Chapter 1
"Chloe, say something!"
Zachary grew impatient as I kept silent. Moments later, he put on that usual tender, loving act of his.
"I know you're hurt, but what happened with Jocelyn was just a mistake.
"I was dead drunk that night and mistook her for you.
"Does she really think she can ever marry into the Larson family?
"In the end, everything will still belong to you and the child. Having you raise the kid is my way of protecting you!"
He twisted his cheating — keeping a mistress and fathering an illegitimate child — into an act of self-sacrifice to preserve our marriage. His logic was flawless, and he acted shamelessly as if he were completely in the right.
*****
Seven years ago, we met at Westbrook University. Back then, I was the beloved sole heir of the Lynn Corporation, doted on by everyone. He, however, was the outcast illegitimate son of the Larson family, left to fend for himself out in the cold.
One day, a group of thugs harassed me right outside the campus gate. Without a second thought, he rushed over to save me. Four or five men beat him half to death, yet he never backed down.
I broke down crying hysterically at Maplewood General Hospital when I saw how severe his injuries were.
"Chloe, give me a chance. I'll make you the happiest woman in the whole world. I swear on my life, I will never let you shed another tear."
I was moved by his sincere words. After graduation, I poured not just my money into him, but every last bit of my love.
Zachary didn't let me down. With my help, he fought his way through the brutal power struggle within the Larson family and finally claimed the position of CEO at Larson Corporation.
Three years ago, we held a grand wedding that made headlines across the city. In front of crowds of reporters, he dropped to one knee, eyes glistening with tears, and declared to the whole world, "I would never be who I am today without Chloe. She is the light of my life, my one and only wife, and my greatest weakness."
Back then, everyone envied me for marrying for love. I truly thought I had gained the whole world. But I soon realized, a man's vows never stay true forever.
Zachary changed.
At first, I noticed faint hints of unfamiliar perfume lingering on his collars. Then he started claiming he had to work overtime or go on business trips far more often than before. I was no fool, yet I chose to deceive myself. I kept telling myself he was just under too much pressure, that I wasn't being a good enough wife.
That all came crashing down half a year ago. I left home early that day because I'd forgotten my phone. The second I opened the front door, I was stunned.
Clothes were scattered all over the living room floor, his high-end custom suit, along with a revealing red lace lingerie set. A chill ran through my entire body. I followed the trail of clothing and walked up to the second floor, then pushed open the door to our master bedroom.
There, on our wedding bed, were Zachary and his new personal secretary, Jocelyn, tangled together.
Instead of looking panicked when she saw me, Jocelyn curled her lips into a taunting smirk. She wrapped her arms tightly around Zachary's neck on purpose and let out even louder moans.
When Zachary spotted me standing in the doorway, guilt or pleas for mercy were the last things on his mind. He simply pulled the covers over Jocelyn, dressed himself unhurriedly, and walked over to me. He offered no explanation, only an icy warning.
"Now that you've seen everything, I won't beat around the bush.
"Chloe, you're always so dull and lifeless. I need some excitement in my life.
"Keep what you saw to yourself. Your father has a bad heart, after all, He could never handle such a shock."
In that instant, I felt as if I'd plunged into an icy pit.
