Chapter 1

At a small gathering with friends, my husband Grant's best friend asked him a question in French.

"Your little side piece is two months pregnant. How are you going to handle it?"

Grant's lips curled into a smile. He leaned in and tenderly peeled a shrimp for me, placing it on my plate.

Then, he replied in effortless French.

"Leila doesn't like kids. I'll let Karina have the baby and then send them abroad. I need to keep the family line going, after all."

I chewed the shrimp, but tears began to roll down my cheeks.

Grant looked at me, his expression full of concern. "Leila, what's wrong?"

I wiped the tears away and gave him a smile. "The dipping sauce is just too spicy."

The sauce was nothing but soy glass, but the tears were real because I understood every word of French he said.

1.

Grant probably forgot that I was a top student in French literature.

He actually learned the language just to impress me back when he was chasing me.

My mind snapped back to the present.

I saw Grant leaning against the table, watching me. "Honey, what are you thinking about?"

I didn't say a word. I reached for the pitcher to pour myself some lemon tea.

Before my hand could touch the handle, Grant grabbed it. "Baby, don't do that. I'll do it for you."

As he poured my tea, his friend Archer sat across from us, clutching his jaw in fake pain.

"Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey for five minutes? You're killing me with this sweetness," Archer teased.

Grant shot him a smirk. "I'm a devoted husband. You knew that from day one. If you don't like it, deal with it."

"Fine, fine. I'll just eat my dinner," Archer muttered, but his eyes were gleaming with the excitement of someone watching a drama unfold.

I looked up at Grant. The warmth that usually filled my eyes was gone.

He didn't notice.

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on my lips. "What is it, Leila? Are you dazed by your husband's good looks?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I was just wondering if a man who claims to love me this much could ever be unfaithful."

Grant froze for a split second. A flash of panic crossed his eyes.

But he recovered quickly.

When he looked at me again, his gaze was so deep it felt like he wanted to drown me in his affection.

"Honey, don't joke like that. I couldn't survive the consequences of losing you."

I smiled softly and pulled my hand away from his chest.

So, he still remembered what I told him years ago.

When I agreed to be with him, I had only one rule: loyalty.

I had told him, "If I ever find out you've been unfaithful, I will never forgive you."

Back then, Grant was obsessed with me. He grabbed my hand and made a vow.

"Leila, I chased you for a whole year to win your heart. I would never do anything to hurt you!"

"If I ever do, I deserve to die alone!"

It was true that I never lacked suitors.

From the first moment he saw me, Grant was determined to make me his.

I had been badly hurt by my first love, so I was guarded.

But Grant eventually wore me down. I gave him a chance.

Then, four months ago, I found out he was keeping a young girl on the side.

The belief I had in true love crumbled instantly.

I thought I would scream and shout, but I felt strangely calm.

I stayed by his side quietly. I prepared for my departure quietly. I planned my new life quietly.

Finally, my visa would be ready in just one week.

I was almost ready to leave Grant and start over.