Chapter 1

It was our tenth anniversary.

Caleb Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Global, announced his newest fragrance at a massive launch party.

He stood on the stage and told the world the perfume was named "Vivienne's Grace."

Moments later, his secretary, Vivienne Brooks, posted on her social media.

"This is the best birthday gift I've ever received. Thank you, Caleb! I'm so touched!"

Caleb commented right below her post.

"May you stay eighteen forever, uniquely beautiful."

I didn't call him in a frenzy to demand answers like I used to.

Instead, I calmly set my phone down.

After ten years of struggling in this relationship, I was finally exhausted.

1

Caleb walked through the door just as I was finishing my bowl of soup and washing the dishes.

It was the first time I hadn't waited for him to eat.

It was already ten p.m.

He was two hours later than the time he promised in his text.

Caleb bit his lip, looking guilty as he handed me a designer gift box.

"Lyra, happy tenth anniversary."

Inside was the company's newest release―Vivienne's Grace.

"The launch kept me busy, so I forgot to check in with you," he said.

I glanced at the bottle without opening it. I already knew exactly what it smelled like.

The heavy scent of jasmine―Vivienne's signature―was already clinging to Caleb's suit.

It made my head spin.

In the past, I would have thrown my arms around him and kissed him.

I would have posted photos to make everyone else jealous that I had the limited edition first.

But today, looking at Caleb's nervous face, I felt nothing.

"Thanks. Just put it over there," I said flatly.

He looked stunned by my coldness, shifting uncomfortably.

Caleb waited for a while, likely expecting me to bring him a warm meal.

When I didn't move, he walked into the kitchen and saw the empty pot.

"Lyra, didn't you make my favorite chicken soup to settle my stomach?"

Before I married him, I didn't know the first thing about cooking.

But Caleb had a weak stomach.

After we got married, I saw him working late and drinking at business dinners, so I learned to make him healing soups.

I had done it every single day for four years.

This time, I just turned around and poured him a glass of lukewarm water.

"Water works just as well. Remember to wash the glass when you're done."

He frowned at me, clearly confused by the sudden change in my behavior.

It was funny, because I didn't understand why he would betray our marriage either.

Last night, I overheard him on the phone discussing the name for the new perfume.

I thought I heard a name that sounded like mine.

For a moment, I truly believed it was a romantic tribute to our ten years together.

I had told him years ago that I wanted a scent made just for me.

This morning, he told me to stay home and wait for him to pick me up for dinner.

I spent all day getting ready, doing my hair and makeup with a heart full of hope.

He never showed up. Instead, I saw the headlines.

"Sterling Global CEO Caleb Sterling Announces New Limited Edition Fragrance: Vivienne's Grace."

"The CEO says this scent was tailor-made for the love of his life to commemorate a special bond."

The comments were full of people swooning over how romantic he was.

It turned out the name was for Vivienne, not for me.

Then came Vivienne's post with a photo of her clinging to Caleb's arm at the gala.

Caleb's comment about her staying eighteen and beautiful felt like a serrated blade across my heart.

The pain was sharp and constant.

I finished my shower and headed to bed, but Caleb suddenly grabbed my wrist.

His brow was furrowed as he stared at me.

"Are you really going to sleep already?"

Through my thin nightgown, his palm felt scorching. His breathing hitched.

I knew this was his way of trying to make up.

Usually, I would have played along and satisfied him.

But tonight, I was too tired for his games.

I closed my eyes and spoke in a chilly tone. "Not tonight. I'm not feeling well."

I ignored his shocked expression and shut the bedroom door.