Chapter 1

Prologue

Chapter 1

It all started with a power outage during a late-night study session in high school.

The school heartthrob suddenly leaned in and kissed me.

His hands slid under my shirt, pulling me close by the waist.

My face turned a deep shade of crimson in the dark.

"Senior, your phone is poking me," I whispered, my heart racing.

His face heated up even more because he wasn't carrying a phone at all.

From that day on, he was cold to everyone else.

He only had one answer for other girls: "No. I won't. I can't."

But to me, he was completely devoted.

In the eyes of our classmates, we were the ultimate couple.

Even our teachers teased us occasionally about our romance.

We went from high school sweethearts to a beautiful wedding, spending fifteen years together.

Until two months ago.

I received a photo from a stranger.

The girl looked to be in her early twenties, wearing provocative stockings and a silk nightgown.

Her neck and chest were covered in deep, purple marks.

I didn't need to guess; she had just finished a session of intense passion.

She flashed a peace sign at the camera.

On her finger was a silver ring that looked a bit too large―a man's ring.

Engraved on the band were the initials: VF & MR.

My husband's name is Vincent Ford. My name is Madeline Rivers.

Later, I met that girl in Vincent's office.

Her name was Raina, a twenty-one-year-old recent graduate and Vincent's new personal assistant.

My mind went blank for a moment.

I really wanted to storm into his office and ask: "Does 'personal assistant' include 'bedroom duties'?"

But in the end, I walked away.

The marks on Raina's body in that photo had already given me the answer.

My heart turned to ash.

That was when I learned a heart can actually love two people at the same time.

I took a cab to the government office.

"Ms. Rivers, are you sure you want to change your name? You'll have to update your degrees, IDs, and passport," the clerk asked.

I nodded firmly. "I'm sure."

The clerk tried to persuade me. "It's quite a hassle for an adult. Your current name is lovely, why not think it over?"

"I've thought enough."

I signed the consent form. "Please, proceed."

"Alright. The new name is... Skylar, right?"

"Yes."

Skylar. Flying toward the distant sky.

That was my plan for the future.

I was going to leave this place forever.

I asked, "Can I update my passport name now?"

"Yes. Here is your receipt. Take it to the window downstairs to change your passport."

I updated my passport at record speed.

But I didn't bother with the rest―my diploma or my old records.

I was leaving in a week with my new identity. The old me could stay here; I didn't need her anymore.

As I walked out of the building, the giant LED screen on the skyscraper across the street caught my eye.

It was an interview with Vincent Ford, CEO of the Ford Group.

The host noticed his hand movements and smiled. "Mr. Ford, I see you've been touching your ring. It looks like a simple silver band. Is it special?"

Vincent smiled tenderly, holding up his hand. "This is my wedding ring."

"Oh? I thought with your net worth, it would be a massive diamond."

Vincent said, "I made this ring with my own hands. I polished it bit by bit and engraved our names on the inside."

"Wow, I see the letters. VF and..."

"MR," Vincent replied. "My wife, Madeline Rivers."

"Your wife is so lucky. She must have saved the galaxy in her past life to marry you."

Vincent simply said, "Actually, I'm the lucky one."

The crowd around the screen sighed with envy.

But as the woman in question, I only felt a cold irony.

I walked away from the gasps of admiration and went to a jewelry workshop.

It felt like my heart was being ripped out as I slid the ring off my finger.

"How can I help you, miss?" the jeweler asked.

"Melt this ring down," I said.

"There's an engraving... it seems to have a special meaning. Are you sure?"

"Yes. Do it quickly, please."

Half an hour later, I went home with a beautifully wrapped jewelry box.

Vincent didn't get home until after ten.

He was holding a bouquet. "Sorry, Maddy. Work has been crazy. I brought your favorite freesias. Do you like them?"

As he leaned in, I caught the scent of a woman's perfume.

I glanced sideways and saw a small bite mark on his neck.

There was also a faint lipstick smudge on his collar.

It was bright red and unmistakable.

I let out a cold laugh in my head. Was he busy with work, or busy in Raina's bed?

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

I pushed him away. "I'm just tired."

"Should I carry you to bed?"

He leaned down to pick me up.

I pushed him again. "You're tired too. Take a shower and get some rest."

Vincent reached for my hand but suddenly stopped. "Maddy, where's your wedding ring?"