Chapter 1

On our tenth anniversary, the Sterling Group launched its new flagship fragrance.

My wife, Vanessa Sterling, announced to the crowd that the perfume would be named "Elias."

Minutes later, her secretary, Elias, posted on his Instagram story: "Best birthday gift ever. Thank you, Vanessa! I'm so touched!"

Vanessa commented below his post: "May you stay eighteen forever, handsome and free."

I didn't call her in a frenzy to demand answers like I used to. Instead, I calmly put my phone down.

After struggling through this relationship for ten years, I was truly exhausted.

1

When Vanessa came home, I had just finished my soup and was washing the dishes.

It was the first time I hadn't waited for her to eat.

It was ten o'clock at night, already two hours past the time she texted saying she'd be home.

Vanessa bit her lip, looking guilty as she handed me a gift box.

"Liam, happy tenth anniversary."

Inside was the company's new release―the fragrance named Elias.

"The launch was hectic, so I was busy. I forgot to tell you," she said.

I glanced at the bottle. I didn't even need to open it to know the scent.

The heavy, masculine aroma of sandalwood and pine radiated from Vanessa, making my head spin.

If this were before, I would have hugged her and showered her with kisses. I would have proudly posted photos on social media to make everyone jealous.

But today, looking at the visibly nervous Vanessa, I felt nothing.

No excitement, no joy. I just said, "Thanks. Just leave it there."

She seemed taken aback by my coldness, standing there awkwardly.

Vanessa waited for a while, likely expecting me to bring her a bowl of warm soup as I always did.

When I didn't move, she walked into the kitchen and saw the empty pot. She froze.

"Liam, didn't you save any of that soothing chicken soup for me?"

Before I married her, I never stepped foot in a kitchen.

But Vanessa had a weak stomach.

After we got married, I saw her working late and going to business dinners, so I learned to make that soup for her.

I had done it every single night for four years.

This time, I simply poured a glass of warm water and set it on the table.

"Hot water works just as well. Remember to wash the glass when you're done."

She frowned at me, clearly not understanding why I was acting this way.

Just as I didn't understand why she had betrayed our marriage.

Last night, I overheard her on the phone discussing the name for the new perfume.

I thought I heard the name "Liam."

For a moment, I was convinced it was her anniversary surprise for me.

I had told her long ago that I wanted a scent designed specifically for me.

This morning, she told me to wait at home so she could take me out to dinner.

I spent the whole day getting ready, feeling like a kid on Christmas.

She never showed up. Instead, I saw the news trending online.

"Sterling Group launches limited edition fragrance, 'Elias,' inspired by the CEO's true love."

The comments were full of people praising the CEO for being so romantic.

It wasn't Elias as in a poetic concept. It was Elias, her assistant's name.

Then came Elias's post with a photo of him in a tailored suit, leaning intimately against Vanessa at the launch.

Vanessa's comment about him staying "unique and free" felt like a knife to my chest.

My heart felt like it had been dragged through thorns, raw and aching.

I showered and got ready for bed. Suddenly, she grabbed my hand, her brow furrowed.

"Are you going to sleep already?" she asked.

Her palm was burning hot through my shirt, and her breathing grew heavy.

I knew this was her way of asking for a peace offering.

Usually, I would have enthusiastically met her desires.

But tonight, I was done.

I closed my eyes, my voice cold. "Not tonight. I'm not feeling well."

Ignoring her shocked expression, I shut the bedroom door.