Chapter1
The restaurant glowed like something out of a dream. Soft candlelight flickered across white tablecloths, and the low hum of conversation mixed with the gentle clink of wine glasses. I sat across from Alexander Knight my husband, my best friend, the man who still made my heart skip after three years of marriage, and I couldn't stop smiling.
He looked incredible tonight, as always. A dark suit tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders, that easy, confident smile that had won me over the first time we met in college. His hand covered mine on the table, thumb brushing slow circles over my skin.
"Happy anniversary, Bella," Alex said, voice low and warm. He lifted his glass of red wine. "To the most beautiful woman in the world. And to many more years of this."
I clinked my glass against his, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest. "To us," I whispered. "Forever."
Forever. We'd said it a thousand times on our wedding day under strings of fairy lights, whispered in bed on lazy Sunday mornings, promised during tough times when his tech company almost went under. And I believed it. Every single time.
Tonight felt extra special. Our third anniversary, and Alex had gone all out: our favorite Italian spot downtown, the corner booth with the view of the city skyline twinkling outside the window. He'd even surprised me with a small velvet box earlier, a pair of diamond earrings that caught the light every time I moved my head.
"You didn't have to do all this," I said, leaning closer. "I would've been happy with takeout and a movie at home."
He chuckled, eyes crinkling at the corners. "You deserve the world, baby. And I'm gonna spend the rest of my life giving it to you."
God, I loved him. Loved how hard he worked as CEO of Knight Tech, how he always made time for me even at board meetings and late-night calls. Loved how he still looked at me like I was the only woman in the room.
My phone buzzed in my purse, probably Sophia, my best friend since freshman year. She'd been texting all day about anniversary gossip and wanting details. I ignored it. Tonight was just for us.
As dessert arrived tiramisu to share, Alex's phone lit up on the table. He glanced at it, then quickly flipped it over.
"Work?" I asked lightly.
"Yeah, just some investor thing. Nothing important." He smiled again, but it didn't quite reach his eyes this time. "Hey, I have to run to the office quickly after this. Forgot to sign off on a contract before the holiday weekend. Won't it take long maybe an hour?"
I nodded, used to it. "Want me to come with? Could We swing by, then head home for... round two of celebrating?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
He laughed, but shook his head. "Nah, you relax. I'll be fast. Promise."
An hour later, I was back at our penthouse, still buzzing from wine and romance. The city lights sparkled thirty floors below, and I couldn't resist. Alex had been working too hard lately. Maybe I'd surprise him at the office with coffee and a kiss. Show up in my anniversary dress, make his night even better.
I grabbed my coat, called our driver, and headed out with a secret smile.
Little did I know, the night wasn't going to end with kisses.
It was going to end with everything I believed in... shattered
