Chapter 1

Cats were known to sneak out for a bite while men often strayed from fidelity.

Lily Joyner's mind echoed that sentiment as she watched the video of her husband's infidelity for what felt like the hundredth time after receiving it.

The footage showed a woman knocking on Xavier Fulton's hotel suite's door at 11:00 pm. He greeted her, clad in a robe, and invited her in. The door didn't open again until three hours later.

It went perfectly with Xavier's persona.

The timestamp in the corner of the footage was from yesterday. It was his third day on a business trip.

She was probably someone he had called over to ease his loneliness and satisfy his physical needs.

After all, his desires at night were insatiable despite his refined and gentlemanly appearance. She had rarely been free in the two years since she married him.

Did this count as cheating if it was what she had thought?

This didn't count as cheating from the perspective of her mother's teachings. However, a barrier had formed in her heart.

Lily set down her phone and looked at the melting cake before her.

Xavier wasn't one for celebrations. He had never celebrated her birthday with her. Yet, it was his birthday today. She knew he disliked frosting, so she had deliberately learned to make an ice cream cake for him.

He was like a fierce tiger to her. Hence, she had even learned to make a little fondant tiger.

The chill of late autumn seeped through the air. She had been waiting for too long. The cake was starting to melt, and the tiger sat lopsided on top, looking slightly silly.

She wasn't even thinking whether she should eat it or call to ask if he was coming back. She kept thinking about that video so much that she didn't even notice when his car pulled into the driveway.

The unlocking sound of the electronic door lock sounded before the familiar sound of his footsteps approached from afar.

Lily lifted her gaze and saw Xavier stepping out from the dimly lit foyer.

He had narrow brown eyes, a high-bridged nose, and thin lips. He was dressed in a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean waist, exuding an air of elegance and distinction.

It still made her heart race even though she had seen that face daily for the past two years.

He was handsome, well-built, privileged, and competent. Lily simply couldn't find a single flaw in him.

She had fallen for him without question the first time she met him and discovered he was the fiancé promised to her since childhood.

Therefore, she agreed to a secret marriage. She had given up her dreams to become his secret wife, and her days revolved entirely around him. She had turned into a devoted wife like her mother.

However, she was uncertain whether Xavier felt the same way. She recalled that he was the one who stepped in and agreed to honor their engagement two years ago when the Joyner family had plummeted after a failed investment and her father intended to marry her off to an old tycoon for financial aid. Only then was she able to stand here today as his wife.

Therefore, she thought he must have liked her too.

The unknown sender and blurry face made her think the video might only be a misunderstanding.

It was his birthday today. She decided to ask him about it tomorrow.

"Weren't you supposed to be back by six?" Lily stepped forward to take the black blazer Xavier had just taken off. A strong scent of perfume wafted over her.

She was slightly stunned before she lifted her gaze to meet his.

"I was busy with work," he said tersely and glanced at the cake on the table before he frowned slightly.

"Happy birthday!" Lily dismissed her troubling thoughts while appearing gentle and calm. Two small dimples appeared at the corners of her smile. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

His expression remained indifferent as usual. He ignored her friendly gesture as he tugged at his tie twice with his well-defined hand, revealing his tanned chest. "Make me some hangover soup."

She could also smell alcohol besides the strong scent of perfume.

She immediately got up and walked toward the kitchen. "You should go upstairs to wash up first. The bath's ready."

He didn't respond. She turned around and realized he had gone upstairs.

It was not the first time she had been ignored like this. What once left her feeling aggrieved had become something she had grown used to over time.

Her mother had once told her that men were just like that, and she had slowly learned to accept that.

A wave of frustration welled up inside her. It was probably due to the video that she had seen today. It took her a while to suppress those emotions.

She cleaned up the cake as she prepared the hangover soup so it would look less terrible.

He must have been feeling too uncomfortable from drinking to notice her blessing earlier.

She believed he would try the cake once he had the hangover soup.

She picked up her phone and prepared to call him downstairs when the cake was salvaged and the hangover soup was ready.

A news notification popped up the moment her phone screen lit up. "The president of Nova Group threw a lavish birthday bash for the vice president of his company. The two are suspected to be in a romantic relationship."

Lily's heart skipped a beat as she tapped on the notification.

Several photos came into her view.

Xavier was dressed in a shirt with an unbuttoned collar. He was holding a woman's delicate hand with his well-defined hand while cutting a six-tiered cake.

The captions beneath the photo identified the woman in the photo as Sarah Lynde, the vice president of Nova Group.

According to insiders, Xavier had personally planned the birthday bash as a surprise for Sarah.

All of the company's employees had even received birthday bonuses.

Sarah's and Xavier's birthdays were on the same day. They exchanged gifts and sang Happy Birthday together.

He had personally planned it. It was an advanced preparation.

It all happened when he claimed to be busy with work this evening.

He was busy planning Sarah's birthday surprise while Lily was thoughtfully planning a birthday surprise for him.

The gift he chose for Sarah was jewelry from an international brand with a starting price of six figures.

Sarah gave him a tie in return and personally fed him with the cake.

His usually cold expression had softened. His eyes brimmed with tenderness as he looked at her.

Although it was only a few photos, Lily could still recognize that Sarah was the woman in the video who knocked on his hotel suite's door in the dead of night.

Her wavy hair and curvaceous figure were unmistakable.

Lily suddenly remembered something.

Xavier often went on business trips. It was either a couple of days or a week.

He wouldn't answer her calls or reply to her messages during his trips.

Was he spending his time alone with Sarah?

He was wrapped in another woman's embrace while she lay awake at night yearning for him.

It turned out that the video was the truth.

The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. It drained all the color from her face.

She couldn't fathom how long this had been going on between them. All she knew was that she had been played for a fool!

On their wedding day, he asked her to be a full-time housewife before she was willing to give up her dreams for him. His casual remark had kept her bound for two years. However, she finally understood now. What he truly liked was a strong woman like Sarah.

She could no longer deceive herself. She had listened to her mother's advice to endure and tolerate every grievance she had felt in this marriage, but infidelity was the one thing she couldn't endure!

"Help me pack a few things," his cold voice sounded. He descended the stairs with loose strands of hair falling over his forehead. The deep gray loungewear gave him an approachable appearance.

However, his features were shadowed with a hint of exhaustion. He sat beside Lily and drank the soup silently without sparing her a glance.

Her phone was placed on the table. The screen was still active, displaying the photo of Sarah feeding him the cake.

He glanced at it and continued to drink her soup without saying a word.

"Is it a part of your job to celebrate your subordinate's birthday?" Lily couldn't hold back anymore. Her tone was far from pleasant.

This was the first time she had spoken to him in a questioning tone since their wedding.

He frowned and looked at her with an unfathomable expression. "Of course."

"Why have you never mentioned that the vice president who's always with you is a woman?" Her anger flared further at his matter-of-fact tone.

"It's not necessary." He downed the hangover soup before getting up to head upstairs.

His indifference had successfully lit a spark of fury in her chest. She had utterly forgotten what her mother had warned her about the way of marriage at this moment. She got up and blocked his path. "What do you mean not necessary? We're husband and wife. You're spending our shared assets when you throw a birthday bash and buy gifts for another woman. I have every right to know about it and have a say—"

Chapter 2

"What?" Xavier was slightly furious. "I've spent hundreds of thousands on her. Are you expecting me to seek your approval? Did you ever bother to do the math when the Joyner family reaped billions from me?"

Although their marriage was kept secret, Lily knew full well that her family had continuously siphoned resources from him after their marriage.

However, she couldn't comprehend it. "That's different! We're husband and wife. How could she ever compare to me?"

"You're the one who can't compare to her!" The disdain in his eyes was like a barbed blade, stabbing deep into Lily's heart before it was wrenched out. "The money I spent on her yesterday was merely a fraction of her accomplishments. How could you possibly measure up?"

Her heart instantly felt as if it was bleeding and utterly shattered.

The indifference in his eyes was something she had never seen before.

The man who had once lost control in her embrace in bed and whispered sweet nothings in her ears seemed like a stranger to her now.

"Why didn't you marry her instead of me if she's such a wonderful person?" Her voice quivered as tears welled up in her eyes. "Didn't you choose me because you loved me?"

Lily's vision slowly blurred with tears. She could only make out the hazy outline of his face, but the indifferent look on his face was unmistakable. She could see it very clearly.

It was as if he was mocking her innocence and foolishness to believe that he ever loved her.

Xavier's face darkened with impatience. "Are you done talking?"

An irrational woman was beyond reason to him. He walked past her and continued to head upstairs.

His avoidance was the final blow that shattered the last remnants of her composure.

"Let's get a divorce!" She subconsciously closed her eyes as the words escaped her lips. She had mustered every ounce of her strength to say them.

A marriage without love was not something she wanted!

Xavier never dragged Sarah into the conversation and attributed all their issues to her unreasonable behavior. She didn't need to show him the video as it wouldn't change anything.

He wouldn't admit it. She would only end up bringing humiliation upon herself for being abandoned!

"You have 500 thousand dollars a month as your pocket money. All you need to do is tend to the garden and sleep with me. Isn't this kind of treatment good enough?" Xavier stopped before continuing with his brow furrowed so tightly that it could crush a fly, "What are you making a fuss about?"

Her grievances meant nothing but unreasonable to him.

"Treatment?" Warm tears streamed down her cheeks as she met his icy gaze. "Are you looking for a wife or a punching bag?"

Did money and the occasional night together define marriage?

How was this any different from being paid for her company? The only distinction was a piece of paper. Was it a contract that legitimized the transaction of the marriage?

Was that what marriage meant to him?

A realization struck her when she thought of the grand birthday surprise tonight that made everyone envious. This kind of marriage was all she deserved in his eyes!

A mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips. There was a hint of disdain in his dark eyes. "Did I say anything wrong? Do you think you can return home and be the cherished daughter of the Joyner family if we get a divorce? Don't be naive, Lily. Know your place!"

"I have hands and legs. I can survive without going back to them." Lily forced herself to swallow her tears and climbed the stairs ahead of him before she pulled out a white suitcase from the corner and started stuffing it with her clothes.

There was no point in her returning to that family with a detached father and submissive mother. She had long since had enough of it!

Xavier's face tightened. He followed her upstairs but didn't stop her. He looked at her coldly as she packed her things.

It was 4:00 am. The world outside was cloaked in darkness while the room glowed brightly as if it were daylight. Lily's face was pale as she zipped up her suitcase and stepped out of the cloakroom.

Xavier stood there as she walked past him. "Lily, don't expect me to come running after you. I don't have that kind of patience."

"See you at the courthouse at nine tomorrow morning." Lily's heart trembled once again at his words.

She could feel the tone of annoyance and disdain in his voice.

"I'm busy these days. Schedule an appointment with my assistant if you want a divorce. Don't accuse me of being heartless. If you change your mind before then, I can pretend none of this ever happened." Xavier glanced back to see that she had packed her suitcase to the brim.

She had taken the framed photos of herself from the bedside table and the two small stuffed toys.

He felt displeased. It felt like a valued employee of his was resigning. How ungrateful of her!

Did he ever not give her what she wanted? He had never restricted her spending and trusted her to manage everything at home in their two years of marriage.

He couldn't fathom what had driven her to this, but he was certain she would return.

The Joyner family wouldn't allow her to get a divorce. She would be forced to return once she went back home.

He also didn't take it seriously when she claimed that she could stand on her own feet.

How could she handle the 9-to-5 grind when she had been raised in comfort all along?

His mood was still worse even with those thoughts when he watched her resolute retreating figure.

He walked out of the bedroom and stood by the second-floor railing. He saw her grabbing the car keys in the foyer and said in a lowered voice, "I bought that car for you."

The car wasn't expensive, costing only around 200 thousand dollars. Xavier had indeed bought it for her.

He had bought it for her when she first started learning to drive. She didn't dare drive an expensive car as she worried that she might leave any scrapes or bumps on it. Therefore, she chose a cheaper model, and Xavier paid for it with his money.

He could give Sarah a gift worth hundreds of thousands but was unwilling to give her this car that was only worth around 200 thousand dollars.

It was late autumn now. The wind howled outside the window, and the withered leaves were scattered across the ground, creating an air of desolation.

Lily felt a deep chill within her. She tightened her grip on the car keys and steadied her breath before tossing them in the foyer and walking out with her suitcase.

The night wind swept over her as soon as she stepped outside, tossing her long dark hair in disarray. Her slender figure slowly faded into the dim landscape.

Xavier looked at her silhouette intently until the door was closed. His eyes trembled slightly before he turned back to return to the bedroom and stared out of the floor-to-ceiling window at her solitary figure under the streetlight.

Their villa was on the outskirts. It was an hour's drive from the city.

She wouldn't make it far without a car or bus.

His belief was unwavering. However, it began to crack as the time passed before it was utterly shattered.

Lily braved the biting wind and walked on with her suitcase until she disappeared from his sight.

Xavier sneered. She wasn't only an ungrateful person in his eyes now but was also foolishly prideful.

…

Lily only called her best friend, Maryanne Devereux, after she walked out of the outskirts.

She had been walking against the biting wind for an hour. Her lashes were dusted with frost by the time Marryane arrived.

Her hands on the suitcase were red and chapped from the cold.

Maryanne jumped out of the car and pushed her into it before tossing her suitcase into the trunk and sliding into the driver's seat.

She had only mentioned on the phone that she was divorcing Xavier, and Maryanne had a million questions.

However, she didn't know where to begin when she saw her devastated appearance.

The car's heater was turned on to the highest. The warmth quickly melted the frost clinging to Lily's lashes and brows.

A layer of mist formed around her eyes. The heart she once thought unbreakable crumbled instantly as tears streamed down her face.

The large teardrops fell onto her reddened hand. They seared her skin.

Chapter 3

"Lily, is it because of the birthday party he threw for Sarah that you two argued?"

The news had made it to the trending topics, so Maryanne knew about it.

"It wasn't an argument. We're getting a divorce." Lily's eyes were vacant, but her tone was resolute.

Maryanne couldn't help but frown as she probed in a lowered voice, "Didn't you ask him about it? Could it be a misunderstanding?"

"Look at this for yourself, and you'll know if it was a misunderstanding." Lily took out her phone and clicked on the video before handing it over.

She hadn't confronted him about the affair, but his attitude alone spoke volumes!

Maryanne glanced at the video cover and quickly pulled the car to the roadside.

"Unbelievable!" Her temper matched her long fiery red hair. "Xavier cheated on you! Doesn't he feel any guilt? How could he still have the audacity to make you leave home in the middle of the night? He's the one who should be walking away with nothing!"

Lily took her phone back. "I didn't confront him on this matter."

Maryanne was baffled. "Why not? We have the proof. What are you afraid of?"

"I'm the one who'll end up being humiliated if things turn ugly."

What exactly could she change even if she exposed Xavier's infidelity?

Would he be kicked out with nothing?

That was impossible.

The Joyner family couldn't go up against the Fulton family. Her parents wouldn't side with her either.

After all, they still needed the Fulton family's support.

Maryanne opened her mouth as if to say something but held back eventually and started driving again.

The Devereux family was also considered prominent in Jadeford. Maryanne's family bought her an apartment after she'd graduated from college.

It was a luxurious studio apartment in the heart of the city.

It was nearly dawn by the time they arrived at the apartment.

Lily set down her suitcase and sat on the couch before getting lost in thought.

Maryanne noticed her desolate expression and asked, "So, what's your plan now?"

"I'll need to schedule an appointment for the divorce with Xaiver's assistant first." Lily paused before continuing, "After that, I'll have to find a job to support myself."

500 thousand dollars a month as pocket money was crazy. Most people wouldn't even be able to spend it all in two years.

However, Lily had to tend to Xavier's lifestyle by ensuring he had only the best in every aspect of life.

She also had to buy gifts for the Fulton family's elders during weekly family dinners at Fulton Manor.

She barely had anything left.

All she had in her account was 50 thousand dollars.

"Come help me at the restaurant before you find a job!" Maryanne didn't want to leave her alone at the house with her spiraling thoughts. But she did genuinely need help. "The pianist I booked canceled on me!"

Maryanne was managing a few upscale restaurants for her family. She would regularly invite well-known pianists to perform at the restaurant every day.

Lily had learned to play piano from a young age and was at the tenth-grade level. She could match any professional pianist.

She understood Maryanne's true intentions. It was better to keep herself occupied and distract her from overthinking. "Alright."

Maryanne was too busy with work to keep her company at home. "Get some sleep now. Just head over to the restaurant in the East District in the afternoon. I'll be busy, so I won't be able to pick you up."

"Got it. Go on and do what you have to do." Lily and Maryanne shared a tight bond. The two of them had been friends since kindergarten.

They went their separate ways during college, but their friendship remained unbreakable.

Their bond only grew stronger as the Joyner family declined.

Lily would always be herself when she was with her.

After sending Maryanne off, she called Xavier's assistant, Timothy Snyder, to schedule a meeting.

"Mrs. Fulton, are you joking?" Timothy was stunned momentarily before saying, "Why don't you wait and talk to Mr. Fulton when he comes home tonight?"

"I'm calling to schedule a divorce," Lily said tersely.

An inexplicable ache spread through her chest as the words left her mouth. Her eyes were misted with unshed tears.

However, she lifted her head and pretended to be strong.

Timothy drew in a sharp breath. "Mr. Fulton's schedule is fully booked this week!"

"Next week then." Lily forced the words out as she gripped the edge of her shirt tightly.

"I'll check the schedule when I return to the company and get back to you." Timothy dared not simply make arrangements without permission. He immediately called Xavier after he hung up the phone.

Xavier ended up hearing Lily's scheduled plans with Timothy instead of seeing her return home as he had expected.

He felt a surge of anger rising in his chest and was so furious that he laughed. "Unbelievable!"

Timothy sensed his displeasure and immediately caught on. "I'll make an excuse to drag this as long as possible."

"That's not necessary!" A mocking and sarcastic smile curled at the corner of his lips. "Set it for a week from now!"

If he dragged it, it would appear as if he was reluctant to get a divorce. She would come back begging him in three days!

Timothy instantly called Lily back. "He will see you at the courthouse next Wednesday at nine in the morning."

Lily was exhausted, yet she couldn't sleep.

A wave of bitterness surged within her after she ended the call with Timothy.

She lay on her bed and felt her heart drum in her chest.

She could no longer hold back as warm tears streamed down her face from the corners of her eyes as they soaked her pillow.

The tiny glimmer of hope she had somewhat felt the moment she received Timothy's call dissolved into nothing.

Her heart sank even deeper.

What exactly was she expecting? Was she hoping that Xavier would refuse the divorce and apologize?

He wasn't someone who would admit to his mistakes, and she could never tolerate her husband cheating!

Two years wasn't a long time. However, her world had revolved entirely around him for the past two years!

The dedication she poured into their marriage was beyond measure.

She couldn't even remember what her life had been like before she married him.

Lily had suppressed her turbulent emotions and put on light makeup before heading to the restaurant at East District that evening.

She encountered heavy traffic on her way. The restaurant was already buzzing with guests when she arrived.

Maryanne knew she was about to arrive. Therefore, she waited for her at the restaurant's entrance.

She stepped forward when she saw her getting out of the cab. "I forgot you don't have a car."

"It's alright." Lily followed her into the restaurant.

Maryanne had prepared her a gown and led her to the changing room. "You didn't look quite well. Did you not rest?"

The light makeup did nothing to hide Lily's pallor. She shook her head and said, "I'm fine."

She changed into the gown Maryanne had prepared and lifted the hem as she walked to the center of the hall where the imported piano was located and sat down.

There was sheet music on the stand.

Lily took a deep breath before posing her delicate hands over the piano keys. The melodic notes soon filled every corner of the restaurant.

A white-clad figure sat in a private room near the upstairs window and glanced downstairs at the sound before leaning forward and murmuring something to the foreign man seated across from him.

A waiter approached Lily five minutes later as the piece concluded. "Ms. Joyner, a gentleman in the private room has requested you to play a love song upstairs."

There was another piano in the private room. It was so expensive that Maryanne never allowed other pianists to touch it.

However, she trusted Lily and immediately agreed to the customer's request.

Lily lifted the hem of her gown and went upstairs. The waiter pushed the door open, and she slowly stepped into the room.

The bright and golden light added a touch of romance and elegance to the space.

A rich burgundy tablecloth covered the square table, and the glow from the wine glasses cast a shimmering reflection over the three people seated there.

Lily immediately froze in her place when her gaze met Xavier's deep eyes.

Chapter 4

Xavier wore a crisp, sharp black tailored suit. He had short hair and refined features.

His sleeves were rolled up. It was just enough to reveal the Celestix watch on his wrist.

Every gesture of his exuded the air of a successful man.

Beside him sat Sarah in a white suit. Her long hair was styled in loose waves cascading behind her shoulders.

She carried an air of confidence that softened with a hint of femininity beside Xavier.

A foreign man who looked to be in his 40s or 50s sat across from them.

This wasn't a romantic date for the two but a business meeting with the client.

Yet, Lily's heart somehow trembled at the sight of the scene.

They turned their attention toward her too as she observed them.

Xavier's eyes immediately narrowed slightly.

Lily was dressed in a casual burgundy gown. Her long wavy hair draped over her shoulders.

Her face held a pure innocence and a touch of allure. The two contrasting qualities blended seamlessly with her.

He knew she was beautiful, but he hadn't expected this level of beauty.

He had never brought her to any formal event in the two years of their marriage. The most he had seen her in was her loungewear at home.

A flash of awe flickered in his eyes at the sight of her tonight.

She must have learned of his whereabouts from Timothy to stage this coincidental encounter.

A faint trace of mockery curled at the corners of his lips. He had seen right through her little schemes.

"Mr. Fulton, did you know her?" the foreign man asked when he noticed Xavier's gaze linger on Lily.

Xavier averted his gaze. His tone was indifferent. "No, I don't know her."

Did she expect him to make it easy for her just because she came to him? Impossible.

He exuded an air of indifference that struck Lily square in the face.

His words shattered her heart into pieces.

She bit her lip slightly and forced herself to stay composed. She couldn't leave now, not after she had just walked in.

The people who dined at this restaurant were either influential or wealthy. It would damage the restaurant's reputation if she caused a scene and drew unwanted attention.

Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her gown, but she took a deep breath and walked to the piano.

They had requested her to play the famous piece—Canon.

The lyrics represented a man's admiration and love for a woman.

Lily stared at the sheet music for a long time before beginning to play.

She wasn't sure who had requested the piece.

However, the foreign man teased Xavier. "Mr. Fulton, having such a remarkable woman like Ms. Lynde by your side is truly a treasure!"

"She's indeed remarkable." A smile curled at the corners of Xavier's lips as he praised Sarah without hesitation.

Sarah smiled and said gracefully, "I certainly wasn't who I am today when I started my job. It's all thanks to Xavier's guidance."

The low notes of the intro played softly, yet the pleasant music couldn't mask their conversation.

Lily knew the piece by heart, so she didn't need to glance at the sheet music.

Her gaze subconsciously drifted to the three at the table.

Xavier leaned slightly toward Sarah with his hand resting on the back of her chair.

Sarah occasionally conversed with the foreign man and discussed their collaborations in a fluent foreign language. She would occasionally turn to murmur a few words to Xavier.

Lily was familiar with the language that they were speaking but unfamiliar with the jargon words.

Xavier and Sarah were so in sync. Sometimes, all they needed was a glance to understand each other's thoughts.

They handled the foreign man with effortless ease.

It felt like an eternity for her in those short five minutes.

Her hands came to a halt as she finished playing. The echoes of the music faded as their conversation at the table grew clearer again.

"You two are truly a perfect match!" The foreign man hadn't gained any advantages in their negotiations, yet he was more than willing to shower them with praise.

Xavier subconsciously frowned at his words.

However, he was a foreigner who was unfamiliar with their local language. He didn't realize that this phrase wasn't quite fitting to them.

Therefore, Xavier felt that there was no need to explain.

Sarah smiled brightly. "You flatter us, Mr. McKay."

There was a little twitching movement at the corners of Lily's lips as she averted her gaze from Xavier.

He probably found her an embarrassment. He hadn't looked her way again after that one glance when she entered the room.

It was as if he was afraid that even a moment of attention would reveal her identity as his wife and embarrass him.

Although Maryanne cherished this piano and rarely allowed other pianists to touch it, they were merely inferior and meant to serve their amusement in the eyes of these wealthy people.

She should leave now. Yet, she stared dazedly at Xavier as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. She just sat there somehow until Sarah got up and approached her with her wallet.

She handed her a stack of money. It was likely over a thousand dollars.

"You played well. Here's a tip from me and my boyfriend," Sarah said in a lowered voice.

Boyfriend. A tip.

A sharp pain filled Lily's heart as she looked at Sarah.

She met her seemingly calm yet triumphant gaze.

Sarah knew who she was and might even have been behind the anonymous message of the video she had received.

She could endure Xavier's treatment of her but couldn't tolerate Sarah's secret provocation.

"Why are you still here? What are you waiting for?" Xavier's voice cut in just as she moved her lips and was about to say something.

He shot her a warning glance.

She wouldn't have come here to meet him if she knew her place. She should have simply gone home and apologized.

Lily's heart trembled slightly as she caught the look in his eyes. She took the money from Sarah before she got up and left.

Sarah's confidence came from Xavier. There was no way she could outmatch that.

She wouldn't degrade herself further just for her pride, at least she got the money.

Lily returned to the hall and continued performing until her shift ended at 10:00 pm.

She changed out of her gown and waited at the entrance for Maryanne to get the car.

The night was slightly cold during autumn. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and drew her jacket higher against the chill as she gazed at the empty street.

Xavier walked over from behind her and stopped beside her. He took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips.

He gave her a sidelong glance. "Don't come looking for me in places like this in the future. If there's something to discuss, we'll do it at home."

Lily glanced to the side. The man beside her stood a head taller. The streetlight above cast a golden glow around him.

His well-defined features were striking and his sharp jawline was accentuated as he held his cigarette between his teeth.

A lazy yet aristocratic charm surrounded him, washing over Lily and making her numb heart feel almost like it was brought back to life.

Yet, the more she felt alive, the more painfully aware she became of the ache within her.

She was probably so insignificant in his eyes that he was certain she had been here because of him.

"You've misunderstood. I'm here to help Maryanne." She shifted slightly to the side to maintain a distance between them.

She was stubborn as always! Xavier's eyes darkened as a faint wisp of smoke escaped his thin lips.

"Whatever the reason, don't show up here again and embarrass me!"

"We're married in secret. No one knows I'm your wife. We can get a divorce tomorrow if it bothers you that much."

His harsh words struck Lily's heart with a deep ache.

In the stillness of the night, a heavy tension filled the space between the two people who had once shared an intimate relationship as husband and wife.

Chapter 5

Xavier suddenly let out a mocking smile. He pressed his tongue against his cheek in amusement. "Are you trying to play hard to get? That doesn't work for me. You'll regret it someday!"

Lily turned her head away. She worried that he would notice her gradually reddening eyes.

Henry McKay walked out from behind him. "Mr. Fulton, I look forward to our collaboration."

Xavier's sarcastic expression which only appeared in front of Lily vanished as he turned to Henry with a smile. "Likewise. Feel free to stay a few extra days here, I'll let Sarah show you around."

Henry laughed heartily. "Oh, I wouldn't dare take her from you. I'll leave her with you!"

Sarah drove over and stepped out of the car before she walked up the stairs and stood beside Xavier. Instead, she spoke to Henry. "Mr. McKay, let me take you to the hotel so you can rest."

Henry was flattered. "It's my pleasure. Thank you, Ms. Lynde!"

Xavier leaned slightly toward Sarah and rested his hand on her waist as he said, "Drive safely."

Sarah nodded before leaving with Henry without sparing Lily a glance.

It was as if she didn't recognize her in different clothes, or maybe she was deliberately pretending not to know her.

Lily pursed her lips as she watched their retreating figures.

It was her first time meeting Sarah, and she couldn't deny that she was truly a remarkable woman.

Was this the kind of woman Xavier preferred?

The admiration in his eyes when he looked at Sarah was something Lily had never seen before.

She couldn't even fathom how he saw herself.

He made no effort to hide his special regard for Sarah in front of her. What did that leave her?

She lowered her head slightly, revealing a glimpse of her elegant neck. Her ears had turned pink from their argument earlier.

Xavier's gaze toward her burnt uncontrollably with desire.

Her appearance looked stunning tonight. It left an unforgettable impression on him.

His throat tightened before he took a few steps closer and pulled the car keys from his pocket. His attitude remained condescending. "Did you drive here?"

He purposely asked that, intending to offer her a chance to take her home.

However, Lily didn't seize the opportunity as he expected. "It has nothing to do with you whether I drove or not apart from our impending divorce."

Xavier's expression immediately hardened. He was irritated.

Every word he spoke was his way of offering her a way out, yet she was unappreciative of his kind intentions!

"Lily, you've worn out my patience. Don't push your luck!" His tone now was worlds apart from how he had just spoken with Sarah.

Lily was nearly consumed by a surge of negative emotions after seeing the difference in his treatment.

Her throat tightened, and she couldn't utter a word while a layer of mist gathered in her eyes.

"Where's the rat?" Maryanne burst onto the scene with a loud voice and circled Lily. She spoke with a frightened expression and made sure Xavier could hear her. "Why didn't you run from the rat? Aren't you afraid it'll bite you?"

Maryanne was spoiled from a young age by her parents and older brother. There was no one in Jadeford's business circle she wouldn't dare to confront.

Although the Devereux family wasn't as powerful as the Fulton family, they had close business ties.

Xavier would show some respect to the Devereux family and not hold it against her.

Maryanne acted fearlessly based on that.

She would always seize the opportunity to jab at him whenever Lily was upset because of his neglect.

However, those were just minor antics. She had never shown him such blatant disrespect as this time.

Lily feared she might irritate Xavier, so she pulled her and turned around to leave. "Maryanne, let's go."

Maryanne glared at Xavier. Her lips moved, but she didn't utter a word. However, her expression made it clear that she was mouthing something vulgar.

The two of them reached the car. Lily had gotten into the car, but Maryanne still felt dissatisfied.

She rolled down her window and shouted at Xavier, "Xavier, you hound! Lily will be a great designer one day! She's out of your league!"

Lily gasped in shock and frantically leaned over to close the window as she urged her to drive off.

The car pulled away from the spot.

Maryanne's words echoed in Xavier's ears as the vibrant lights of the bustling street reflected in his hawk-like eyes.

After a long while, he took out his phone and called Timothy. "What was my wife's major in college?"

There was a few seconds of silence before Timothy replied, "Interior design!"

"Keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't get a job at any design firm."

Xavier saw no problem with his actions.

The Devereux family was wealthy and powerful enough to support Lily for her lifetime.

Since Lily refused to play by the rules, he saw no reason to go easy on her.

He wasn't bullying her. He was helping her to get back on track before it was too late!

…

"What are you afraid of?" Maryanne was driving as she flew into a rage.

"You're his wife! He and his mistress shouldn't have the upper hand over you!"

Lily wanted to say that being his wife was beginning to feel like a joke. "It wasn't wise to offend Xavier, whether it was for the sake of myself or the Joyner family."

Their divorce would be much more complicated if a scandal erupted in the Fulton family.

It wouldn't just be between the two of them at that point. It would involve both families.

"Lily, have you told your family about the divorce?" Maryanne stopped the car at the traffic light and turned to ask her.

Lily shook her head. "Not yet."

Her family relied heavily on the Fultons. Her father would be the first to disapprove if he knew about the divorce!

Her mother was compliant. She would echo her father's wishes and constantly remind her to be the perfect wife.

Lily had always believed that Xavier liked her and that he was merely not good with words.

Besides, her mother's constant remarks had led her to endure his indifference for two long years.

She felt she had been foolish after discovering his affairs!

No one in her family understood her feelings, so she had to settle the divorce before they found out.

"Then let's be quiet for now. We'll get the divorce done first! Have you drafted the divorce agreement?" Maryanne was still indignant. "Don't you even think about walking away with nothing! You should ask for a car, a house, or a few million dollars!"

"I… I'll think about it!" Lily had never thought about this.

Maryanne knew her mind must be in turmoil now, so she didn't press her further.

She brought her home and prepared supper for her. She even planned to take her out all night to blow off steam.

However, Lily refused as she sat on the couch with her laptop in her arms. "I need to send out resumes and get a job as soon as possible."

Maryanne thought for a while before asking, "Do you need my help?"

Lily could skip the application process if Maryanne helped her.

"It's fine. I'm confident I can find a job on my own." Lily refused to make use of her connections. She was confident that she could find a job on her own.

She wasn't being boastful.

Her award-winning college project ensured many positive responses to her applications despite her lack of work experience and having been out of the design field for two years.

The success of her first step filled her with a surge of motivation and rekindled her fighting spirit.

She was accompanied by Maryanne the next morning to purchase formal wear to prepare for her interview.

Xavier would occasionally surface in her thoughts even though she was busy.

However, the image of Sarah would appear together with him.

She hadn't interacted with Sarah much, but she always made Lily feel inadequate whenever she thought of her.

A sharp and relentless ache filled her heart. That pain had driven her to enter the workforce quickly by finding a suitable job to prove herself and break free from their shadow. Yet, it also left her feeling constantly unsettled.

She couldn't help but wonder that she might have carved out her success by now if she hadn't married Xavier.

Several companies scheduled her for interviews on Friday.

She had arrived at the first company at 9:00 am. She waited for questions from the interviewer after introducing herself.

"Ms. Joyner, what have you been doing for the past two years?" the interviewer asked.

Lily wasn't surprised. She had anticipated questions about the gap in her resume. She felt slightly ashamed. "I… got married."

The interviewer spoke regretfully. "There's a prime time for job hunting. We would have welcomed you if you had applied right after graduation. But now—I'm sorry."

It was a polite way of saying no.

She had braced herself for rejection, but she was puzzled. "You haven't even asked me any questions related to the role. Are you turning me down simply because I lack experience and am married?"

Chapter 6

Lily was prepared for rejection due to lack of work experience but couldn't accept being turned down for shallow reasons.

All this information was already on her resume. Why did they even bother arranging an interview if it was a problem?

"Our company has its hiring policies. You're married without children. You might start planning a family as soon as you're hired. Maternity leave, parental leave… the company can't afford to keep employees who may be frequently absent." The interviewer stood up and motioned for the assistant to escort her out.

Lily chalked it up to bad luck, figuring she was only there to make up the numbers. She then gathered her things and left.

However, she was rejected for the same reason at the second and third companies.

It was even worse when she arrived at the fourth and fifth companies. Their receptionists simply told her that the positions had been filled and rejected her to participate in the interviews.

Her initial confidence had deflated in an instant.

She returned to Maryanne's apartment later that evening.

The aroma of home-cooked food filled the house as she walked in. Maryanne was dancing around with a small chocolate cake in hand.

"Congratulations, Ms. Joyner! Here's to landing a job and becoming a great designer! Let Xavier the Hound regret ever letting you go!"

Lily paused while changing her shoes with her face showing a hint of defeat as embarrassment washed over her.

Maryanne sensed something amiss and placed the cake on the table in the foyer before walking to her. "What is it?"

Lily forced a smile and tried to appear unfazed before shaking her head. "You bought the cake for nothing. I didn't get the job."

"How could that be possible?" Maryanne was shocked. "You got to the interviews! That's already halfway to success. Besides, you graduated from a prestigious college. You even won an award. You've got real skills even though you lack work experience. Those companies must be blind not to hire you!"

Lily had slipped on her slippers and pulled her to the table before sitting down. "Maybe it's just bad luck. I have two more interviews on Monday. It takes time to find a job."

However, she couldn't help but feel disheartened. Sarah was around her age and already the vice president of Nova Group while she was struggling just to get her foot in the door.

"Which two companies are you interviewing with on Monday?" Maryanne's eyes lit up with curiosity as she got up to get the little cake in the foyer.

"Voltis and Lupier." These two companies were very famous in Jadeford.

The companies Lily visited today were decent, but they were nothing near the level of these two giants.

Her hope felt slim after she had faced multiple rejections today, but she had to hold onto it.

She failed to notice Maryanne's odd behaviors as she was distracted by her low spirits.

Maryanne carried over the cake and pretended nothing was wrong as she cheered her up.

Lily joined in the laughter and small talk to show she was fine.

Maryanne quickly took out her phone and dialed a number once they were alone in their rooms. "Terence, do you know the boss of either Voltis or Lupier?"

The two companies were too big for her connections to reach. She could only call in a favor.

A man's gentle and sleepy voice came through on the other end of the phone. "Maryanne, it's three in the morning over here."

Maryanne pouted. "Whose fault is that for staying abroad for the past two years? There'd be no time difference if you'd stayed. Come on, help me out. Lily will be having two interviews with these two companies on Monday. Could you pull a few strings?"

"Who?" Terence Devereux's voice suddenly sharpened with alertness. "Lily? She's looking for a job? Would Xavier even allow that?"

"Don't mention that hound!" Maryanne was exasperated. "Lily's divorcing him. She needs a job."

Terence asked, "Divorce? Wh…"

Maryanne was running out of patience. "Stop asking questions! Just tell me if you can help me or not!"

"I got it," Terence murmured earnestly before hanging up.

"What did you mean by that?" Maryanne looked at her slowly dimming screen and was puzzled.

Did that mean he agreed?

…

Lily was jolted awake by a phone call early Saturday morning.

She grabbed her phone from under her pillow and answered without even checking who was the person calling. "Who is it?"

"Lily, I'm at your front door. I made some soup for you and Xavier. Come down and get it."

The familiar voice on the other end of the phone made her open her eyes instantly.

She looked at the screen and realized it was Xavier's father, Shane Fulton.

"Shane, you didn't have to bring it yourself. We'll drink it when we come over tonight." She stumbled out of bed with her messy hair and scrambling mind.

She and Xavier would return to Fulton Manor to attend the family dinner every Saturday.

Shane smiled warmly. "Tamara and I have a dinner to attend this evening, and Mom isn't home, so both of you don't need to come over today. The soup had been prepared in advance. I made this soup myself and thought I could bring it for you both."

"Well, I'm not home right now. Could you leave it at the door?" Lily got out of the bed and headed to the cloakroom. Her voice was shaky with the little white lie.

Xavier was nothing like his father. Shane was gentle, elegant, and amiable. He always cooked for them at the family dinner every Saturday.

On the other hand, Xavier's mother was strict and never smiled.

"Alright. I've also left a document for you to take to Nova Group. Remind Xavier to look after himself no matter how busy he gets, and Lily, thank you for looking after him…"

Shane carefully explained everything in detail. He always took on the motherly role in the family and was often concerned about Xavier's health.

He treated Lily kindly too.

Everyone in the Fulton family treated her quite well.

The thought of the upcoming divorce pained her. She didn't know how to tell them.

Her throat tightened when he mentioned taking the item to Nova Group. She didn't immediately agree.

The scene of Xavier and Sarah being so close and intimate was still vivid in her mind. She had no desire to see that again.

However, she couldn't refuse if she didn't want them to notice the problem between her and Xavier.

"Lily, are you listening?" Shane called out to her when she didn't respond.

Lily quickly responded, "Yes, Shane. I heard you. I'll head to Nova Group now and bring him the document."

Shane remained a few seconds of silence at her words before asking, "What are you up to so early? Is something wrong? Isn't Xavier with you?"

"I… A friend of mine needed some help. Xavier is busy, so I didn't want to bother him."

She hadn't expected him to be so attentive. It caught her off guard.

But what startled her even more was his next question. "Your car is at home. How did you get out?"

Lily swallowed nervously and quickly replied, "My friend came to pick me up."

There was a moment of silence on the line.

Shane finally said after a moment, "Alright then. You don't need to freak out. I was just asking in case there was something you felt uncomfortable telling us."

"Everything's fine." She breathed a sigh of relief and ended the call.

After changing her clothes and freshening up, she hurried to the house she shared with Xavier to collect the thermos and the document before heading to Nova Group.

She had taken a cab there. The driver waited for her outside the villa before driving her to Nova Group.

The driver saw her carrying the thermos and the document and asked, "Young lady, are you the housekeeper here?"

"Something like that." There was a hint of self-depreciation in her tone.

She noticed earlier that the car she often drove was parked in the yard. It was already covered in a layer of dust after only a few days.

Soon, it would be nothing but a piece of worthless scrap metal. Xavier would rather let it rust than let her have it.

Perhaps she meant even less to him than a housekeeper.

They had arrived at the Nova Group building before she knew it.

Chapter 7

The towering building stretched endlessly into the sky. Lily nearly strained her neck as she took it all in.

She had never been to Nova Group before.

She knew the Joyner family could never compare to the Fulton family.

She stood before the imposing skyscraper and watched the stream of employees going in and out before she realized it wasn't a matter of comparison. There was simply no comparison to be made.

Even at its peak, the Joyner family couldn't measure up to the Fulton family.

There were many female employees here. Even the receptionists wore business suits and flawless makeup.

It was no wonder Xavier looked down on a housewife like her after spending most of his time in a place like this even though she had taken on that role for his sake.

Lily pursed her lips slightly as a heavy sense of inadequacy weighed on her.

She stood in the corner and called Timothy.

"Mrs. Fulton."

"Mr. Snyder, I'm downstairs. Could you please…" She didn't plan to enter and hoped Timothy could take the items to Xavier instead.

Timothy interrupted her before she could finish. "I'm in a meeting. I'll send someone down to escort you."

Lily opened her mouth and was about to say something, "No, I…"

The line clicked off, leaving her stunned.

Timothy's assistant appeared in less than two minutes and respectfully invited her to go upstairs.

"You can just pass these to Xavier for me." Lily handed over the document and thermos.

"Miss, we're not allowed to touch any documents that are supposed to be delivered directly to Mr. Fulton. You have to bring it up yourself." Timothy's assistant smiled apologetically and gestured for her to enter the building.

She had no choice but to follow suit.

…

Xavier had just wrapped up a meeting with a frustrated look in the president's office. His brow furrowed tightly as he yanked at his tie with his well-defined hand.

"Mr. Fulton, Mrs. Fulton is here." Timothy entered the room and placed a document on his table.

Xavier paused in his movements. His brows softened a little with a trace of mockery in his deep eyes.

She had held her ground last night, but there she was today, coming to him willingly.

He had no intention of refusing her. He pressed his fingertips against his chin and seemed lost in thought.

"Shall I reschedule the meeting that is about to start in ten minutes?" Timothy asked.

Xavier pondered momentarily before saying, "Push it back half an hour."

He wouldn't forgive her easily just because she had come to admit her mistakes no matter what.

He had to take her down a notch to prevent her from making the same mistake again, and ten minutes wouldn't suffice.

"Okay." Timothy immediately took out his phone and prepared to notify all departments of the delay.

Lily had followed Timothy's assistant up in a standard elevator that stopped frequently at each floor. It took them quite some time to reach the top.

"Is Xavier in his office?" she asked.

"Mr. Fulton is especially busy these days with back-to-back meetings. I heard from Mr. Snyder that he's been practically living here and even holding international conferences at night. It's been quite a schedule…" Timothy's assistant was meandering off-topic and completely not answering her questions.

However, Lily was distracted by him. Her brows furrowed deeper at his words.

Xavier had stomach issues due to his irregular meals whenever he was busy with work.

"We're here." Timothy's assistant halted in his tracks. "Please go on, miss. I'll leave you to it."

He had disappeared down the hall before she could respond.

She looked at the dark wooden doors before her as she felt an air of intimidation.

Images of Xavier dressing in a sharp suit and exuding confidence flashed through her mind as she imagined him walking through those doors.

She planned to leave the items and walk out no matter what he said. She would pretend not to hear him.

With that in mind, she pushed the doors open.

The office was painted in shades of dark gray. It was aloof and refined with an understated luxury.

A full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the entire office in morning light.

The air was filled with Xavier's subtle scent that lingered around her nose and stirred up memories that surfaced at the most inopportune moment.

She remembered the warmth of his large hands on her slender waist during their moments of intimacy. All she could see was his muscular, tanned, and defined chest.

Only in those rare moments of intimacy did she feel his true presence and smell the scent of his body.

However, the office was empty. He wasn't there.

Suddenly, it felt like her heart had been hollowed out as an inexplicable emptiness washed over her.

Was he truly busy, or did he know she had come and decided not to see her?

Although she hadn't planned on seeing him, she still felt uncontrollably disappointed when he wasn't there.

She took a deep breath and regained her composure after standing in the center of the room for a while before walking over to his desk.

She set down the thermos and the document on the table. Her gaze drifted uncontrollably to one of the sleeves of the suit jacket that draped over the edge of the desk.

The jacket looked rumpled and faintly smelled of smoke. He always had a strong dislike for anything dirty. He would always ask Timothy to bring her some fresh clothes from home no matter how busy he was.

She would iron all his clothes to keep them ready for any occasion he might need them.

Lily was still debating whether to take the jacket home for cleaning when her hand had already picked it up.

The jacket rested on her arm when she came to her senses as if she had decided to take it.

She was frustrated with herself for the reflex. The office door suddenly swung open just when she was about to put it back. She turned toward the sound.

Sarah was dressed in a black blouse with two buttons undone. Her glowing skin and cleavage were extremely eye-catching.

The length of her short skirt was above her knees. Her long, slender legs were wrapped in sheer black stockings. She looked alluring and elegant.

She also exuded an air of professional confidence that was hard for any man to resist.

"Who let you in here?" Sarah walked over as if she didn't know her and took the jacket from her hand.

Sarah's gaze flicked to the thermos and document on the table as she asked, "Are you one of the Fulton family's household staff?"

Lily was quite tall. Sarah had to wear heels just to stand at the same height as her.

Her hand suddenly felt empty as her gaze swept over the jacket that had been snatched away before her expression gradually darkened.

On top of Sarah's words, she could no longer hold back. "No."

Sarah looked like she was unwilling to speak to her further. "I don't care who you are. You're not allowed to come directly to Xavier's office and touch his things in the future."

With that, she turned around and entered the lounge.

The door to the lounge was wide open, revealing a disheveled double bed directly in view. His white shirt, black trousers, and dark blue boxers were strewn across the foot of the bed.

Sarah picked up each item and placed them in the bathroom before straightening the bedding.

A pair of black sheer stockings and a leopard-print bra beneath the blanket suddenly came into Lily's view and caught her off guard.

She held her breath as all color drained from her face.

Xavier wasn't busy at all.

He still had the time to mess around with Sarah in the lounge during his spare time!

"Why are you still here?" Sarah threw the sheer stockings and bra into the bathroom before walking out.

She frowned when she saw that Lily hadn't left.

Lily pointed at the document. "I need to hand this directly to Xavier."

"You can just pass it to me." There was a trace of hostility in Sarah's gaze as she looked at her.

This version of Sarah was nothing like the gentle and shy woman she had appeared to be in front of Xavier at the restaurant entrance.

She acted like the lady of the house in Xavier's office which made Lily feel deeply aggrieved as the rightful wife.

She stepped toward Sarah.