A Song of Longing

In their fifth year of marriage,Jessica went to renew their marriage certificate. However, she was told that the certificate was fake, and her husband's legal wife was someone else. The love that had seemed inseparable for five years turned out to be a lie. When she returned home, she overheard Anthony, her husband, talking to his lawyer: "Linda is building her career abroad, and to establish herself in the business world, she needs the title of Mrs. Harris. I have to help her." "As for Jessica, she's completely devoted to me. She's already cut ties with her family for me, and she will never leave." Hearing that, Jessica's heart turned to stone. By the time Anthony brought back the real marriage certificate, Jessica had disappeared, and he was unable to find her again. Chapter 1 "Mrs. Sullivan, there's a problem with your marriage certificate. It appears the seal is a forgery," said the clerk with an unsettling nonchalance, leaving Jessica Sullivan, who had come to get a duplicate of her marriage certificate, completely bewildered. "That's impossible. My husband Anthony Harris and I got married five years ago. Could you please double-check?" The clerk typed their social security numbers into the computer once more. "The system shows Anthony is married, but you, Mrs. Sullivan, are listed as single." "Who is Anthony's legal wife?" Jessica asked, her voice shaking. "Linda Brown." Jessica gripped the back of the chair, struggling to keep herself upright. The marriage certificate, with its bright cover and bold letters, was handed to her. The sight stung her eyes. If Jessica had any doubts before, thinking perhaps it was a system glitch, the mention of 'Linda' crushed all her hopes. The lavish wedding from five years ago, the years they spent seemingly inseparable, the marriage she had been so proud of—everything was a lie. Holding the worthless piece of paper, Jessica walked back home, her spirit crushed. As she was about to open the door, she overheard a conversation inside. It was the Harris Group's family lawyer speaking, "Mr. Harris, it's been five years. Isn't it time to give your wife the legal status she deserves?" Jessica stopped dead in her tracks, holding her breath. After what felt like an eternity, Anthony's deep voice filled the air. "Just hold on a little longer. Linda is out there making her mark overseas, and she needs to be Mrs. Harris to stand her ground among the business elite." The family lawyer cautioned. "However, since you and the missus never made it official with a marriage certificate, she could walk out on you if she ever decides to." Anthony's gaze fell as he mulled it over, then said, "Linda did give me a daughter. I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe. "Jess? She's so in love with me, she wouldn't dream of leaving. "Besides, she burned bridges with the Sullivan family to be with me. She's got nowhere else to go." In the height of the August heat, Jessica felt a chill as if she had fallen into an icy pit. Her once defiant choice to marry him, defying her parents' wishes, was all part of Anthony's grand scheme. All her lingering doubts suddenly clicked into place. Harris Group, never one for philanthropy, had out of the blue started a charity. Anthony, who could not stand the noise of kids, showed nothing but warmth to Tracy, the little girl from the orphanage. It all made sense then why he had been dropping hints about wanting to adopt Tracy—she was his and Linda's child. Jessica's head spun as she looked into the blinding sun. Her legs buckled, and she crashed down on the stone steps. Hearing the commotion, Anthony burst from the house, swept her up, and carried her back inside. He laid Jessica down on the couch with a gentleness like she was made of the most delicate crystal. "Jess, is something wrong?" Jessica raised her head and peered into his eyes brimming with love. She tried to gauge the truth behind them. Was it all real, or was there deceit lurking beneath? However, she could not unravel the mystery. Anthony's composure slipped when she did not respond. "Jess, did you catch wind of something..." She shook her head. "I think the heat's got to me. I'm all dizzy and sick to my stomach." Relief washed over Anthony. He stood and turned his ire on Jessica's driver. "How could you neglect her like this? Go get your pay for the month, and then you're out of here." Jessica waved him off. "It's such a beautiful day, and I wanted to walk. It's not on him." Anthony crouched beside her, gently blowing on her scraped knee. "Your heart is just too big, Jess, too kind." For five long years, she had been duped, lost in the fantasy Anthony had woven around her. Jessica's grip tightened on his hand, her heart refusing to believe that Anthony, who loved her so deeply, could lie to her. Maybe the County Clerk's Office had made a mistake. Maybe Anthony was in the dark too. Clinging to a final hope, she asked, "Our marriage certificate has been ruined. Should we get it replaced?" Panic flickered in Anthony's eyes before he regained his cool. He looked away, avoiding her gaze. "Let the lawyer handle that. You just focus on getting better." With a sense of despair, Jessica closed her eyes. Chapter 2 That night, Jessica was tormented by nightmares. In her dreams, her parents' stern voices clashed with Anthony's tender words, a cacophony at the edge of her consciousness. "If you marry Anthony, you'll never be welcome in the Sullivan family home again." "Jess, I'll never let you down. From now on, I'll be the closest person to you in this world." … Five years earlier, she had courageously defied her parents. She broke off the engagement they had arranged since her childhood, determined to marry Anthony. Her father was so enraged by her decision that he suffered a heart attack, and her mother bitterly cursed, "You'll regret this one day." However, Jessica chose to believe in love. She packed her bags and left Hudson City for Capital City, all on her own. Anthony's love for her had not faded in the slightest over the years. In fact, it had only grown stronger. His friends would joke, "If Jess pointed to a star and said she liked it, you'd climb up there and pluck it from the sky for her." Jessica would just laugh when she heard that because Anthony had, in a way, plucked a star for her. One day, she had casually admired a blue star in an astronomy magazine, calling it 'very special'. On their anniversary, she received a certificate from the Britannia Star Name Registry. That twinkling blue star in the cosmos was then hers alone. Anthony had installed a powerful telescope on their bedroom balcony. Nearly every night, Jessica gazed through it, watching her star sparkle. With her joyful marriage, she showed her parents that she had made the right choice, that Anthony was the person she was meant to trust all along. If marriage were a high-stakes game, then the flawless fake marriage certificate was the undeniable proof of her loss. Amid the turmoil, Linda materialized before her. "Jessica, you're an impostor. I'm the one and only Mrs. Harris!" Jessica frantically shook her head, her voice tinged with panic, "No! I can't believe it!" Then, out of nowhere, Anthony appeared behind Linda, his eyes icy and distant as he observed the scene. Seizing what felt like her last hope, Jessica pleaded, "Anthony, tell her, please, I'm Mrs. Harris." However, Anthony did not even glance her way. He clasped Linda's hand and they turned to walk away together. "Anthony!" she called out, her voice echoing with desperation. Startled awake, Jessica found herself back in reality. "I'm right here, Jess. Bad dream?" Anthony's voice was full of concern as he soothingly rubbed her back. Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes. "Anthony, who am I?" For a moment, Anthony looked surprised, then he smiled warmly and playfully pinched her nose. "You're Jessica, the love of my life, my Mrs. Harris." Really? She wanted to confront him, to ask why—if she meant so much to him—he felt the need to create a sham marriage certificate. "Anthony, about the marriage certificate..." Just then, Anthony's phone buzzed on the nightstand. Jessica caught a glimpse of the screen. The caller ID displayed 'Linda'. Anthony gently tapped her hand and said with a hint of distraction, "I'll get the lawyer to sort out our marriage certificate as soon as possible. There's an emergency at work I have to take care of." He barely stepped out of the bedroom before he snatched up the phone with urgency. "Linda, hang tight, I'm on it," he said. Meanwhile, Jessica got a call from the head of the welfare center where she had been helping out. "Jessica, a couple's interested in adopting Tracy. Mr. Harris said you were considering it too. Can you swing by to discuss it?" Quickly changing, Jessica drove to the welfare center. She spotted Anthony at the stairwell, about to wave, when a figure darted past her and into his embrace. "Anthony, you're here! Please, we have to save Tracy!" Holding Linda close, Anthony reassured her, "Don't worry. No one is taking our girl." Chapter 3 Linda was back in the country? Through her tears, Linda said, "Anthony, I can't bear the thought of Tracy calling anyone else 'Mom' and 'Dad'." Anthony whispered in her ear, "I promise, Tracy will be a Harris, officially and forever." Her tears gave way to laughter. "Anthony, when you think about it, legally, we're the ones who are married. Jessica..." Anthony's brow creased with worry. "I only registered our marriage before the wedding to protect you from being pushed around overseas. "I can offer you the world, just not the Harris name. Jess is innocent, so leave her be," he implored. Linda's frown betrayed her irritation, yet she knew they had to focus on Tracy for then, so she shelved her feelings. "You needn't worry about me vying for the title of Mrs. Harris. I'm not even worthy." Anthony sensed his earlier words had been too cutting and quickly knelt to soothe her. "What are you saying? If you're not worthy, then who is? You're the one who blessed the Harris family with Tracy. My mom hasn't stopped thinking about you." Jessica's balance wavered. Anthony's mother was aware of his affair with Linda! She envisioned her mother-in-law, haughty and aloof. The Harris family had looked down on her because her parents refused to provide financial support for the marriage, and her mother-in-law had been especially harsh, never once offering a smile. Jessica had clung to the naive hope that her earnest efforts to please her mother-in-law would win her acceptance. At this moment, it dawned on her that her mother-in-law had already welcomed another woman into the family. How could Jessica matter to her then? Her legs turned to lead as she trailed behind Anthony and Linda up the stairs. Anthony had maintained a gentlemanly facade, but as soon as they were out of sight, he yanked Linda close and pinned her to him. "Let's put Tracy's situation aside for now. Shouldn't we focus on resolving my issue?" He pressed against her, sending a wave of heat across Linda's cheeks. He and Linda slipped into the empty storeroom. It was not long before the muffled cries of passion, broken and sporadic, seeped into Jessica's ears. Just a wall away, she trembled, sliding down against the cool surface to the floor. Anthony's breath came in ragged gasps. "Linda, after having a kid, how are you still so...?" Linda's breathy response followed, "Oh, and Jessica isn't?" The sounds of their encounter grew more intense, culminating in Anthony's low roar. "Jess is too buttoned-up, nothing like you—so free-spirited from your time overseas." Jessica's nails bit into her palm, the pain a sharp contrast to the shock coursing through her. She had always seen the president of Harris Group as a paragon of virtue, one who looked down on any woman who dared to approach him, except for her. Then she knew he was nothing but a libertine. As the moans started anew, Jessica pushed off the wall and staggered away. The director was already waiting in her office. "We need to confirm, Jessica. Are you and Mr. Harris still planning to adopt Tracy?" Jessica did not answer right away. Instead, she asked to see Tracy's personal file. The file revealed that Tracy was born in the spring five years earlier, just six months after Jessica and Anthony had married, around the time he had proposed. Rage and bitterness surged within her. Handing back the file, Jessica's voice was steady. "I've decided not to adopt Tracy. You can proceed with her adoption." The director gave a pensive nod. "Jess!" Anthony barged in, grabbing Tracy's file from the desk. "Since when did I back out of adopting Tracy? Who said you could decide for me?" Jessica's gaze was icy as she met him. "And you were going to adopt Tracy without asking me, right?" Anthony was speechless. Linda popped up from behind him with a grin. "Hey, Jess, it's been ages." Chapter 4 Sweat dotted Anthony's brow as he gestured toward Linda and explained, "Linda is an investor in this orphanage. I just bumped into her today." "So? What's that got to do with adopting Tracy?" Jessica shot back. Anthony scowled. "How could I not have seen it before? You're so aloof, so unfeeling. Tracy's a sweetheart. Doesn't she tug at your heartstrings?" Aloof? Unfeeling? She was the one betrayed, let down, and then she was the bad guy? Linda stepped closer and smilingly took Jessica's hand. "Jess, Anthony told me you're adopting Tracy. That's wonderful news! Tracy is an angel, the sweetest kid we've got." Jessica could not resist. "If Tracy's such a treasure, why don't you adopt her?" Caught off-guard, Linda felt her smile waver. Anthony jumped to her defense, positioning himself between them. "What are you implying? Linda is single. What would people think if she adopted a child on her own?" Jessica's heart ached as if pierced by a thousand needles. Anthony had empathy for Linda, but he seemed blind to the whispers that would swirl around Jessica if they adopted Tracy. For five years of marriage, Anthony had kept her from getting pregnant, using his 'career in its rising phase' as an excuse. The rumor mill churned relentlessly. Some whispered that Jessica's wild youth and numerous abortions had left her barren. Others speculated she was infertile by nature. Even her mother-in-law's barbs cut deep, mocking her as an 'infertile hen'. Whenever Jessica poured out her heart, Anthony's answer was to shower her with luxury gifts, never once standing up to clear her name. If he truly loved her, would he not speak out against the slander? Adopting a child would only cement the rumors of her infertility, would it not? Clutching at a final hope, Jessica trembled and said, "Anthony, don't you want a child of our own?" Anthony's gaze fell. "Let's wait a few more years, okay? You know the company is expanding..." "Fine, I'll follow your lead," Jessica cut him off. Her heart had gone numb. She might as well go along with it. Anthony wrapped her in a joyful hug, "Jess, I always knew you had the biggest heart." As her hair brushed his ear, Jessica caught the envious glint in Linda's eye. In that instant, she realized Linda was no longer satisfied being the unseen wife on a marriage certificate. She was after the title of Mrs. Harris for all to see. A line from Alicia Keys' 'Try Again' suddenly played in Jessica's head. 'I could try again, however, I would rather let you go.' She was ready to ditch that mess of a relationship. Who picked up the pieces was none of her business. Anthony had gone off with the director to sort out some paperwork, leaving Jessica and Linda by the staircase. "Jess, don't you think Tracy and Anthony could pass for father and daughter? To the untrained eye, they might as well be related." Jessica caught the hint in Linda's voice. "Really? What a coincidence." Linda pressed on, a sly tone in her voice. "And Tracy's mom, whoever she is, must be quite the looker." She tossed her hair back, not-so-subtly showing off a love bite on her collarbone. "Oops, my husband can be a bit eager. Does Anthony ever get like that with you?" Jessica took a deep breath. "Ever heard of someone biting when they're pushed too far?" Linda's expression changed, and she was about to retort when she caught sight of a figure at the corner. "Well, let's see if they're just putting on a show or if they're actually capable of biting." Before Jessica could process her words, Linda suddenly stumbled backward, away from the staircase. Chapter 5 "Ah!" Linda's scream pierced the air. Jessica's hand shot out, trying to catch her, but she only grazed Linda's sleeve, ripping off a button. Anthony, rounding the corner at the sound, hurried over. Linda was sprawled at the bottom of the stairs, and Jessica stood above, her hand still hanging in the air as if frozen in time. Anthony shoved Jessica out of the way and bolted down to scoop up Linda. "Linda, come on, open your eyes!" Gripping Anthony's arm, Linda twisted her face in agony. "Anthony, don't be mad at Jess. She's just not Tracy's biggest fan. I tried to calm her down, and it set her off." Her words trailed off as she slumped unconscious in his arms. Anthony whipped around, his eyes burning holes into Jessica, who had been shoved to the ground. "Jessica, you know I can't stand hypocrites." He hoisted Linda in his arms, heading for the hospital. "You'd better hope Linda's okay, or forget about any old times." As the car engine roared to life below, Jessica inspected her palm, gashed by the gravel. Blood oozed out. The orphanage director approached, hearing the commotion, and helped Jessica to her feet, words failing him. Jessica pulled off her scarf and pressed it to her bleeding hand. "I've been volunteering here for years. I thought we were friends." The lunch bell had the kids pouring out of the orphanage. Watching Tracy skip and hop, the director mused, "Tracy's got a stroke of luck, bonding with Mr. Harris like they're family." On her way home, Jessica finally dialed that number from her contacts, untouched for five long years. It was answered after a single ring. Simon Canfield's voice, smooth and alluring, drifted through the line. "Ms. Sullivan, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?" Ignoring the bite in his tone, Jessica cut to the chase. "Simon, does our engagement still stand?" Simon's laughter crackled through the phone. "You must be kidding, Ms. Sullivan. You're a married woman now. If you're looking for a boy toy, you've dialed the wrong number." Unruffled, Jessica asked again, "Just tell me, is our engagement still on?" Simon's voice turned intimate, pressing against the receiver. "Ms. Sullivan, are you proposing an affair?" At her limit, Jessica snapped, "Let's pretend this call never happened." She ended the call and pulled over to the side of the road. A message from Linda popped up on her phone. [Jessica, how does it feel to play house for five years?] [Guess what Anthony is up to now?] A GIF popped up on the screen. There was Anthony, dressed to the nines, crouched down tying Linda's shoelaces. The cufflinks at his wrists were the ones Jessica had chosen for him. Her palm, which had healed, bled anew as she clenched her phone. The ringtone pierced the silence. It was Simon again. "Ms. Sullivan, ever the firecracker. If you'd been a bit more observant, you might've noticed the marriage certificate was a fake from the start." Simon was uncannily resourceful; he had uncovered in minutes what had eluded her for years. Jessica's fingers clenched around her phone. "Mr. Canfield, I didn't come here for your snide remarks. I just want to ask..." Simon's voice was a low rumble, cutting her off, "It's a done deal, always." Jessica was lost. "What does that mean?" Simon's face took on a rare solemnity. "It means our engagement stands. Whenever you're ready, I'm here to be your husband, Jessica." She was silent for a long moment before responding. "I've got things to wrap up in Capital City. Let's meet next Monday outside the Hudson City County Clerk's Office." Simon's voice lightened as he teased, "Whoever chickens out is a scaredy-cat." "Immature," retorted Jessica before ending the call. Chapter 6 That evening, after dinner, as Jessica was about to retreat to her bedroom, a commotion arose at the door. Linda entered, linked arm in arm with Anthony, a trail of servants lugging suitcases behind them. Anthony instructed the servants to take the luggage to the guest room, then turned to Jessica. "Linda is back in town and hasn't found a place yet, so I told her she could crash here for a bit." Linda arched an eyebrow. "I won't be here long, Mrs. Harris. You don't mind, right?" Jessica kept her cool, "Not at all, Ms. Brown. Make yourself at home." She would be out of there in three days anyway. Anthony looked at her, taken aback, "You're not upset?" Jessica shook her head with a hint of resignation. "I'll be moving out soon anyway." Anthony blinked in surprise. "What do you mean by that?" "Just rambling," Jessica dismissed with a wave of her hand. Anthony sensed that something was not quite right with her, but before he could probe further, Linda chimed in. "Anthony, weren't you going to take Tracy to the amusement park?" she asked, her voice and demeanor taking charge as if she owned the place. Anthony seemed spellbound. "Right, I'll go get Tracy now." He glanced at Jessica, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Jessica, ever the understanding one, encouraged them, "Go ahead, think of it as a warm welcome for Tracy's return." Linda looped her arm through Anthony's again. "Exactly, like a perfect little family." Jessica caught the triumphant glint in Linda's eye but responded with a courteous smile before turning to leave. The evening passed, and darkness enveloped the sky. As Jessica was drifting off to sleep, voices floated in from outside her door. It was Linda, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Anthony, stay with me tonight, won't you?" His reply was soft yet unwavering, "Linda, Jess is my wife, even if just in name. She's here. It wouldn't be right." "I'm the one on the marriage certificate, the real wife. It makes sense for you to be with me," Linda insisted. In the quiet of her room, Jessica's fingers tensed, and she consciously slowed her breathing to calm the storm inside. Anthony let out a long sigh, his voice tinged with resignation. "You're Tracy's mom. Just know I'll always do right by you." Linda's voice was a whisper, choked with tears. "Can you promise me you won't touch her while I'm staying here?" Anthony gave a low, affirming hum. Soon after, the sound of a bedroom door echoed from next door. Jessica's eyes fluttered open, and a silent smile played across her lips. Three people, three rooms, each with their own hidden agendas. Come morning, Jessica descended the stairs to find Anthony and Linda already at the breakfast table. "You looked so peaceful sleeping, I didn't want to wake you," said Linda, her tone dripping with insinuation. It was as if she owned the place and Jessica was just passing through. Anthony said nothing to set the record straight. Jessica ignored the jab and took a seat. Linda got up and handed her a bowl of mushroom walnut soup. "Try it, I made it myself." One look and Jessica saw the walnuts lurking at the bottom. She had been allergic her whole life; one bite could be deadly. "Sorry, I can't eat walnuts," said Jessica, pushing the bowl away. Linda's face crumpled, tears welling up as she turned to Anthony. "Maybe I should just leave, hit the streets. It's better than being unwanted." With that, she rose to pack. Anthony was at her side in an instant, his voice a soothing whisper. Anthony turned to Jessica with a stern voice, "Jess, come on, drink up. Linda's been slaving away since dawn to make this." Jessica stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You know I'm allergic to walnuts. Are you really asking me to risk my life just to spare her feelings?" Chapter 7 Anthony's face was stormy as he ordered, "Jessica! As the head of this household, I'm telling you to drink that soup!" Linda had already taken her bags downstairs, heading for the door. In a panic, Anthony rushed to Jessica's side. He grabbed the bowl of soup and forced Jessica's mouth open, pouring it down. "There's no way a bowl of soup can kill anyone," he muttered. Jessica could not fight back as she was made to swallow the mushroom walnut soup. Finally, Anthony backed off. Jessica's knees buckled, and she slumped into a chair, coughing and sputtering, her face wet with tears and a runny nose. Without a second look, Anthony went after Linda. After soothing Linda, who was crying in his arms, Anthony passed by Jessica and remarked calmly, "Look at you, not a scratch. Always playing the damsel in distress." Jessica's throat was so swollen that she could barely whisper, "Call 911... help me." Anthony scowled, "You're about to be a mother. It's time to grow up. Apologize to Linda, now." Jessica's mind was foggy, and she passed out, suffocating in silence. Anthony never imagined that a simple bowl of mushroom walnut soup could have nearly cost Jessica her life. Sitting in the back of the ambulance, he was ghostly pale and shaking uncontrollably. "Jess, please don't scare me like this!" After being whisked into the ER, it took a grueling five hours before Jessica was finally wheeled back out. The doctor, pulling down his mask, let out a weary sigh. "If you'd been any later, not even the best doctor in the world could've brought her back." "Didn't you know she had allergies?" he asked, looking at Anthony. Anthony could not find the words. He had known about her allergy, yet he had pushed her to drink that deadly soup. The weight of his guilt was crushing. He did not leave her side, not until her eyes fluttered open again. Her throat was still sore and swollen. Holding her hand, Anthony asked, "Knowing how bad walnuts are for you, why didn't you stop me?" What was she supposed to do, plead with him? When she just looked at him, straight and unwavering, Anthony could not bear it and looked away, feeling guilty. His phone rang, and after a moment's hesitation, he answered. "Jess is okay, stop beating yourself up, no tears now." He handed the phone to Jessica. "Linda is really torn up about it, she wants to apologize to you herself." Jessica held the phone to her ear, bracing herself. However, Linda's voice was harsh and mocking. "Jessica, I heard you nearly kicked the bucket. Anthony didn't blame me at all. Tell me, who do you think is more important to him? "I knew about your allergy to walnuts, and I did it on purpose. Go ahead, call the cops. Ah, what a shame, you've got no proof." Jessica's grip tightened on the blanket, and in a swift motion, she hurled the phone against the floor. Anthony shot up from his chair. "Jess! Linda is just trying to say she's sorry. Why can't you let this go?" he exclaimed. With every ounce of strength, Jessica screamed, "Leave!" Anthony's face turned stormy. "I've arranged for a nurse to take care of you. Use the next few days to cool off," he said. He picked up the remnants of the phone and strode out of the hospital room. That same day, Jessica signed herself out of the hospital. She walked into the home she had lovingly crafted over five years, feeling the weight of betrayal. Every detail of the villa, from the choice of location to the smallest decoration, had been her doing. In the living room, the wedding portrait still hung, their smiles frozen in time. In a twist of fate, Linda had been pregnant during those captured moments of false joy. In a fit of rage, Jessica grabbed a vase from the coffee table and hurled it at the photo. The frame hit the ground with a resounding crash, dust billowing up. The nanny rushed in at the sound. Jessica pointed at the wreckage. "We're going to need a new photo. Burn this one. Burn all the pictures of us in this house." Chapter 8 The nanny got to work, collecting every photo album and frame, then stacking them on the lawn. Jessica uncorked several bottles of Anthony's prized red wine, dousing the memories in scarlet. She poured a glass for herself and one for the nanny. Their glasses met with a hollow clink, the echo of a five-year love breaking apart. Jessica flicked the lighter and tossed it into the heap, watching the past go up in flames. Flickering flames cast a warm glow as Jessica tipped back her glass, the last of the wine mingling with the tears that traced a path down her cheeks. The remnants of Anthony's affection lay scattered around her—designer bags, silk gowns, glittering jewels, all tokens of years gone by. With a sense of finality, Jessica boxed up the luxury and posted it for sale on a second-hand site, directing the funds to an orphanage. The news hit Anthony like a punch to the gut when his assistant called. "Mrs. Harris is selling everything you gave her." He scrambled into his clothes, his face pale, his heart racing. He tried to reach her, but his calls echoed unanswered as he sped through the city streets, his car a blur of motion and red lights ignored. The car barely stilled when he burst into the yard and found Jessica. There she was, lost in a sea of empty bottles, cradling a glass, her song a soft, sad murmur. Relief washed over Anthony as he knelt before her. "Jess, why didn't you pick up? I was worried sick." She turned, her gaze piercing. "Why would that worry you?" He caressed her warm cheek. "I thought you were mad, hiding from me." The alcohol lent her courage, and she asked the question that haunted her. "Anthony, are you keeping secrets from me?" His heart plummeted. He looked away as a battle raged within. When he faced her again, his eyes were wide, his expression earnest. "No, never. We're in this together, open and true." However, as Jessica's eyes drifted past him to the lifeless ashes beyond, the truth lay there, unspoken. The last glimmer of hope in Jessica's heart was snuffed out when Anthony lied to her once more. Anthony saw the scab on her palm and asked with concern, "Jess, what happened to your hand?" She thought about blaming him but bit back the truth. "Oh! Just a dog bite." Anthony fetched the first-aid kit and knelt to clean and wrap her wound. "You're always so reckless. I can't imagine how you'd manage without me," he said. Jessica scoffed silently. She had once seen him as her protector from life's storms, but at this point, she knew he was the source of them. "I heard you sold the gifts I gave you," he mentioned casually. Jessica looked away. "They were getting old. I wanted something new." Anthony tied off the bandage with extra care. "If you don't like them, just toss them. I'll get you better ones." He stood and drew her close, his breath warm on her ear. "Jess, I'm planning a welcome party for Tracy on Monday." When she did not reply, he pressed on. "You've always dreamed of stargazing in Omaraine, right? After the party, how about we go there, just the three of us?" The peaks of Omaraine's Green Mountain soared over 2000 meters high, a perfect canvas for the stars. It was Jessica's dream destination. However, that dream felt hollow then, especially after the email she received yesterday from Brittania. "Mrs. Sullivan, it's with deep regret that I must tell you, the observatory has confirmed your blue star is set to fall in three days." The love once believed to be unbreakable was then scarred and battered. Even the stars, once thought eternal, were on the brink of collapse. Anthony released her from his arms. "If it doesn't make you happy, Jess, we don't have to go through with the welcome party..." With her head cleared from the fog of alcohol, Jessica replied calmly, "What are you talking about? The welcome party is happening, and I'll take care of the arrangements myself." A look of joy spread across Anthony's face as he embraced her once more. "I'll do whatever you wish, Jess. And I've got a few more surprises up my sleeve for you." Anthony had it all planned out. On that day, he would formally present her with their marriage certificate, making their union official in the eyes of the law. Chapter 9 Anthony claimed he was tied up with Tracy's adoption paperwork and did not come home all weekend. That gave Jessica the space she needed. Throughout those two days, Linda bombarded her with messages. Sometimes a blurry photo of a couple, other times a video too explicit to describe. Occasionally, it was Linda's gloating voice taunting her. "What does it matter if Anthony professes his love for you, Jessica? At the snap of my fingers, he's groveling at my feet, isn't he?" "I heard you're throwing a welcome party for Tracy. Mind if I drop by? My connection with Tracy is... let's say, quite intimate." … Jessica ignored the glaring provocations, meticulously archiving each one. Anthony was planning a surprise for her, and she knew she had to return the favor with a gift of her own. They were throwing a welcome bash for Tracy, and it had to be a blowout. Jessica whipped up invites for Anthony's friends, the company's bigwigs, and even the Harris family's long-lost kin. Linda got her invite too. At first, Anthony was against her coming, but she promised up and down she would not stir up trouble with Jessica, so he gave in. "The lawyer has been in touch, right? We're sorting out the divorce on Monday." Linda's heart skipped a beat, her frustration simmering inside her. While Anthony was busy at the office, she made a beeline for the orphanage. "Tracy, you want to stay with Mom and Dad forever, don't you?" Tracy's eyes lit up. "You bet!" Then her spirits fell. "But Dad said it's our secret, can't let Ms. Jessica catch on, or I can't come home." Linda gave her a sly look and whispered a plan into Tracy's ear. "On the day of the welcome party, you just… "You got it, sweetheart?" Tracy nodded, as serious as she could be. "I'll do just like you said, Mom." Linda had not fought for the Mrs. Harris title before because Anthony's prospects were nothing to write home about compared to her other admirers. She had her pick of the litter back then. However, after some incidents overseas... She was back, determined to reclaim the coveted spot once held by Mrs. Harris. On the eve of the weekend, Jessica peered into the celestial canvas for one last time through her bedroom telescope. The once vibrant blue stars were then fading. At the stroke of midnight, a particular star burst into a dazzling light before etching a perfect arc across the sky. Then, it vanished into the cosmic expanse. Anthony was still out, having only called to check on the details of tomorrow's welcome party. Surveying the opulent living room, Jessica murmured to herself, "Rest assured, it'll be a day to remember." At the same time, she secured her flight back to Hudson City for the following morning. 'Whoever chickens out is a scaredy-cat,' rang Simon's taunt in her mind. Sleep eluded her, and as dawn broke, she rolled her suitcase out of the villa where a sleek van awaited. Slipping on her sunglasses, she whispered, "Farewell to a ludicrous past." Startled awake, Anthony found himself with Linda still nestled in his arms. A nightmare had gripped him, one where he and Jessica were nestled together, stargazing. However, in an instant, darkness swallowed the sky, and Jessica was gone. Panic soaked his dream-self, searching frantically. "Jess!" Linda, groggy and annoyed, blinked open her eyes, "Anthony, you're disturbing my sleep." A sense of foreboding washed over him. Shoving Linda aside, he scrambled into his clothes. On his way, he dialed up the family attorney. "Head to the County Clerk's Office the moment they open and get that marriage certificate. Don't waste a second." The lawyer promised over and over to handle it, and only then did he allow himself a moment of ease. At a red light, a sleek black van pulled up beside him. His phone still displayed yesterday's chat with Jessica. "It'll be a day to remember." Chapter 10 Anthony hurried back to the mansion and immediately sought out the nanny for news on Jessica's whereabouts. "Mrs. Harris left early to pick up fresh flower arrangements," she informed him. That news brought him a bit of comfort. The welcome party was a sight to behold, with a life-sized portrait frame dominating the center of the room. Just as Anthony moved to unveil it, the nanny intervened. "Mrs. Harris said to wait until all the guests have arrived before revealing it." Anthony stepped back, hand paused mid-air. As guests trickled in, Anthony played the gracious host, too preoccupied to notice Jessica's absence. The celebration kicked off, and Tracy made a grand entrance down the staircase in her princess gown, Anthony beaming with paternal pride. Then, a sudden crash as the door swung open. Linda stood there, stunning in a designer gown, capturing the attention of everyone present. Anthony's expression darkened as he approached Linda. In a hushed tone, he asked, "Wasn't I clear about you keeping a low profile?" Linda looked at him innocently and replied, "But wasn't this the dress your assistant picked out for me?" Anthony was lost in a fog of confusion, but he had no time to figure it out at this moment. He cleared his throat. "Welcome, everyone. Now, let's turn our attention to today's star—Tracy Harris." Hand in hand, Anthony led Tracy to the towering cake that awaited its ceremonial first slice. That moment was meant to be shared by the foster parents and their daughter, but Jessica's place was glaringly vacant. Where was Jessica? "I'll take care of it." Linda stepped up with elegance, accepting the knife handed to her by a servant. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Isn't Mrs. Harris supposed to be someone else?" "Who's this lady? She's dressed like she owns the place." "Doesn't Harris's adopted kid look a lot like her?" … Anthony cut in quickly, "Ahem, thanks for stepping in, but I believe my wife should do the honors." Linda's face flickered with something unreadable, and she shot Tracy a covert glance. Tracy caught on immediately. She clung to Linda's hand. "Dad, let Mom do it. Ms. Jessica isn't my real mom, after all." Her words dropped like a bomb, short-circuiting Anthony's thoughts. He clamped a hand over Tracy's mouth, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Who told you to say that? Jessica is your mother!" In the next instant, he accidentally knocked down the cloth backdrop. A huge photograph was suddenly on display for all to see. The photograph captured Anthony and Linda in a state of disarray, their clothes askew and their skin slick with sweat. Anthony's face drained of color as he lunged for the photo, desperate to cover up the scandalous scene. Murmurs and hushed conversations spread among the guests like wildfire. However, the damage was done. They had all seen the compromising image of the two main characters. Linda stood petrified, unable to move. Anthony's blood pounded in his ears, his head spinning with dizziness. He fumbled for his phone and dialed Jessica, only to be met with the automated message that went, "The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later..." Panic set in. The welcome party was Jessica's doing, but did she orchestrate that revealing photo of him and Linda as well? The thought of Jessica discovering his affair with Linda and the truth about Tracy's birth was unbearable. The whispers of the guests grew into a cacophony of judgmental chatter. "The Harris family prides themselves on their scholarly background, yet their son's marital indiscretions are the talk of the town." "I knew there was a reason Anthony and his young wife adopted an orphan. It was his own flesh and blood all along." "The wife's absence speaks volumes. She must've walked away from the Harris family debacle after uncovering the truth."