Chapter 1

Melanie always claimed she hated phone cases because she loved the feel of the bare titanium.

But on the night she used overtime as an excuse to stay out, I saw a photo on her social media. She had a brand-new case on her phone.

As I stared at the familiar cartoon character on the back of her phone, my heart sank.

I suddenly remembered that her new assistant's profile picture was that exact same character.

When I called her to confront her about it, she didn't even try to hide her annoyance.

"It's just a stupid cartoon, Silas. Why do you have to control every little thing I do？" she snapped.

I didn't argue. I didn't scream like I used to.

If Melanie thought I was such a burden, then I would disappear from her life forever.

With that thought, I pulled up a hidden number on my phone and dialed the agency.

"Hello. I'd like to book a staged death for one week from today."

1.

"Understood. How should we address you, sir？"

The voice on the other end was cold and professional.

"Silas Foster."

"Mr. Foster, what's your preferred method for the disappearance？"

I thought back to the first time I met Melanie. It was by the ocean.

"Suicide by drowning," I said quietly.

"Got it. Everything is registered. Please come by tomorrow to sign the final paperwork."

"I'll be there."

Just as I hung up, the front door clicked open. Melanie was home.

I didn't say a word as I watched her set her phone down on the coffee table.

She glanced at me and asked what my plans were for tomorrow.

I stared at the light blue phone case in her hand.

"I'm meeting a friend," I replied.

Melanie paused, looking surprised.

"You have friends in this city？"

I had moved to this city seven years ago just to be with her.

For seven years, my entire world had revolved around her. I had no life of my own.

"Someone I met recently," I said.

Melanie seemed satisfied with that answer.

"It's good for you to get out. Stop overthinking things all the time. It's exhausting for both of us."

She sat down next to me, and the scent of lemon-scented body wash hit me.

It was the exact same scent her assistant, Zion Hayes, always wore.

I looked down and let out a bitter, silent laugh.

As I stood up to go to the bedroom, Melanie called out from behind me.

"Silas, where's my late-night snack？ You haven't brought it out yet."

"Also, my back is killing me from sitting at the desk all day. Come give me a massage."

The entitlement in her voice made my stomach churn.

Over the years, my devotion had become her convenience.

I used to have dinner ready every night she worked late.

I even took a massage therapy course just to help her relax after a long day.

But now I knew the real reason she was so tired. She had been busy in someone else's bed.

I closed my eyes and, for the first time, told her no.

"I didn't make anything. I'm not feeling well, so I'm going to bed."

Melanie's face flickered with a brief flash of concern.

"What's wrong？ Do you need to go to the hospital？"

Looking at her, I couldn't tell if the concern was real or just another act. I didn't know who she loved anymore.

"I'm just tired. You…"

Before I could finish, her phone buzzed. It was Zion.

The caller ID displayed the same cartoon character from her phone case.

"Melanie, someone is pounding on my door. I'm so scared…" Zion's voice whimpered through the speaker.

Melanie's face instantly paled with worry.

"Lock the door, Zion. I'm coming over right now."

She grabbed her keys and ran out without a second glance at me.

In the past, I would have begged her to stay. I would have started a fight.

But as the door slammed shut, I simply walked into the bedroom.

Since I was leaving anyway, whatever happened to her was no longer my concern.