Chapter 1

"Miss Wiginton,are you absolutely sure you want to cancel your ID,passport,everything?It's gonna be a real pain in the ass if you ever need to get them back.It'll be like…you won't even exist anymore."

The clerk kept trying to talk me out of it,but I didn't even hesitate.I slid the forms over her across the counter.

"That's the point.I need to disappear so I can start over."

I knew how much Heather loved me—or at least how much he used to.He wouldn't stop until he found me,not unless I erased every single part of my existence.

Shannon Wiginton had to disappear completely.It was the only way.

After finishing all the paperwork,I went home and pulled out my phone to double-check my escape plan.

My eyes landed on the wedding photo on my lock screen,and for a second,I froze.

Back when we got married,he wanted to give me the grandest wedding imaginable,so he spent a fortune buying a private island.

He even named the island"Longing for Shannon"to declare his sincere love for me to the world.

When he made the announcement,it blew up online.

And then,of course,the story of him donating his bone marrow to save me five years ago came out too.

Our so-called"love that defied death"won over the internet.

Even our wedding livestream,which I only casually started,ended up pulling in millions.

Now,though?Looking at that photo?All I could feel was this heavy bitterness.

From the moment we met,he had chased after me relentlessly for 20 years.

Maybe because when Mom's genetic disease got worse,Dad dumped her in a hospital,and it left me with abandonment issues.

At her funeral,I promised myself I'd never hand my future over to anyone.

No expectations,no heartbreaks.

Heather was standing next to me that day.He was just a kid himself,but he tried to act all grown-up.

He patted my shoulder and said,"I'll never leave you,Shannon."

I didn't take his words like a promise.Didn't believe it for a second.

For the next 15 years,I ignored everything he did for me.Honestly,in my head,I was just waiting for him to give up on me.

But then I got really sick,the kind where you start counting your goodbyes.And that's when he signed the papers to donate his bone marrow—without even hesitating.

The surgery saved my life.The second he woke up,he dragged himself over to confess to me.

He was still half-drugged,barely able to stand.But his eyes were shining as he said,"I did it for you."

Even then,though,I didn't say yes to him.

For five years,he told me he loved me every chance he got.Thousands of times.

Then one day,I noticed the gray hairs creeping into his hairline,and my heart cracked a little.That's when I caved.

I'll never forget the look on his face when I finally said yes.

He didn't waste a second to pull out the ring he'd been carrying for who-knows-how-long onto my finger.

He even handed over all his assets,I mean,everything he had!

I refused to take a single thing and just looked at him,teary-eyed.

"I'm saying yes,but remember—I can take it back anytime.From now on,if you ever leave me—even once—I'll make sure you can't find me again."

"Heather,you only get one chance."

I said those harsh words like I meant them,but honestly,I never doubted him.Not once.

Until a month ago—when he cheated on me.

I'm not the kind of person who waits around to be abandoned—not again—so,I made the choice to leave first.

I booked my flight and printed out a divorce agreement that gave me nothing—no money,no property.

I signed it,scheduled it to be delivered in three days,and headed back home one last time.

When I walked in,Heather was already in the kitchen,making dinner.

It didn't matter that he was this billionaire CEO.He still insisted on cooking for me every single day like a loyal husband.

Chapter 2

But what is hidden behind even the perfect husband?

When he heard the door open,he casually wiped his hands on the apron he was wearing.He walked over and planted a kiss on my forehead.

The scent of his body wash hit me first,warm and familiar.But then there was something else—something sharp,light,and floral.Not mine. My heart felt like it dropped a little lower,and my gaze turned cold.

"Why are you back so late,babe?Didn't the driver bring you home?It's freezing out there,so don't walk around,or you're gonna catch a cold and end up with another headache."

He crouched down,and before I could react,he was already slipping off my shoes and swapping them for slippers.His hands paused when they touched my toes—cold as ice—and instinctively,he cupped them in his palms,warming them up.

I used to feel something in sweet moments like this.Warmth.Delight.But now?Nothing.

"Just walked around the neighborhood for a bit.It's close.I wasn't cold."

When he was sure my feet were warm,he slid the slippers on and straightened up.

"Guess what I got you this month,"he whispered,leaning in with a playful smile like it was some big surprise.

But I didn't even blink,just answered,"A high-heel brand."

Because,of course,he wasn't the kind of guy who just bought gifts.

He bought brands.

Thanks to his frequent so-called"surprises,"I now owned stakes in at least a hundred companies.

If I'd lingered a second too long on some ad or product,contracts just showed up the next day.

Last time,it was high heels.

He chuckled,all amused,and flicked my nose like I was some kid he adored.

"Whoah,my wife's getting too smart now!Guess I gotta be more careful with surprises next time,huh?"

I wiped at my nose,trying to erase the touch of his finger.

"You've given me so many surprises—it's my turn now to prep some for you."

"Heather,it's been,what,20 years since we met?Wow,feels like just yesterday..."

"I've got something for you,too.You'll get it in three days.Don't forget to check."

The way his eyes lit up was almost painful.He pulled me into his arms,voice bubbling over with excitement.

"Oh,my wife has really grown.You're even gonna give me gifts now,yeah?Oh,you're gonna make me cry,babe."

"We've got so many more decades ahead of us.I'm gonna document every moment I get with you,tell it to our kids,and maybe even carve it into my headstone someday."

I stayed quiet.His sweet voice buzzed in my ears,but it felt distant.

Oh,Heather,there's no time left for us.No another decade.

Later that evening,after dinner,he handed me the contract for the high-heel brand and asked me to sign it.

"I've already spoken with the brand.They've got some limited-edition designs this season,and I told them to set aside your size.Tomorrow,I'll take you to see them.They're all your style."

His eyes sparkled with anticipation,the excitement written plainly across his face.

I signed the papers without looking up,my voice flat.

"Alright.Thanks."

He was busy staring at his phone,completely missing the way my expression hardened.

"Heels are nice,but they're not exactly comfortable.Let the driver take you from now on,okay?Or if I'm home,I'll drive you myself,"he said,absentmindedly scrolling.

"Heather,you don't have to do all this for me—"

He cut me off before I could finish."Shannon,you're my whole world.I'll do whatever it takes to keep you happy."

"Besides,with how amazing you are,if I don't spoil you,what if someone else steals you away?"

As he spoke,he locked eyes with me,his gaze burning.

His hair,streaked with gray from donating bone marrow for me,caught the overhead lights like a badge of honor.

But none of it—none of these gestures,these gifts—were what I needed.And he'd never understand that.

Love wasn't there anymore.No need for someone to steal me away.I'd leave on my own.

After staring at me for two seconds,his gaze returned to his phone.

I forced a faint smile."Still working at this hour?"

Chapter 3

"You used to leave work at the office no matter how busy you were,"I casually pointed out.

Heather's fingers froze mid-typing,and he glanced up at me,guilt flashing across his face.

"Oh,things have just been hectic lately,babe.It'll be over soon,I promise.Go get some rest now,okay?"

As I walked past him toward the bedroom,I stole a glance at his phone.

The screen showed a crying emoji—a message from another woman.

Another lie.

But I didn't say a word.I just went to the bedroom and sank into bed.

Opening my Instagram,I switched to a dummy account and searched for the page of Jennifer Herman—a barely-known actress.

Two hours ago,she'd posted a new update.

In her post,she flaunted a pair of unreleased heels from the same brand Heather just handed over to me earlier tonight.

She claimed she was actually the brand's yet-to-be-announced ambassador.Apparently,her boyfriend had already finalized the deal,and the contract was ready to be signed.Even the high heels in the photo were gifts from the brand.

The comment section was brutal.

Nobody believed her,though.

It wasn't unusual for someone like her to buy knockoffs.

But she refused to admit it and argued with the commenters.

I scrolled through the comments one by one until a newly created account caught my attention.The user was claiming to be working at the brand.

[I know her boyfriend.He's one of the execs.He made the call for her to be the brand ambassador. In fact,the shoot starts tomorrow.]

Skeptics quickly fired back.

[She's an up-and-comer at best.No way she has a boyfriend like that.Gosh,does she think she's the next Shannon Walsh?]

[Nice try,but creating a dummy account to clear your name?If there are no shoots tomorrow,oh,well,you better prepare to be humiliated.And good luck dodging a lawsuit for leaking the designs!]

But within a minute,that same account posted a photo of the signed endorsement contract.

Then,as if to silence everyone,the user dropped a statement.

[Well,see the shoots tomorrow for yourself.]

I shut off my phone and rubbed my aching temples.

When I headed to the bathroom,I overheard Heather on a call.

"What's the photoshoot team doing?If they can't get do this,fire them!"

"I told you to prioritize the shoot!Do I need to repeat myself?!Drop everything else!"

"If the materials aren't out by tomorrow,none of you are coming back to work,you understand?"

The owner of that dummy account backing Jennifer...was my husband.

At that moment,I leaned against the wall,silent tears streaming down my face.

When Heather noticed me,I was still trembling,struggling to pull myself together.

He looked so afraid that his face turned pale,scooping me up like he was about to rush me to the ER.

He didn't even bother to put on his shoes.

I steadied myself with one hand against the doorframe,took a shaky breath,and shook my head. My voice cracked as I choked on my words.

"I-I'm fine.I...I just got emotional reading a sad novel.Don't worry about me.Go ahead finish your work."

He pressed his face against mine,nuzzling me softly.

"How about you stop reading sad stories,hmm?Didn't I tell you,I want to make you the happiest woman in the world?"

"All those heartbreaks in those stories aren't real.But our happiness is."

Not real?

Then why does it hurt so much just to breathe?

Maybe his reaction had somehow made him feel closer to me.

But his phone wouldn't stop vibrating,buzzing with one message after another.

And he gave me a smile,an awkward one.

"Just a little more work.I swear,I'm almost done."

I didn't respond.Barefoot,I walked back to the bedroom alone.

By midnight,I heard the door shut.Oh,he'd broken his promise again.

He left the villa in the dead of night.

I didn't need to ask where he was going.

I just threw on a black coat,pulling it tight around me as I trailed behind him like a thief.

After wandering for a while,he stopped in front of another apartment in the neighborhood.

I watched as he rang the doorbell,and it revealed a woman.Jennifer.

"Thanks for speaking up for me,Mr.Walsh.I owed you one,so I've got a little gift for you."

"But...you'll have to unwrap it yourself."

Chapter 4

I watched them step inside together,all wrapped up in each other,and I ran.Like a coward.Straight back home.

I lay awake all night,my eyes open until the first light of dawn,and finally,Heather called.

"Babe,you up?Work ran late last night,didn't wanna wake you,so I didn't come home.How about I pick you up?We'll go shopping!Today's on me—anything you want!"

How could this man juggle between two women...

And still say the same sweet words to me like he still meant them?!

I splashed cold water on my face to pull myself together.By the time I came downstairs,he was already waiting in his car.

The moment he saw me,his face filled with concern,as though it physically pained him to see me.

"Babe,why do you look so tired?Did you not sleep?"

"You know what,babe,let's skip it.I'll just have everything sent here.You can take your time and pick whatever you like."

I bit my lip,refusing his thoughtful offer.

For this last gift,I wanted to see with my own eyes what kind of"surprise"he had prepared for me.

At the boutique,he had me sit on a couch while he dashed around,coming back with all sorts of drinks—milkshake tea,coffee,everything I used to love.

But today,I couldn't bring myself to take even a sip.

When he noticed,he didn't get mad.Instead,he blamed himself.

"It's all my fault.I shouldn't have worked so late last night.I know you hate the cold and the dark,yet I left you all alone."

"Punish me if you want,babe.I'll accept it."

Then he grabbed my hand and tried to press it against his face like he wanted me to slap him.

But I pulled my hand away.

"I'm fine.I just don't feel like drinking."

The brand manager was watching the whole thing and couldn't help but comment like he was jealous.

"Mr.Walsh,you really are the ultimate husband'I've never seen a man dote on his wife like this!No wonder you're so successful!"

He chuckled and handed Heather a cigarette.

But Heather shook his head with a polite smile."I don't smoke. My wife hates the smell—it bothers her."

The manager smiled awkwardly in return.

"Alright,I'll have someone bring over the packaged shoes now."

Whoever was watching or what people thought—Heather didn't mind them for my"happiness."

The staff looked at us with envy,sighing at how reality could sometimes feel like a romantic novel.

When the shoes arrived,the staff brought over a huge pile.

Heather rolled up his sleeves and knelt down in front of me,swapping out each pair himself.

One by one,he helped me try them on.

Every time,he couldn't resist complimenting me."You look perfect in everything.Should we just buy them all?You could wear a new pair every hour."

Just then,his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen to see the caller ID,and his expression shifted.Without a word,he stepped outside to take the call.

Minutes passed.But he still wasn't back.Finally,I got up,put on the shoes I came in with,and followed him out.

The second he saw me,he tried to casually cover the screen of his phone with his hand.

"Babe,what are you doing out here?It's cold!Go back inside,and keep trying those shoes on.I'll be right back."

"No,it's fine.You're busy,and I'm not feeling well anyway.I'm heading home."

I left so quickly that he didn't have time to stop me.

But when I turned the corner,I stopped.I stayed hidden,watching everything in the boutique.

A few minutes later,I saw him hang up,hand the shoes over to the staff,and instruct them to send everything to the photography studio.

Then,right in front of everyone,he wrapped his arms around Jennifer and kissed her.

The same staff who were gushing over me earlier didn't even flinch.

Like they've seen it all the time.

So,yeah,I guess I'm the only one who didn't know about my husband's affair.

The shoot started,and Heather stayed right there,watching his mistress pose the entire time.

The manager smirked knowingly and teased him.

"She looks so perfect!Where'd you find such a gem?"

Chapter 5

The manager smacked his lips,clearly envious.

"But hey,your wife isn't bad either.Even without makeup,she's a stunner."

The second that the manager mentioned me,Heather's face hardened.

"Don't even think about touching my wife!Unless you're ready to lose everything!"

The manager quickly backtracked,nodding and stammering apologies,swearing he'd make sure I'd never find out anything.

But at this point,I don't care anymore.

I turned and bolted,desperate to get out of there,only to bump straight into a delivery guy rushing in with boxes.

"Mrs.Walsh—"

"Shh!"I cut him off."Don't tell anyone you saw me!Unless you're looking for a new job!"

I didn't even know how I got back home.When I finally looked up,I was already standing outside the door.

One of my shoes was missing,and I looked like a mess.

When I checked the time,I realized eight hours had gone by since the shoot started.

I ran to the closest convenience store and cleared the shelves of every bottle of alcohol they had.

After paying,I stepped outside—and as if fate wasn't done screwing with me,I ran into my husband's mistress.

The way her eyes lit up when she saw me—ugh.That smug little gleam.

But her words?Sickly sweet.

"Oh my god,you're Mrs.Walsh,right?I've been such a huge fan of yours for ages!I even sent gifts during your wedding livestream!I can't believe we live in the same area!"

"You know,I used to be really jealous of your love story.I mean,who wouldn't dream of a husband like yours?And guess what?My dream came true!"

She giggled,tucking her hair behind her ear in this fake,innocent way.

Her voice dropped to this conspiratorial whisper like we were best friends sharing secrets.

"My apartment here?It's a gift from him—basically just like a little'hello'present,you know?"

"Anyway,hey,can I add you on IG?We should totally hang out sometime—maybe get facials together or something!"

I didn't want to let her see me break,so I kept my face blank and showed her my username.

After adding me,she hooked her arm through mine like we were best friends.As if it was a joke,I walked into the neighborhood together with my husband's mistress.

She kept chattering in my ear,talking about how her boyfriend gave her an apartment,a company,and even scripts written just for her.

I just nodded along.Finally,at my front door,I managed to escape,muttering a quick goodbye before shutting myself inside.

The second I was alone,I cracked open a few bottles of alcohol,hoping to drink myself into oblivion.

But it didn't take long before my phone buzzed with a message.From her.

[Hey,Shannon,do you like roses?Today's shoot went so well,and my boyfriend says he's buying out every rose in the city to celebrate!That's a lot,right?I can send some to you if you'd like!]

I stared at that shameless message for a moment before deleting it without replying.

By the time Heather got home,I'd already had quite a bit to drink.

He froze in the doorway,his eyes wide.He didn't even take off his shoes,just rushed to the kitchen to make some hangover soup for me.

I grabbed his hand as he passed by and pulled him toward me like a brat.

"Babe,I want roses.Can you get me some?Like right now."

He let out a chuckle.But his eyes—they were empty.

"Why the sudden interest in flowers?Can I get them for you tomorrow,babe?I've got so much to do tonight,you know?"

"Did you drink too much?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head bitterly.

"You can't,can you?Oh well,never mind.Go ahead finish your work."

"Babe,what's wrong?Didn't you sleep well last night?How about you head to bed early tonight?I'll make you soup for your hangover first,but after that,I've really got to get back to the company."

He kept asking me what was wrong,but I didn't say another word.

What was the point?Nothing I said would change a damn thing.

He watched me sip the hangover soup he made,and then just like that,he left me alone without a word.

Chapter 6

About an hour later,my husband's mistress texted me to open the door.

At the doorway,there they were—999 roses.

I bit my lip and stomped on them like a maniac,crushing them under my feet.

Again and again,until petals were crushed underfoot,and I was too exhausted to stand.

Then my phone buzzed again—it was her sending me a text again.

This time,she sent a picture of dinner:a perfectly set table,candles glowing softly,and a homemade cake.

I noticed my husband's hand in the shot.Still wearing his wedding ring.

I stumbled back into the living room,grabbed the leftover bottle of whiskey,and drained it in one go.

I sank drunk on the couch and dialed the agent handling the island.

That stupid island.Once the symbol of our happiness,now it just made my skin crawl.

When the call ended,I passed out on the couch.

——

Heather's breath smelled faintly like cream.

"What's with all these cancellation texts?What'd you cancel?"

There was a nervous edge to his voice.

I sat up and leaned back,putting space between us. My voice was calm,almost detached.

"Oh,nothing.Just scanned some random QR codes yesterday.Figured I'd cancel them before they tried scamming me."

I glanced toward the doorway.The massacre of roses from last night had already been cleaned up by the staff.

I let out a small breath of relief.

"Did you finish your work?"

He nodded.His shoulders relaxed at my response before heading into the kitchen to make breakfast.

I picked up my phone to check on the island sale,but instead,I saw a new post blowing up online.Some random commenter who'd called Jennifer out the other day had now written this long,dramatic apology.

The reason?Jennifer had just been announced as the new face of a luxury brand.

Breakfast tasted like cardboard,and Heather wasn't doing much better.

He spent most of the meal staring at his phone,this faint,unreadable smile tugging at his lips.

When breakfast was done,he suddenly froze for a moment.When he spoke,his voice was hoarse.

"Babe,something came up at work.I gotta head out.Don't worry about the dishes—I'll handle them later."

Before I could say anything,he'd already slipped on his shoes and was out the door.

He was so in a hurry that he didn't even take off his apron.

He didn't even have time to ask me why I'd been drinking last night.

Well,I guess there's only so much space in one heart.Once someone else moves in,there's no room left for you.

Not even five minutes after he left,Jennifer's name lit up my phone again.

[Hey!Which one do you think I should wear?If it were your husband,which would he like more?]

I didn't bother replying.I was too busy packing.

By the time I finished,every trace of me was gone from that villa.

On the way to the airport,I got a text from Heather.

[You sold the island?Why?What's going on?]

I typed my reply:[Make sure you're home to accept my gift.Oh,and Heather?You're out of chances.]

And then,I turned off my phone,pulled out the SIM card,and tossed it in the nearest trash.

Boarding the plane,I felt lighter.