Chapter 1

Eliana Reed and I had been dating for eight years. I proposed to her countless times, but she never said yes.

She claimed my family was too wealthy. She was terrified people would think she was a social climber or that she was only after my money.

Whenever I brought it up too often, she would get angry. "How do you think people will look at me if I marry you now? Do I not have any pride? If someone wants to be a trophy wife, let them, but it won't be me!" she would snap.

So, I focused on being her unofficial husband. I handled the housework and managed all our social obligations.

That was until I found her marriage certificate hidden in the house.

In the photo, she was hugging her childhood friend, Liam White, with a radiant, carefree smile.

It wasn't that she didn't want to get married. She just already had someone else in mind.

1

After finding the marriage certificate for Eliana and Liam, I slumped to the floor, feeling completely drained of strength.

Over the years, I had proposed to Eliana more times than I could count, only to be rejected every single time.

She always said she wanted to focus on her career. She claimed she was afraid my relatives would look down on her.

I never complained. I supported her through everything.

Now I realized the truth. It wasn't about her career or my family. She had simply chosen someone else long ago.

I packed my bags and canceled the luxury European vacation I had just booked for us.

The moment I stepped out the door, my phone rang. It was Eliana.

I had almost forgotten that she had installed security cameras in the house.

"Caleb Miller, where are you going with those suitcases? And who gave you permission to cancel our trip? Did you even bother to consult me?"

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Eliana, why are you worrying about me when you're someone else's wife? You should spend more time caring for Liam. It must be lonely for him to be a 'husband' in a house you never visit."

I hung up immediately and drove straight to my parents' house.

The second I walked through the door, my father stepped forward and slapped me across the face.

"Caleb, what the hell is wrong with you? You and Eliana have been together for years! You're supposed to be getting married soon, so stop throwing these childish tantrums!"

Eliana had clearly prepared for this. She must have contacted my parents the moment I left.

I held my stinging cheek and yelled in disbelief, "She's already married! And the groom isn't me! Do you really expect me to marry her when she's legally tied to someone else?!"

My mother pulled me aside, trying to soothe me. "Honey, Eliana explained everything to us. She had a very good reason for what she did. It wasn't her fault."

My father's face was flushed with anger as he glared at me. "Why are you being so dramatic? She has come home on time every single night for years. She hasn't cheated on you, so why are you acting like a victim?"

With those few words, the image I had of my parents was shattered.

I looked at them in shock. They were actually taking Eliana's side.

Just then, Eliana arrived at the house.

She looked relieved when she saw me. She walked over and tried to grab my hand. "What is this all about? Why can't we just sit down and talk like adults?"

I felt a wave of nausea hit me.

"Eliana, I made myself clear on the phone. We are done. I won't be a side piece, and I definitely won't tolerate being lied to."

"How can you be so heartless?"

To my surprise, Eliana actually scowled at me as if I were the one doing something wrong.

"Don't you know that Liam suffered from severe depression after his ex-girlfriend broke up with him? He almost ended his own life!"

"I only married him to stabilize his emotions and keep him safe. Besides, nothing has ever happened between us in all these years. I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of this!"