Chapter 1

It was our fifth wedding anniversary.

I was dressed in a custom tuxedo, waiting for my CEO wife to announce our secret marriage at the gala.

Suddenly, her first love was hit with a scandal.

Ignoring my presence, she stepped onto the stage and spoke to the cameras.

"Xander and I are indeed in a relationship. Please support his new project."

Amidst the cheers, Xander leaned in and kissed my wife passionately.

I didn't cry or make a scene.

I simply smiled and joined the crowd, clapping for their happiness.

Later, when she finally realized I had changed, she knelt at my feet and begged for one more chance.

1.

"Zane, what is wrong with you? Why are you being so immature?"

My wife, Willow, caught up to me.

She grabbed my collar and dragged me into a dark corner of the hallway.

"You know Xander's career is at a peak. How could I just stand there and let the trolls tear him apart?"

I looked at her. Her face was full of nothing but impatience.

My gaze drifted past her shoulder to Xander, who was currently raising a glass and laughing with guests.

Seeing his triumphant expression, I could feel my heart bleeding.

Tonight's gala was supposed to be my happiest moment.

We had been together for two years and married for five.

She had promised me that tonight, she would finally tell the world I was her husband.

But in the end, I was no match for her first love.

The recognition I had craved for years was something Xander could get just by acting pathetic for a few minutes.

Seeing my eyes fixed on Xander, Willow's face darkened further.

She tightened her grip on my collar as a warning.

"Zane, don't think I don't know what you're planning. Don't you dare try to cause trouble for Xander in there!"

The collar was choking me, but the pain in my heart was far worse.

I shoved her away and began to cough violently.

Willow seemed to soften for a split second.

She patted my back and sighed.

"Zane, stop being difficult. The situation with Xander happened so fast. I had to come up with the fake relationship idea on the spot. I didn't have time to consult you."

Tonight's event was originally meant to announce our secret marriage.

That's why she had invited all the key employees and a few entertainment reporters.

Willow had claimed she wanted it to be a surprise, so the theme was kept secret.

But now, every employee of the company was here.

She had even invited high-profile journalists, directors, and investors who were usually impossible to get.

And yet, she told me it was a "last-minute decision."

What a joke.

Once my breathing stabilized, I let out a dry laugh.

"You're overthinking it, CEO. I know my place. I wouldn't dream of questioning your brilliance."

Willow froze, her expression turning complex.

People were passing by in the distance, and some employees glanced toward the shadows.

Willow immediately raised her clutch to hide her face.

She was terrified that someone would see her with me.

Watching her ridiculous behavior, I actually laughed out loud.

"You don't have to do that, Willow. Since I'm clearly not welcome here, I'll leave."

I turned to walk away.

"Enough!"

Willow followed me, still holding the bag against her face.

"Zane, I already explained it to you. What more do you want?"

I was exhausted, so I stopped.

Before I could speak, Xander ran up to us.

He naturally tucked Willow's arm into his, pulling her close.

He shot me a provocative look.

"Willow, Director Miller said he wants me for his new lead. Will you come discuss the details with us?"

Willow hesitated for a moment before looking at me.

"Zane, go home first. Once I'm done helping Xander with this deal, I'll come home to you."

I stared at their intertwined arms. My hands balled into fists.

But in the end, I only whispered a quiet "Okay."

Willow praised me for being "understanding" and then happily walked away with Xander.

Before they were even out of sight, Xander grabbed the back of her head and kissed her.

They didn't pull apart until the reporters swarmed them for photos.

Willow complained with a blush, "Xander is just too clingy, sorry for the display, everyone."

Xander kept his hand on her waist, looking at me like a victor.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I turned and fled from that suffocating place.