like scratches trailed down his skin. Eva hadn't left those. Her fingers trembled slightly, her gaze stinging as she looked at him. Whether he had gone to retrieve the necklace or had just come from Cleo's bed no longer mattered. The truth was already etched across his skin. Leo remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind her eyes. With a gentle smile, he unfastened the necklace and clasped it around her neck himself. The diamonds shimmered under the low light. "Eva, you look… breathtaking." Eva didn't smile. Her eyes were slightly red, but she kept her tone even as she handed him a gift box. "This is for you." He blinked. "What's this?" She said calmly, "It's only fair. You gave me something for our anniversary. I wanted to return the gesture." Leo looked into her eyes, a flicker of suspicion and guarded curiosity passing through his gaze. He asked, "Can I open it now?" She laid a hand over his and shook her head. "No. Open it in two weeks." He froze. "Why two weeks?" "Because it won't mean anything until then," she said softly. Leo stared at her for a moment, then gave a slow smile. He didn't press the matter. Instead, he kissed the back of her hand. "Whatever you say. I'll wait for the surprise." He scribbled on a small note, peeled it off the pad, and stuck it onto the box himself. "Open in two weeks." Eva stood silently, watching him label it with such care. Yet, her thoughts were quiet but clear. "Leo, I truly hope that in two weeks, you'll still think this was a surprise." Chapter 2 At dawn, as Eva slowly opened her eyes, Leo was already pressing a kiss to her temple. It was tender, yet possessive. He murmured, "Eva, I ruined our anniversary last night. Let me make it up to you today, alright?" She opened her mouth to decline, but the words never made it out. Leo was already giving orders. The security team was instructed to prepare the car. The maid rushed to prepare breakfast. Eva's dress, coat, shoes, and even matching jewelry had all been laid out with obsessive precision. Leo took her to a private estate owned by the Sereno family. It was a castle-like retreat deep in the countryside—one he had built for her, brick by brick. It was her personal wonderland. Today, he had arranged a fairytale anniversary, planned down to the last extravagant detail. Deep within the estate grounds, the private amusement park looked like something out of a dream beneath the sunlight. A vintage carousel turned slowly beside a horse-drawn carriage, a Euria-style hedge maze stretched in the distance, and a soft-pink Ferris wheel towered above it all. Leo didn't care how extravagant or childish it all seemed. If Eva so much as hinted at wanting something, he would give it to her, no matter the cost. Eva barely wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, and he immediately handed her an opened bottle of Fillico—the limited-edition kind priced at over 1,300 dollars. She lingered for a moment in front of a vintage marionette. Minutes later, he had someone buy out the entire design studio behind it. He held her hand tightly, his palm warm and unyielding. She tried to pull away, but he gripped her hand harder. "Eva, if you disappear again… I won't be able to find you next time." "I'm not going anywhere," she said softly. But deep down, she knew. This time, where she was going, he would never find her. The estate wasn't open to the public, but exclusive guests were invited from time to time. As Eva and Leo walked past a rose-covered wall, a couple nearby recognized them. "Oh my god, that's Leo, the CEO of Sereno Group! The finance legend! And his wife, Eva." The young woman whispered excitedly to her boyfriend, then rushed forward with a shy smile. "Mrs. Sereno, could we take a photo with you two?" Eva gave a faint nod, and the camera shutter clicked. "You two are honestly perfect together. I hope you're happy forever," the young woman said shyly. Leo smiled and nodded, ever the flawless figure in public—charming, composed, untouchable. At lunch, he sat beside Eva, but he glanced at his phone more often than at his plate. Eva watched him, her expression unreadable. Leo noticed her stare and immediately looked up, flashing a casual smile. "Eva, something came up with the family business. Just give me a minute, alright?" But in the faint reflection on the glass wall behind him, Eva caught a glimpse of his phone screen—Cleo, perfectly made up, was live streaming. She stood confidently at the grand front gates of the estate—the very same private estate Leo had brought Eva to that morning. Wearing a fitted white dress that hugged her curves, Cleo beamed at the camera with bold delight. "Hey, guys, check it out! This whole estate? My boyfriend gave it to me. If you wanna come and snap some pics, just drop my name at the gate!" Eva couldn't take it anymore. She quietly unlocked her phone and slipped into Cleo's livestream. Cleo wasn't just another influencer. She was a "special talent" signed personally by Leo. The media had long speculated that she had a sugar daddy backing her, and some even suspected she was Leo's lover. But no one had ever found solid proof. Until now. Grinning at the camera, Cleo held up an official property deed and said sweetly, "Look at this. It's here in black and white—this entire estate's amusement park is mine. Isn't that the most romantic thing ever?" The livestream exploded with comments. "No way that's real! That place is worth tens of millions. You think you're that special?" "No way. Is she leeching off Leo's name like that?" "This has to be a declaration of war, right?" Then, Cleo flipped the document to the title page, holding it steady for the camera. Her name was printed clearly on the property deed. The comments blew up again. "It's legit." "He gave her an estate? This isn't just love; it's obsession." "Who does Leo truly love? For Eva, press 1. For Cleo, press 2!" Thousands of "1"s flooded the screen. To the public, Leo's devotion to Eva was unquestionable. But then, a sudden burst of special effects lit up the chat, and thousands of virtual helicopters streaked across the screen. One user, under the name SangueFreddo, dropped an avalanche of expensive gifts before sending a single message. "I love Cleo." Cleo laughed, looking proud and triumphant. "Did you see that? He said he loves me more." Eva's fingers trembled as she gripped her phone. That username… She knew it too well. It was Leo's first private account, one he had created years ago. The password had always been her birthday. And now, everything made sense. It wasn't a misunderstanding. It wasn't jealousy or insecurity. It was truth—clear, cruel, undeniable truth. Leo sat across from her at that very moment, a tender, indulgent smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was the kind of smile that used to heal Eva. But now, it tore her apart. Chapter 3 Eva clutched her chest, struggling to breathe. Leo immediately noticed that something was off. He immediately steadied her by the shoulders, his voice full of panic. "Eva, what's wrong?" The worry in his eyes didn't look fake. But it was this same man—the mafia king who had once worshipped her like she was his entire world—who kept so many secrets buried beneath that love. Eva forced her emotions down and managed to steady her voice. "I'm fine... Just a little tightness in my chest." Leo gently rubbed her chest, trying to ease her discomfort. Then, he unfastened his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders, protective and firm. Once he was sure her breathing had steadied, he signaled one of his men to bring the car around and ordered them to take her home. Eva didn't smile once on the ride back. Leo sat beside her, cautious, tentative. "Eva… did I do something wrong?" She shook her head slowly. "No. I just remembered a mafia drama I watched once." "Oh? What was it about?" She looked at him and said calmly, "It was about a mafia boss who once swore he'd love only one woman. But later… he changed. And he hid it all so well. Leo… if one day, you changed too—" He cut her off immediately. "Never. That would never happen. Eva, my loyalty and my vows, they belong to you—only you. I could never betray you. I can't live without you." But his words didn't soothe her anymore. They only added weight to the pain already sinking in her heart. Before she could respond, his phone rang. He hesitated, clearly debating whether to answer. "Go ahead," she said quietly. The voice on the other end said something Eva couldn't hear. At first, Leo's expression remained calm. But then, his pupils contracted sharply, and something shifted. The ease on his face vanished. He pressed his lips together, his jaw tightening. After a pause, he ended the call and turned to face her. "Eva, something's come up at the port. A weapons manifest got rerouted last minute. I have to handle it personally. Is that okay?" Eva didn't ask questions. She simply nodded. She stepped out of the backseat of Leo's Maybach and quietly watched it drive away. Then, she flagged down a yellow cab. "Follow that black Maybach," she said to the driver. The black Maybach came to a stop outside a secluded estate, its gates wrapped in ivy and surrounded by towering stone walls. As soon as Leo stepped out, the front door swung open. A woman in a skimpy bunny-maid outfit appeared, her lips curling into a sultry smile. Without hesitation, she ran straight into his arms. It was Cleo. The second their bodies met, they kissed hungrily. Breathless and flushed, Cleo clutched Leo's tie and giggled, her voice syrupy and teasing. "Mr. Sereno, I've got something special for you tonight. Want to see it?" She trailed a teasing fingertip down his throat, her nails grazing his skin. Leo's eyes darkened as he gripped her hand tightly. "I ran five red lights to get here. What do you think?" Cleo laughed and pulled him toward the car. "Then let's open your surprise in the car." The door slammed behind them. The city lights shimmered through the tinted glass as shadows flickered. Inside, breathless sounds began to rise. Leo kissed her with fevered hunger. Cleo pulled at his shirt, her hands sliding under his suit. He lifted her, pinning her to the seat, trailing kisses down her face, her neck, and her collarbone. She arched beneath him, moaning softly. "Mr. Sereno, I want more…" Within minutes, the vehicle began to rock in rhythm. And just a short distance away, Eva sat frozen in the back of a yellow cab, watching everything unfold. She had long suspected that Leo was no longer her safe harbor. But despite knowing that, seeing it with her own eyes—seeing Leo and another woman tangled in the very seat she had once sat in beside him—still shattered her. She pressed a hand against her aching chest as tears spilled down her cheeks like a broken string of pearls. Back when they first fell in love, Leo had been disciplined to a fault. He used to hesitate for several seconds before even holding her hand. He said a mafia king's marriage must remain sacred. He said he wanted to save his first time for their wedding night. She remembered the way he held her that night—so carefully and reverently. His voice trembled with emotion as he whispered, "Eva, you're finally mine. I love you. I'll love you forever." And that night, she believed him. She believed that even in a world full of bloodshed and shadows, he would still be her one true light. He once said, "I only love you, Eva." Now, he was the one who tore that vow apart with his own hands. From the front seat, the female cab driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Seeing Eva's tear-streaked face, she sighed and passed a packet of tissues. "Men… What man doesn't cheat? I've got three kids with my husband, and even if I wanted to leave, I couldn't. You're already married. Just turn a blind eye. Forgive him once." Eva gripped the tissue tightly, her voice raw and steady as she replied, "No. I won't forgive him." When she returned to the villa, she opened the safe. Inside were the gifts Leo had once given her, from designer watches to fine jewelry. Then, there was the necklace he had designed just for her, the only one of its kind in the world—the Amoura Eva. She picked up her phone and called a secure line. "Is this the Asset Liquidation Bureau? I need to offload a collection immediately. Please transfer the full proceeds to the Women's and Children's Relief Foundation in Bellavia. It must be done anonymously." Within an hour, everything was packed and shipped. Then, she began to gather her things, ready to walk away for good. She was halfway through when Leo suddenly burst through the door. He looked frantic, soaked in sweat, his hair and suit damp from the rush. He rushed toward her, his voice cracking with panic. "Eva... why did you sell the Amoura Eva?" Chapter 4 The Amoura Eva wasn't just expensive. It was priceless. In the black market, it would only appear at the most exclusive underground auctions. Leo only found out because one of his informants intercepted the catalog and sent word before the auction began. Leo asked, "Eva, why did you sell the Amoura Eva?" Eva didn't look at him. Her voice was calm. "Did you go to the auction?" Leo froze. A flicker of something unreadable passed across his face. After a beat, he spoke, his voice low and careful. "I just... wanted to find you something. Maybe pick out a new piece. So I—" Eva cut him off. "I didn't sell it. I donated it." Leo's jaw clenched, and he gripped her hand. "Eva, I know you're compassionate. You always have been. But if you wanted to donate something, you could've chosen anything else. Not that necklace." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a velvet box, placing it in front of her. When he flipped it open, there it was—the Amoura Eva, shimmering under the soft light. He said, "I got it back. This necklace is proof of how much I love you. No one can take that away from you. Not even you." He leaned in and gently fastened it around her neck. Eva looked down at the necklace. It felt heavier than ever. A bitter smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. This man could sneak around with another woman, then come home and deliver a love confession so flawless that she almost bought it. Leo had always been quick with his hands and even quicker with his mouth—and he never lost at either. The necklace had never been proof of love. It was a shackle—an exquisite, glittering chain designed to keep her locked in place. His perfect sugar baby. Later that night, as Eva was about to fall asleep, Leo's phone vibrated on the nightstand. He silenced it instantly, slipping his arm around her and gently stroking her back with practiced tenderness. But a few seconds later, his phone vibrated again. Leo's brows drew together. This time, he answered it, lowering his voice. "Keep it down. Don't wake Eva." The voice on the other end was tipsy and loud, clearly hyped on whiskey and ego. "Leo! We're all at the Red Rose Club tonight. If you don't show, everyone's gonna think your wife's got you on a leash!" Leo's voice went cold. "I'm with Eva tonight." "Come on, Leo! Don't tell me you've forgotten about us. It's been years, and we finally got the whole crew together tonight. You're seriously not coming? You promised we'd never change, Leo. Don or not, you'll always be one of us." Eva opened her eyes. "Go ahead. It's been a long time since you all saw each other." Leo hesitated, but she had spoken. He nodded. "Then you're coming with me. If you don't go, neither will I." Eva didn't argue. She got up and changed. At the Red Rose Club, the moment they pushed open the door to the private room, a wave of perfume, liquor, and smoke hit them. Inside, half-naked women lounged over leather couches while Leo's men drank and shouted over a poker game. Leo's jaw tightened, and his voice was icy. "Out." The room froze. Then, someone finally reacted. "Shit—Eva's here! Out, all of you!" The women scattered like smoke in the wind. The room instantly quieted. One of Leo's men gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder and chuckled. "Ten years, and you still haven't changed. No other woman can even get near you." Leo's voice was flat. "Self-control is the bare minimum for a married man." Eva stood beside him in silence, watching. Someone lit a cigarette, and Leo shot him a glance. "Put it out. Eva hates the smell." Someone else passed him a glass of wine. But Leo waved it off, saying, "I'm not drinking. Eva doesn't like me drinking." Another tried queuing a track on the karaoke screen. Leo reached over and shut it off. "Too loud. Eva doesn't like noise." The men exchanged helpless glances. Eventually, they settled into a quiet poker game, each of them careful not to step out of line. Leo picked up a knife and started slicing an apple with practiced precision. Within seconds, a neatly plated fruit tray appeared in front of Eva. "Here. Eat something." Noticing that she only had a thin shawl over her shoulders, he immediately took off his coat and draped it around her. "Cold?" "A little." "A little means yes," he said softly, then called a server to bring hot tea. Across the table, someone finally couldn't hold it in. "Leo might be bulletproof out on the street, but at home? He's scared of his wife." "Don Leo can run all of Veritas's underworld, but he can't do a damn thing when it comes to Eva." Leo didn't bother replying. He just kept his eyes on Eva, his gaze tender and unwavering. Chapter 5 Eva stayed quiet the whole time. After a while, she just couldn't keep playing along. She said, "It's getting late. I'm heading out." Leo stood to leave with her, but his friends immediately blocked the way. "Come on, Leo. Eva's health isn't great—let her rest. But the rest of us haven't seen each other in forever. You can't just bail." "Yeah, let her head home. You stay and chill with us for a bit." Eva gently pulled her hand from Leo's grip and said softly, "Simon will take me. You should stay." Before he could stop her, she turned and walked out. Her steps were quick, and Leo didn't catch up. The car had barely pulled away when Eva reached into her coat and felt a phone that wasn't hers. The phone had a sleek black casing. It was Leo's. She frowned and told Leo's driver, Simon Walker, to turn around. The car had barely stopped outside the Red Rose Club when Eva spotted Cleo stepping out of a luxury sedan. She kept checking her makeup in the car's tinted window, then turned and walked into the club. Eva's grip around the phone tightened as she followed. Sure enough, Cleo stopped outside the same private room Leo was in. And the moment she opened the door, she threw herself into Leo's arms. Leo slipped an arm around her waist, his fingers playfully brushing through her hair. "You just got my call. How are you already here?" Cleo leaned into his shoulder with a coy smile. "I missed you. The second I got your call, I dropped everything and came straight here." Leo smirked and said, "Then you deserve a reward." With that, he kissed her—deep, hungry, and unapologetic. Their lips tangled as if no one else was in the room. "Alright, alright! Save it for later. There's no need for the live show!" No one in the room seemed the least bit surprised. Instead, they chuckled and joked like they had seen it all before. Eva stood frozen outside the door, watching everything unfold. A cold numbness spread through her body. So they all knew. Every single one of them had been playing along, putting on a show just for her. "Now that Cleo's here, can we finally turn this party up a notch?" someone joked. The guys exchanged grins, clapping their hands. A second later, the same scantily clad women from before poured back in from the adjoining room, draping themselves over the men like accessories. Within moments, everyone had someone in their lap. The rules were simple—spin the bottle. Whoever the neck pointed to had to answer a question. After a few rounds, the bottle finally stopped on Leo. The room erupted with cheers and whistles, the energy building to a high. "Alright, Leo. When was the last time you had sex?" The guy grinned, and everyone instantly caught the insinuation. Leo raised a brow, his expression calm and unreadable. "Yesterday. In my car." That answer sent the room into a frenzy. "Damn, how was it?" Cleo was already flushed scarlet, tucked tight in his arms. Leo smirked and answered slowly, word by word. "Hot. Absolutely unforgettable." "See? I told you—lovers are always better than the wife." "No kidding. Guys like us? You gotta have a few extras outside the house." "As long as you keep it quiet, man, you can live the dream. Eva will never find out." At the mention of her name, Leo's expression froze, and his smile vanished. "Don't ever bring this shit near Eva. If she finds out... You know what happens next." "Yeah, yeah! We got it! No one's telling her a thing. Don't worry." The laughter continued inside, loud and shameless. But outside that door, Eva stood frozen in place. Her entire body felt numb, like the life had drained right out of her. She turned and walked away like a ghost, hollow and lifeless. Simon noticed something was off and rushed toward her. He was about to head inside to inform Leo, but she stopped him right away. "Don't tell him I was here. And I don't need a ride. I just want to walk for a bit." A heavy downpour broke out suddenly, but she moved through it like she didn't feel a thing. She didn't know how long she wandered. She only knew that it was long—longer than that snowy night years ago, when she had twisted her ankle and Leo had carried her home. She wondered if true love ever really stayed the same in this world. Did it ever remain unwavering and unbroken? Chapter 6 Eva burned with a fever all night. Leo stumbled into the villa just before dawn, still reeking of alcohol from the Red Rose Club. The moment he stepped inside, he sensed something was wrong. The air was too still, too quiet. Then he saw Eva. She had collapsed on the bed, her cheeks flushed red and her skin burning to the touch. In an instant, the haze of alcohol vanished. He swept her into his arms and rushed her to their private hospital. "Get a doctor. Dr. Wilson—now! If anything happens to her, I swear, I'll bury every one of you with her." His voice was ice-cold, laced with barely contained fury. When Eva opened her eyes again, the sharp scent of antiseptic stung her nose. She stirred, barely able to move, her limbs heavy and her mind hazy. A nurse noticed her stirring and gasped with relief. "Mrs. Sereno, thank God! You've had a high fever for over 24 hours. "Mr. Sereno's been here the whole time. He just stepped out. There was an emergency call from the syndicate he had to take." Eva raised a hand weakly and murmured, "You don't… need to tell him I'm awake." The nurse hesitated, then nodded and quietly slipped out of the room. Silence fell over the room. From down the hallway, Eva could hear Leo's voice, low and measured as he spoke on the phone. His tone was calm and composed, yet beneath it, she caught the unmistakable edge of restrained excitement. "Good news? It's confirmed? Alright. I'll be there soon." He hung up, and his footsteps echoed farther and farther away. Eva forced herself upright, her body still weak and unsteady. She reached for the coat and draped it over her hospital gown before slowly making her way toward the door. Her footsteps were nearly silent as she moved down the stairs, trailing the familiar figure ahead. Just as she reached the lower level of the hospital, she saw it. Leo was carefully guiding Cleo out of the obstetrics department. Cleo looked radiant, with a soft glow in her eyes and a smile curving on her lips. Her hand rested lightly on Leo's arm, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Cleo spotted her first. "Mrs. Sereno?" she said, eyes wide with faux surprise. "Wow. What a coincidence! You're here too?" Leo looked up, and their eyes met. His entire body went stiff, as if she had caught him in the middle of a crime. In a flash, he dropped Cleo's hand. He said quickly, "Eva, I just... I was downstairs picking up medication and ran into Cleo. She told me she was pregnant. I didn't want her to get hurt, so I offered an arm. That's all." His excuse came out rushed, his voice tight with barely hidden panic. Eva's gaze dropped to Cleo's stomach. She inhaled slowly, then looked up again. "Ms. Guzman, when did you conceive? And where's the child's father? Didn't he come with you?" Cleo smiled sweetly, her voice soft. "I just found out. I'm barely a month along. My husband couldn't make it here today, but he already bought me a few properties and transferred 100 million dollars into my account. He even said he's setting off fireworks in Marrowind tonight to celebrate our little miracle." Leo's expression darkened, inch by inch. Eva didn't even blink. Her face was devoid of emotion. "Is that so?" Cleo tilted her head, the corners of her mouth curling in subtle provocation. "Mrs. Sereno, why don't you join us for dinner? I'll introduce you to my husband." "No need. Eva doesn't have time for that kind of nonsense," Leo cut in sharply, his reply a beat too quick. He turned to Eva, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. His voice dropped to a tender coax. "Darling, you're still recovering. You shouldn't be walking around like this. That woman is just a brand ambassador. You don't have to listen to a word she says." Cleo's smile faltered. She looked down, her eyes turning red at the rims, like a scorned lover on the verge of tears. "I got carried away… Of course I'm not worthy of sharing a meal with Mrs. Sereno." She then turned and walked off in a huff. Leo hesitated for a beat, caught between instinct and impulse. He took half a step after Cleo, but when he saw Eva's unreadable expression, he stopped. That night, back at the villa, Leo was visibly restless. After tucking Eva into bed, he mumbled something about business and locked himself in the study. Eva sat quietly in the bedroom. Then, her phone lit up. It was a message from Cleo. The screen showed a photo of a pregnancy scan. Then, came a string of cruel, deliberate taunts. "Eva, I know you've already figured it out. The baby is Leo's. Don't be stupid. You think he loves you? Then what am I?" "Do you know how obsessed he is with me? Every year on your birthday and on your anniversary, after you fall asleep, he comes to me. Every time, we go through an entire box of condoms. I can't even walk the next day." "He's taken me in his Maybach, in his penthouse office, and even in your bed—he's taken me in 72 different positions. How many have you tried?" Eva's fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through the messages. Her chest tightened with emotions she couldn't name. She took a deep breath and slowly locked the screen. Just then, Leo slipped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His familiar scent enveloped her. Like always, his voice was low and indulgent. "What are you looking at, darling?" His chin rested in the crook of her shoulder, but all he saw was her phone's blank screen. Eva didn't answer. She just stared silently out the window, into the night, where city lights blurred behind the glass. Chapter 7 "Nothing," Eva whispered, her voice soft as her eyes welled with tears. She stared out into the night skyline of Veritas. A second later, fireworks burst across the sky, looking brilliant and blinding. Then, she remembered what Cleo had said earlier that day. "He's setting off fireworks in Marrowind tonight to celebrate our little miracle." The sky sparkled, dazzling and surreal, but it wasn't for her. Leo followed her gaze, misreading the look in her eyes. He smiled indulgently, thinking she was dazzled. "You like fireworks? I'll plan a whole fireworks show just for you. It'll be even bigger than this. On your birthday, I'll light up the sky from Halden Bay all the way to Elmridge Park. Just for you, okay?" He pulled her into his arms, holding her like something rare and priceless. His voice was low and coaxing. Eva let out a soft laugh. "Leo, I don't like what's already been used." His body stiffened instantly. Silence stretched between them before he tightened his hold on her, his voice low and hoarse. "Then I'll find another way to surprise you. I'll make sure you never envy anyone again." But Eva didn't answer. She just kept her eyes on the sky as the last spark fizzled into darkness. That was what their love had become—briefly dazzling, then completely gone. … In the days that followed, Leo changed. He left early every morning with a motorcade, didn't return until late at night, and canceled all routine meetings. He gave only one instruction to his subordinates. "Keep everything low-profile. No one disturbs Eva." Even the maid had picked up on the shift. Their whispers behind closed doors were filled with speculation and mischief. "Mrs. Sereno, Don Leo must be planning something big for you. He just ordered a one-of-a-kind Karamir sapphire ring. We also heard he's been talking to some custom artisans in Merilan." "Sounds like someone's about to become the happiest woman in the world," another giggled. Eva said nothing. A few nights later, Leo finally came to her in person. He was dressed in all black, his expression unusually light. He gently took her hand. "Eva, come with me tonight. I want to show you something. I promise you'll love it." She opened her mouth to turn him down, but her phone buzzed. It was a message from Cleo. "Eva, take a guess. Right now, who do you think matters more to Leo—me or you?" She glanced up instinctively, catching a glimpse of Leo's expression just as he opened a new message. It was a photo of Cleo in sheer black stockings, with her legs posed deliberately. The message beneath it was even more suggestive. "Clock's ticking." Leo swallowed hard. In just three seconds, he snapped the phone shut and murmured, "Eva, a deal's gone sideways. I need to take care of it. Let's do it another day, okay?" Eva looked at him with calm, unreadable eyes. Then, she smiled. There was no argument, and she made no effort to keep him. A few hours later, Cleo sent her another message. This time, it was photos—ripped condom wrappers tossed into a trash can. One after another, messy and deliberate, like trophies lined up for display. "Eva, you lost again. I'm still carrying Leo's child, and he couldn't keep his hands off me. Tell me, how much more proof do you need that he loves me?" Eva stared at her phone, and for the first time in a long while, she felt grateful—grateful that she was leaving. No matter how vile or humiliating it all was, none of it could hurt her anymore. Leo didn't come home for days. Eva didn't ask, and she didn't go looking for him. The only thing that kept arriving relentlessly was Cleo's messages. She sent photos of racks filled with limited-edition designer dresses. There was a bowl of neatly sliced fruit, with a sticky note attached that read, "Leo cut it himself—he was afraid I might slip and hurt my hand." She even included snapshots of Wynoran-style dishes, all carefully prepared by Leo himself, as if to prove a point. "Eva, you know what he told me? He said that I'm the one who really understands him. He kissed me ten times while cooking. Can you even cook? Do you even remember what Leo likes?" Eva scrolled through each image in silence. She didn't reply. She was busy erasing her presence from the villa—her clothes, her books, her makeup, even the little fleece throw she always curled up with on the couch. She had made up her mind. She was leaving Leo. Chapter 8 Eva sat quietly in the underground vault, flipping through the love letters Leo had once written to her by hand. They were penned in military-grade invisible ink on black-market anti-forgery paper. In the end, she fed every single one of them into the shredder. The morning she planned to leave, Leo stood by the bed, his expression grim as he stared at the notification on her phone. "Your account just received a deactivation confirmation," he said, his voice low and hoarse. "Eva, what did you delete?" Eva calmly took back the phone and pressed her fingerprint on the screen. The screen flashed a single message. "Identity deactivation successful." "My old account was hacked. I had to shut it down," she answered smoothly, a faint smile on her lips. Leo studied her for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her. "Guess what I brought back for you?" She answered flatly, "Strawberry cupcake from Wendover Street." Leo paused. "How did you know?" He remembered that night vividly. She had been angry at him. He had botched a mission and still ran through the pouring rain across Wendover just to buy her favorite cupcake. That night, she had looked at him and said, "It's not that I'm easy to please. It's just… I still love you. But if the day comes when I stop loving you, even putting a gun to your head won't make a difference." Leo pulled out the cupcake from the insulated bag, and she took it without a word. "My wife is too smart. I can't hide anything from you." Just then, he got an encrypted call and left in a hurry. Eva followed him to the hallway but stopped at the door. Outside, Cleo stood there in a long trench coat. Underneath it, a provocative black lace dress clung to her curves. Leo's face instantly darkened. "Are you out of your mind? I told you not to show up when Eva's home." Cleo threw herself into his arms, her eyes red with unshed tears. "I can't take this anymore… Even the baby misses you." She grabbed his hand and pressed it to her belly. Leo froze. He quickly pulled away. "Go home. I'll deal with this in a few days." But Cleo leaned in and kissed him. He resisted, yet his hand instinctively slipped under her coat. A second later, he pushed her back gently. "Just tonight. One time. That's it." Cleo smirked victoriously and dragged him toward the car. That night, when Leo returned to the villa, he spoke to Eva in his softest voice. "Something came up at the company. I need to take care of it, but once it's handled, I'm all yours. Okay?" Eva looked at him and replied with gentle concern, "Go ahead. Be safe." After he left, Eva stared at the untouched box of cupcakes on the table. She didn't take a single bite. A single tear slipped down her cheek silently. She picked up the suitcase she had packed days ago and sent one last message. "Two weeks are up. You can open your anniversary gift now." Leo responded almost immediately. "Wait for me. Let's open it together." Eva smiled faintly. She found the word "together" almost laughable. She forwarded Leo every last message, photo, and video Cleo had sent over the past few days, each one dripping with spite and shameless provocation. Then, she snapped her SIM card in half and went completely offline. She boarded a flight bound for Felnor, under a new name, ready for a new life. At that moment, Leo had just stepped out of Cleo's house. When he returned home, the place felt hollow. "Eva, I'm back…" he called out. His voice echoed through the silence. The photographs were gone. Their wedding portrait had disappeared. The cherry trees in the backyard had been uprooted. The maids were planting roses in their place. "Who told you to touch that?" he roared. One of the maids flinched. "Mrs. Sereno gave the order three days ago… and you told us her instructions always take priority…" Leo stood frozen in place, like the ground beneath him had crumbled. For the first time, he realized Eva wasn't acting out of anger or impulse. She had really left him. She had ripped out the trees they had planted together, even the one that bore her name. It was as if she were burying their past, roots and all. "Where did she go? When did she leave?" Leo's voice was low and hoarse. He stood at the threshold like a man unraveling. The bodyguards and maids lined up silently. No one dared meet his eyes. "Don Leo, Mrs. Sereno left early this morning with a suitcase. She didn't say a word or leave a note." She was gone. He ran half the criminal underworld of Veritas, yet he couldn't even trace where his wife had gone. Eva would never go to her parents. Those cold, distant people had remarried years ago and even cut ties with her. Leo began making calls, starting with her closest friends, then his informants, and finally the lowlife runners in the underground network. "Is Eva with you?" "No, and if she were, do you think I'd dare lie to you?" He made call after call, but nothing turned up. Eva had vanished without a trace. In a fit of rage, Leo ordered the entire Sereno syndicate's intel division to track her. However, not a single camera caught which train she boarded or which street she crossed. "Eva, this isn't funny," Leo muttered, slumped in his office chair, his fingers digging into his scalp. His voice cracked into a growl. For a moment, he was yanked back to his youth. He was standing frozen at a street corner, and his parents lay lifeless in a pool of blood, their blood smeared across his face. Just then, Leo's phone rang. It was an encrypted line—an emergency alert from one of his insiders. He answered. A frantic voice came through on the other end. "Don Leo, we just got a tip. Someone reported finding a woman's body out by the outskirts this morning. Female. Her age and build… match Mrs. Sereno's." Leo's face turned ashen. "What the hell did you just say?"