Chapter 1

My childhood sweetheart, who promised to marry me right after college, proposed to the fake heiress, Grace Jenkins, at my graduation ceremony.

However, Kieran Grant, the famously ascetic billionaire of Manhattan, publicly confessed his love to me right after that proposal.

During our five years of marriage, he was incredibly gentle and spoiled me rotten.

That was until I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and his best friend.

"Kieran, Grace is already a famous artist. Are you still going to keep playing house with Jane?"

"I can't marry Grace anyway, so it doesn't matter. Plus, with me here, Jane can't ruin Grace's happiness."

I later found his cherished collection of scripture cards, and every single one had Grace's name written on them.

"May Grace be freed from her burdens, and may her mind and body find peace."

"May Grace get everything she desires, and love without sorrow."

"Grace, we are not meant to be in this life, but I pray we can hold hands in the next."

Five years of a foolish dream shattered in an instant.

I secured a fake identity and planned a fatal drowning.

From now on, in this life and the next, we will never meet again.

1

After confirming the final arrangements for my faked death, I hung up the phone.

In just two days, I would disappear forever, just as they wished.

At that moment, the faint scent of sandalwood cologne drifted in from the hallway, and I instinctively looked up to see Kieran.

He wrapped his arms around me, his voice gentle. "Who were you on the phone with just now?"

"No one important, just some gallery business." I forced a smile, trying to make my voice sound natural.

He kissed the top of my head and spoke softly. "Why are you so busy lately? I'll make you a light salad for dinner to soothe your stomach."

Married to Kieran for five years, he had always treated me with endless tenderness and devotion.

Everyone in our circle said that once Manhattan's stoic ascetic fell in love, it was for a lifetime.

I truly believed that this was my happily ever after.

But now, I finally understood that this marriage was not about my happiness, but his way of guarding Grace.

Kieran gently stroked my shoulder and suddenly spoke up.

"By the way, the Jenkins family is hosting a party tomorrow to celebrate Grace expecting a baby, and her upcoming international art exhibition. You should stay home, and I'll just drop off a gift before coming back to you."

"But that art exhibition is something I..."

He cut me off, his tone gentle but leaving no room for argument.

"Don't bother participating in the exhibition. Haven't you always said you wanted a baby? You should use this time to rest at home."

I lowered my eyes to hide the turbulent emotions surfacing within me.

We had been married for so many years, yet we never had a child.

I used to think the timing just wasn't right, but looking back, I realized he simply never wanted one with me.

Stopping me from entering the competition was probably just his way of clearing the path for Grace.

He kissed my forehead, completely unaware that my heart had already sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

"The day after tomorrow is your birthday, and I've already prepared a surprise. Wishing you a year full of Grace."

A year full of Grace.

I muttered the phrase to myself, suddenly finding the word incredibly harsh and mocking.

Over the years, every single one of his birthday wishes had included the word "Grace."

And it was only in this very moment that I understood the true meaning behind it.

Those blessings falling from his lips were never meant for me at all.

"Sounds great. I've also planned some activities for my birthday, so you must clear your schedule for me."

He nodded. "Of course, whatever my Jane wants."

I looked up and gave him a bright smile.

It must have been so hard for you to pretend, Kieran.

That night, I couldn't sleep, so I gently moved his arm off my waist.

As I did, I accidentally knocked his antique wooden prayer beads off the nightstand.

When I picked them up, I noticed the surface of the wooden beads felt a bit uneven.

Under the dim light, I looked closely and realized that a word was carved into every single bead.

Grace.

In that instant, my heart completely died.