Chapter 1

The childhood friend who had promised to let me stand at the center of the world stage actually knelt on one knee and proposed to Olivia Stirling at my graduation ceremony.

Just as I was on the verge of breaking down, the man who controlled the economic lifeblood of half the city—William Astor—publicly handed me a ring.

In these five years of marriage, he treated me like a treasure, never once overstepping or neglecting me.

Until that day, through the heavy oak door of the study, I heard the truth that froze my blood.

"William, Olivia has now achieved both fame and fortune. Are you still going to keep Charlotte by your side?"

"It doesn't matter. I can't marry Olivia anyway. Furthermore, as long as Charlotte exists as 'Mrs. Astor,' the outside rumors won't hurt a hair on Olivia's head."

It turned out that the handwritten letters he cherished in his safe were all addressed to Olivia.

"First, may Olivia be free from gossip, her years peaceful."

"Second, may Olivia's talent endure, her love fearless."

"Olivia, if we are destined to miss each other in this life, I will watch over your radiance from the darkness."

Just like that, the beautiful five-year dream shattered into a floor of broken glass.

I contacted an agency specializing in 'disappearances' and meticulously planned an accidental fall into the sea.

From then on, to the ends of the earth, never to see each other again.

......

After confirming the final details of the escape route, I hung up the encrypted call.

In two more days, I would vanish from this world completely, just as they wished.

Just then, the scent of cold cedar drifted through the air. I looked up instinctively—it was William.

He embraced me gently from behind, his deep voice sounding by my ear: "Who were you talking to?"

"No one, just orchestra business," I replied with a smile, trying my best to control my trembling fingertips.

He dropped a kiss on the crown of my head, his tone gentle: "Why so anxious lately? Let the chef make that French stew you like tonight to warm you up."

For five years of marriage, William had always been like this—perfect, like a pre-programmed machine.

Rumor had it that once a man of the Astor family fell in love, he would be faithful until death.

I, too, had naively thought I was the exception.

But now I finally understood: this marriage had nothing to do with love; it was merely a firewall he had built for Olivia.

Stroking my shoulder, William suddenly said, "By the way, Stirling Manor is hosting a celebration banquet tomorrow. Olivia is pregnant, and her new album has been nominated for a Grammy. You don't need to go; I'll send a gift on your behalf and come back early to keep you company."

"That album... I also—"

Before I could finish, he interrupted me gently but firmly: "You'd better not pay attention to that awards ceremony. Haven't you always said you wanted to go on vacation? This is a perfect chance to stay home and plan your itinerary."

I lowered my eyelids to hide the chill in my eyes.

In all our years of marriage, we never had children. I once thought it was because he was busy with work, but thinking about it now, it's likely just because I wasn't worthy of bearing his offspring.

I guessed he didn't want me at the banquet because he didn't want me to see Olivia receiving applause for music *I* had written.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, seeming not to notice that my heart was already dead ashes.

"The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I've prepared a surprise for you. May my 'Angel' be safe year after year."

I silently repeated the phrase "my Angel" in my heart, suddenly finding it incredibly ironic.

All these years, he always called me "Angel." Only now did I remember that Olivia's middle name was Angela.

It turned out that none of his endearments were ever for me.

"Alright. I've also prepared a special program for my own birthday. Remember to clear your schedule."

He nodded and said, "Of course. Whatever you say, Charlotte."

I looked up and flashed him a radiant smile.

*Oh, William, it really must be hard for you to act so convincingly,* I sneered coldly in my heart.

That night, I stayed awake. I gently moved William's arm off me, but in the process, I accidentally knocked over the antique pocket watch he kept by the bedside.

When I picked it up, I accidentally clicked the cover open.

By the moonlight streaming through the window, I saw a line of tiny cursive script engraved inside the cover: "My eternal love, Olivia."

In that instant, my heart turned to dust.