Life is Full of Fleeting Dreams

"I don't want to go with you on this business trip," Lucy Landon said at the dinner table. Her voice was calm, so calm that no one could sense anything unusual. Steven Cooper's trip was set for June 1st. It wasn't their wedding anniversary, nor was it anyone's birthday. Just an ordinary Children's Day. Three days ago, she had stumbled upon a voice message on Steven's phone. A child's soft and childish voice had said, "Daddy, for Children's Day, I want to go to Maldove to see the fishes!" Chapter 1 "I don't want to go with you on this business trip," Lucy Landon said at the dinner table. Her voice was calm, so calm that no one could sense anything unusual. Steven Cooper's trip was set for June 1st. It wasn't their wedding anniversary, nor was it anyone's birthday. Just an ordinary Children's Day. Three days ago, she had stumbled upon a voice message on Steven's phone. A child's soft and childish voice had said, "Daddy, for Children's Day, I want to go to Maldove to see fish!" Lucy had stood there for a long time, frozen. She and Steven had been in love for ten years, married for six. Everyone said he loved her to the bone, that he couldn't bear to be apart from her, not even on business trips. She had believed that too. Until that childish voice shattered the illusion completely. The child sounded about four or five years old, which meant that not long after they had married, Steven had already gotten another woman pregnant. For five years, he had played the role of a devoted husband while secretly being a father to two children. Lucy couldn't figure it out. Had she been too foolish, or was his act simply too perfect? Five years, and she hadn't suspected a thing. Steven placed a piece of chicken on her plate and asked softly, "Didn't we agree you'd always accompany me for work trips? Why don't you want to come this time?" "It's nothing," she said. "Maldove is too far. I don't feel like taking such a long flight." Her mother-in-law immediately chimed in, "If Lucy doesn't want to go, then let her stay home and rest." Lucy gave a faint nod. Then she picked up the chicken from her plate and tossed it straight into the trash. Steven noticed something was off and was about to ask, but his mother tapped his arm and shook her head, signaling him to drop it. He hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Just rest at home. I'll come back to you as soon as I finish my trip." After dinner, Lucy felt stifled and went for a walk in the courtyard. When she returned, she overheard her mother-in-law talking to Steven. "Shawn and Sharon are already five. You can't keep them hidden forever. It's time to bring them into the family." Steven sounded irritated. "Mom, stay out of it. I'll take care of the kids, but Lucy is the one I love. I can't lose her." "She's been married to you for six years and still refuses to have children. Now she won't even let you have any outside? I don't care what you say. Shawn and Sharon are my precious grandchildren. Every time I see them, I have to sneak around like some thief. How is that fair?" Steven exhaled. "I'll figure something out." "They're already five! If you were going to do something, you would have done it by now. Think carefully. What's more important—your children or your wife?" Just then, his phone rang. He frowned, picked up the call, and answered impatiently, "What now?" But within seconds, his voice softened. "Shawn, be good. Daddy misses you too." His mother's face lit up. "Is that my darling grandson?" Steven switched to speakerphone. A sweet, childish voice called out, "Grandma!" His mother beamed. "Oh, my dear, Grandma's here." Lucy didn't want to hear another word. She turned and walked back into the garden. She stood there for a long time, alone. The Cooper family's garden was filled with roses, all personally planted by Steven for her. The summer night breeze carried the scent of roses. It should have felt refreshing, but Lucy only felt a deep, unbearable cold. She took out her phone and called her best friend, Camille Reinhart. "Camille, help me arrange an accident at sea." Camille's voice sharpened. "What happened? Why are you suddenly saying this?" Lucy didn't know how to begin. By the time she finished explaining everything, Camille was silent. "I thought he was a good man," she finally said. "I never imagined he'd be this kind of person." "It doesn't matter anymore," Lucy said. "I just want to leave him for good." Camille took a deep breath. "Alright. When do you want this to happen?" Lucy thought for a moment. "Half a month from now," she said. "On the day of our wedding anniversary." Steven already had a new family. It was time for her to go. If she asked for a divorce, he would only try to hold on to her. She was tired of this endless entanglement. If that was the case, she would disappear completely—erase herself from his world forever. Chapter 2 Lucy hung up the phone and lingered in the rose garden for a while before heading back. The moment she stepped inside, she saw Steven hurrying down the stairs, seemingly in a rush to leave. In his hand, he held her coat. As soon as he spotted her, he strode over and draped the coat over her shoulders. "Why were you outside for so long? It may be summer, but the nights still carry a chill." Lucy smiled faintly. "I'm fine. I'm not cold." "Girls should always keep warm." Her steps faltered slightly. She remembered the first time she met Steven. It was her freshman year of college. She had taken a part-time job and spent the entire day standing in the freezing wind. When Steven passed by, he casually took off his coat and handed it to her. She had tried to refuse, but he simply said, "Girls should always keep warm." Later, she washed the coat and returned it to him. One thing led to another, and soon, they got to know each other. Then, they fell in love. Steven later admitted that he had liked her for a long time. He had always been watching her from a distance. That day, when he saw her shivering in the cold, he couldn't bear it any longer and finally spoke to her. Naturally, they ended up together. Steven was devoted to her—so much so that people joked he was completely under his wife's spell. Eventually, they got married. Even Steven's closest friends said, "In his heart, you come first. He comes second." Lucy had brushed it off as friendly teasing. But then, during a trip, an earthquake struck. Steven shielded her with his body for three whole days and nights. When the rescue team finally pulled them out, she learned that he had held up an entire slab of concrete—hundreds of pounds—on his back to protect her. She was unharmed. He, on the other hand, was exhausted, his back torn and bloodied. Just before he lost consciousness, he reached out, brushed his fingers gently against her face, and whispered, "Don't cry. Please, don't cry." From that moment on, she had sworn to stay by his side for the rest of her life. She just never expected that he would be the one to forget that promise first. Back in the present, Steven led her into their room, sat her down on the couch, and knelt before her, holding her hands. "Lucy, your eyes are red. Have you been crying?" Lucy shook her head. "No." "You can't fool me. You've definitely been crying. Tell me what happened." She lowered her gaze and met his anxious, concerned eyes. A sharp pain stabbed through her chest. "Steven, do you love me?" "Of course," he said without hesitation. He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Why do you ask?" "No reason. I just watched a movie about the seven-year itch. We've been married for six years now. Next year will be our seventh." Steven chuckled. "So that's what's been on your mind." He took her hand and pressed it against his chest. "Lucy, I will love you for a lifetime. Forever. Even in the next life. My heart will never change." She looked at him and asked, "And if it does?" "It won't." "But if it did?" He hesitated for a moment before answering solemnly, "Then let me be struck by lightning and die a horrible death." Pain sliced through Lucy's heart. Even now, he was lying to her. Even now, he would rather swear such a heavy oath than tell her the truth. "Lucy, cheer up. Let me take you out tomorrow, okay?" She didn't want to go, but in the end, she couldn't refuse him. The next morning, Steven drove her out. The car stopped in front of a shopping mall. He took her hand and led her into a jewelry store. A store attendant immediately came forward, her voice warm and welcoming. "Mr. Cooper and Mrs. Cooper, what kind of jewelry are you looking for today?" Steven said, "I'd like to custom-make a pair of rings as a wedding anniversary gift for my wife." "Of course. Please, come this way." They were ushered into the VIP room, and soon, the attendant returned with several catalogs. "These are our designers' latest creations. Mrs. Cooper, please take a look and see if there's anything you like." Another employee whispered, "If it's a pair of rings, you should ask Mr. Cooper which one he likes too." The first attendant giggled. "Oh, come on. Mr. Cooper will go with whatever Mrs. Cooper chooses. Right, Mr. Cooper?" Steven smiled faintly. "You know me well." The attendant beamed. "Everyone in Hartemis City knows how much you adore Mrs. Cooper. We've seen all your interviews—you always mention her." Another one chimed in, "I remember once you left in the middle of an interview just to buy her donuts." "Yes! That was the sweetest thing ever!" Lucy listened quietly, her expression unusually calm. "You envy me?" she asked softly. The employees nodded eagerly. "Of course! Every woman in Hartemis City envies you!" If only they knew. If only they knew that this man—the one who seemed to love her so deeply—had already built another home elsewhere. That he already had two children with another woman. Would they still envy her then? Just as they were speaking, a knock came from the door. A staff member peeked in cautiously. "Mrs. Cooper, have you finished choosing? There's another VIP customer outside who would like to see the catalogs." Steven frowned. "My wife isn't done yet. Let them wait." "But, Mr. Cooper... she's..." The employee hesitated, struggling to find the words. Steven seemed to realize something. His expression darkened, and he cursed under his breath before standing up abruptly. "Lucy, let's go to another store." Before she could react, the VIP room door swung open. A woman stepped inside, smiling. And beside her stood two children. A boy and a girl. Both around four or five years old. Chapter 3 "No need to trouble yourself. I'll just look at them with Mrs. Cooper," she said, leading the children inside. With a smile, she turned to Lucy. "You don't mind, do you?" The store clerk hesitated, instinctively reaching out to stop her. But in the end, she didn't dare. She could only watch as the woman walked in and sat beside Steven. The older child, a boy, lit up with excitement. "Daddy!" The younger girl immediately threw herself into Steven's arms. "Daddy! I missed you so much!" Her voice cracked as she burst into tears. Steven's brows knitted tightly. He wanted to avoid the little girl, but she was so small, so soft, that in the end, he couldn't bring himself to push her away. Instead, he turned his anger to the children's mother. "What kind of parenting is this? Teaching your kids to call just anyone 'Daddy'?" The woman, however, didn't seem the least bit upset. There was even a faint smile on her lips. Leisurely, she pulled the girl out of Steven's embrace and spoke gently. "Sharon, you made a mistake. He's not your daddy." Tears streamed down the little girl's face. "But he's daddy! He's my daddy!" "No, sweetie. He just looks a lot like your daddy. See that lady over there? She's his wife." The little girl glanced from Steven to Lucy, confusion written all over her face. The boy, braver than his sister, stepped forward and looked Steven straight in the eye. "Are you really not my daddy?" "I…" Steven's mouth opened, but no words came out. He stared at the child in silence for a long moment, unable to bring himself to deny it. "Shawn, don't be rude." The woman pulled her son back and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. Their father spoils them too much. They've never learned any manners." Shawn. Sharon. So these were Steven's children. From the moment they walked in, Lucy had felt they looked oddly familiar. Especially the boy—his features bore an unmistakable resemblance to Steven. The girl took more after her mother. At first, Lucy had doubts. Perhaps this was just another scheme from a woman with ulterior motives, trying to use a child to climb the social ladder. Maybe Steven had kept it from her, fearing she'd be upset. But if that were the case, the children should have been twins or at least born in the same pregnancy. Yet the boy looked about five, while the girl seemed younger, maybe not even four. Two separate pregnancies. Which meant Steven's affair wasn't an accident. It wasn't some scheme. It was deliberate. He had fathered a son and, later, a daughter with another woman. Lucy's voice was calm. "It seems their father really loves them. They adore him." The woman smiled, genuinely pleased. "Oh yes, he spoils them terribly. When our eldest was born, he didn't know a thing about taking care of babies. But he learned bit by bit. By the time our daughter came along, he was a pro—practically a stay-at-home dad!" "Is that so?" "Yes. They say daughters are their fathers' lovers from a past life, and ours is no exception. She clings to him like glue, won't let anyone else hold her." Lucy suddenly remembered. Half a year into their marriage, Steven had left for an urgent business trip abroad—gone for a full month. That date… it must have been when the boy was born. Then, a little over a year later, he had insisted on personally handling a trip to Africa. Again, one month. That must have been when the girl was born. The only two times she hadn't traveled with him for work. Looking back now, how strange. Why exactly one month, both times? Because this woman had been in confinement after childbirth. Lucy smiled. "Your children are adorable." The woman beamed. "Aren't they? And everyone says they look just like their father. He's so handsome." Lucy lowered her gaze, hiding her expression. "Yes, I heard their father looks a lot like my husband. He must be handsome too." The woman's smile deepened, filled with unspoken meaning. "Oh, very much so. Otherwise, how could the kids mistake them?" "Their father must love you very much, to have two children with you." Shawn puffed up his chest. "Of course Daddy loves Mommy! He always brings her here. All of Mommy's earrings, rings, and necklaces come from this store. Even Sharon and I have pendants from here!" Lucy's eyes flickered to the woman's hand. There, on her left ring finger, sat a diamond ring. One of the younger clerks immediately recognized it. "Oh! That's one of our designs! A custom order, actually!" The store manager's face paled. She hurriedly clapped a hand over the clerk's mouth, warning her with a sharp glare. Don't say another word. Lucy took it all in. Every expression, every reaction. Now, she understood everything. Why this woman was also a VIP customer here. Steven had been bringing her and the children here all along. The younger clerk, likely new, had no idea about the entangled relationships, but the store manager knew. She had known all along. Lucy let out a soft laugh. Even the staff at a jewelry store had known about Steven's affair before she did. Chapter 4 The woman stood up with a smile. "Mrs. Cooper was here first, so she should choose first. I'll wait outside." She turned and said softly, "Shawn, Sharon, let's go." Shawn lingered, still staring at Steven with a trace of confusion in his eyes. Sharon, her eyes brimming with tears, looked back at every step until her mother finally picked her up and carried her away. The VIP room fell into an eerie silence. Even the once-enthusiastic store clerks stood frozen, too afraid to utter a word. Breaking the silence, Lucy smiled. "Why is everyone so quiet? Am I that terrifying?" The store manager let out an awkward chuckle. "Of course not. We just worry these styles might not be to your liking." "I like them. I'll take this one. Do you have a plain band for me to try on for size?" "Yes, absolutely. I'll bring it right away." The clerks quickly filed out, leaving only Steven and Lucy in the room. The stillness was almost tangible—so quiet that even a needle dropping to the floor would have been deafening. Bzzz— Steven's phone vibrated. He didn't move. A few seconds later, it rang outright. Lucy, flipping through a catalog in boredom, spoke without looking up. "Why aren't you answering? What if it's something important from work?" After a brief hesitation, Steven picked up his phone and stood. "I'll take this outside. I'll be back soon." "Mm." He left quickly. Almost the moment the door shut behind him, Lucy's own phone vibrated. A text from an unknown number. [Mrs. Cooper, come to the underground parking lot. You'll find what you want to know.] She didn't take the elevator. Instead, she walked down the stairs to basement level one. From a distance, she could already hear Steven's voice, sharp with anger. "How many times have I told you? Don't show up in front of Lucy. Do you not understand?" A woman's voice, choked with tears, answered. "I understand. But the children don't. They just miss their daddy. Especially Sharon—she's been crying so much her voice is hoarse. Do you know how much that hurts me as a mother?" Sharon didn't understand the undercurrents between the adults. She only knew that her parents seemed to be fighting. With a wail, Sharon burst into tears. "Daddy, don't fight with Mommy! It's all my fault! It's because I'm bad…" Her sobs doused Steven's anger like a sudden downpour. Kneeling, he carefully pulled her into his arms, using the softest part of his sleeve to wipe her tears. "It's not your fault, Sharon. Don't cry." Shawn asked outright, "Dad, why did you say you don't know us? Is it because of that lady with you? Who is she?" Steven took a deep breath. "I have my reasons." Shawn, stubborn and unwilling to let things go, pressed further. "You're always not home with us and Mommy. Is it because you're with her? Is she a mistress?" His response was immediate. "She's not." His tone toward the woman turned cold. "Where did he learn that word? Did you teach him?" Tears spilled down the woman's face as she covered her mouth. "Shawn and Sharon have grown up without their father around. Their teachers say they're more sensitive than other children. Is it so strange that they understand things beyond their years?" At that, Sharon's cries grew louder. "Daddy, the kids at school say I don't have a dad. I tell them I do, but they've never seen you, so they don't believe me. No matter what I say, they just laugh at me…" Shawn didn't cry, but his voice tightened with emotion. "Daddy, I learned the word from TV. There was a kid whose father was never home because he had another woman outside. The show called her a mistress." Steven's expression shifted. The anger in his eyes dulled, replaced by something heavier. Guilt. From the shadows, Lucy observed it all, taking in every flicker of emotion on his face. No matter what he felt for that woman—love, convenience, obligation—the children were undeniably his. And as a father, how could he not be moved by their accusations? Sure enough, Steven crouched down, pulling both children into his arms. His voice softened. "Daddy's been busy with work, that's why I haven't been around. But next time there's a school event, I'll be there. I promise." Shawn eyed him suspiciously. "Really?" Steven nodded firmly. "Really. I'll make sure all your classmates know you have a daddy." Sharon clung to his neck, rocking side to side. "Daddy, come with Mommy too! The other kids' parents go together. And Daddy, you have to hold Mommy when we play games!" Lucy lifted her head slightly. She wanted to hear his response. Steven didn't even hesitate. "Okay, Daddy and Mommy will go together." Sharon beamed. "And Daddy has to hold Mommy!" A warm smile spread across Steven's face. "Alright, Daddy will hold Mommy." Lucy had heard enough. She turned and left. Back at the jewelry store, the VIP room was empty. She picked up her bag and walked out. The store manager noticed and hurried after her. "Mrs. Cooper, have you decided on the rings?" Lucy smiled. "From now on, don't call me Mrs. Cooper." The manager let out a nervous chuckle. "But… you are Mrs. Cooper." Bzzz— Her phone vibrated again. The same unknown number. [The ring you picked? Steven already promised it to me. The designer will engrave our initials on the inside. It's lasting and unchangeable, just like what between me and Steven. My initials will be on his ring. We have two children already. Sooner or later, Steven will leave you for us.] Lucy typed only five words in reply. [I don't want him anymore.] Chapter 5 Stepping into the home she had lived in for six years, Lucy felt an eerie sense of detachment, as if she had stepped into a distant past that no longer belonged to her. But she had no time to dwell on sentimentality. In half a month, Camille would arrange for the accident at sea. There was still much to prepare. First, a ticket. If she booked a flight under her name, Steven would undoubtedly track her down. So, she grabbed her ID and headed out. As she passed through the living room, her mother-in-law was scrolling through her phone. Out of the corner of her eye, Lucy caught a glimpse of the screen—it was filled with children's toys. She was probably picking out gifts for Shawn and Sharon for Children's Day. Noticing her passing by, the older woman quickly locked her screen. "Lucy, are you heading out?" Lucy nodded. "Just running some errands." "Why don't you wait for Steven to come home? He can drive you." "No need. He has more important things to handle. I wouldn't want to trouble him." Right now, he was likely enjoying domestic bliss with his beloved wife and children. A son and a daughter—the perfect little family. They were the real family. Lucy hailed a cab to the local office and handed over her documents. "Hello, I'd like to change my name." The clerk glanced at her, then gently advised, "Miss, are you sure? Changing your name means updating your bank accounts, phone records, academic certificates—everything. It's quite a hassle. Besides, your name is already quite lovely." Lucy smiled. "Please, just process it." Seeing her resolve, the clerk nodded. "Alright. Here's a form—please fill it out." She completed it carefully, pausing at the section for "New Name." After a moment's thought, she wrote: Alina Eira With her new identity, she would be far away from Steven, from all their memories. Once the name change was processed, she immediately applied for a passport under her new identity. Then, using it, she booked a flight to Iceland. When the "Ticket Purchased Successfully" confirmation appeared on her phone, a wave of relief washed over her. It was finally coming to an end. Turns out, giving up wasn't that hard after all. By the time she returned home, Steven's voice was thundering through the house. "Keep searching! If anything happens to Lucy, you'll answer to me!" The entire villa was eerily silent. His rage hadn't subsided. "Why are you all just standing there? Go! Find her!" His mother tried to calm him. "Getting worked up won't help. It's a lawful society. Nothing bad will happen." "Mom, I don't care! I'm going to look for her myself." Just as his staff rushed out, they ran straight into Lucy. Leading the charge was Steven's assistant. Seeing her, the man nearly wept with relief. "Madam, where have you been? Mr. Cooper has been losing his mind!" The household staff chimed in. "Yes, Madam! If you hadn't come back, he would have turned Hartemis City upside down looking for you!" Before Lucy could respond, she was pulled into a crushing embrace. Steven's grip was suffocating, his arms so tight around her that she could barely breathe. "Lucy, where did you go? I searched everywhere, the jewelry store, home—Mom said you went out, but you didn't tell me anything. Were you trying to scare me to death?" Lucy pushed against him. "Let go." "I won't!" His possessiveness was absolute. "Lucy, what's wrong? You've been acting strange lately…" "It's just hormones. Mood swings." "That's not right. Your cycle isn't due until the end of the month." "It came early." Steven finally exhaled, loosening his hold. "Lucy, next time you go anywhere, just tell me. I'll go with you. Don't ever disappear like this again." She turned her face away, unwilling to meet his gaze. "I just needed some air. It's nothing." Her mother-in-law, watching from the side, sneered, "Exactly. She's a grown woman. What could possibly happen to her? You don't need to hover over her every second—there are other people who need your attention, too." Steven frowned. "Mom, stop." Lucy let out a soft chuckle. "She's right. You should focus on your priorities. No need to keep me company." "How could I not? I promised I'd always be with you." She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "Then how about this—on June 1st, when you go on that business trip, I'll go with you?" Steven stiffened. He let out a dry laugh. "Didn't you say you didn't want to go?" "I changed my mind. Thought I'd go to Maldove and watch fish." His expression turned unnatural. "Lucy, I—" "I'm joking." She laughed lightly. "I already said I wouldn't go. Focus on your work." She pushed him away and walked inside. Behind her, she heard him sigh in visible relief. "Lucy," he called after her, "our wedding anniversary is in two weeks. What do you want? I need to make it up to you." "I don't want anything." "That's not an option. It's our most important day." She smiled faintly. "Didn't you already buy me a pair of rings? Where are they? Let me see." Silence. He had bought them. But in the end, they weren't for her. They were for the mother of his two children. Just then, her phone rang. Lucy answered. "Hey, Camille." "Lucy, I've arranged the rescue boat for you. Everything is secure—you don't have to worry." She wasn't far from Steven. And he had heard every word. His brows furrowed. "Rescue boat? What rescue boat?" Chapter 6 "Camille invited me to go boating in the park. I told her I was afraid of the water, that I didn't want to go. She went through the trouble of arranging a rescue boat anyway," Lucy replied. Steven laughed. "What's so special about boating in the park? Someday, I will take you out to sea on a yacht." Lucy gave a quiet nod. There was no "someday." Whatever they had built over the past ten years would come to an end on their wedding anniversary this year. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed." "I'll come with you—" "No need. I haven't been sleeping well. I want to sleep alone in the guest room." Steven watched her silhouette fade into the distance. A strange unease crept into his chest. Something about Lucy had changed. She seemed indifferent to everything now, including him. Even if it was because of her period, she had never acted like this before. Not once. Was it because of the children? Had she realized something? Steven took out his phone and dialed a number. The call connected quickly. A woman's voice came through. "Darling…" "Marilyn, you're my secretary. Watch your words." On the other end, Marilyn let out a soft sigh, then corrected herself. "Mr. Cooper." His voice was cold. "Be more careful from now on. You and the children cannot be exposed yet." Marilyn's voice trembled as she started crying. "I've been hiding for five years. I never wanted to expose anything." "If that's true, why did you take the children to see Lucy today? I warned you. She can't see you, and she definitely can't see the children." "It wasn't me," she said, her voice shaking. "It was the kids. They kept crying to see their father. Steven, I don't care if you don't love me, but Shawn and Sharon—they are your children. They need a father." Steven fell silent. When it came to the children, he had nothing to say. "This is my last warning," he said. "Lucy must never find out about you or the kids. Other than that, I'll give you whatever you need." "I understand," Marilyn whispered. Then, hesitantly, "Can you spend more time with me? I've followed you for so long, nameless, invisible. It's not just the kids who feel wronged. I do too." "I'll try." Steven sighed. "Get their things ready. The wind in Maldove is strong. Make sure they don't catch a cold." "Don't worry. Everything's packed. They're so happy. This year, their daddy will finally spend Children's Day with them." At the same time, in the master bedroom, Lucy was packing. Her phone buzzed with a message from Marilyn. This time, it was a recording. She tapped it. The first second, she knew. It was Steven's voice. His voice was gentle. He told her to pack the children's things. He was worried about the strong winds in Maldove. A father's love was as deep as the ocean, huh? Lucy set down the phone and continued packing. But the messages didn't stop. They came one after another. [Steven already agreed. From now on, he'll spend every Children's Day with them.] [The four of us are going to Maldove together!] [What are you still holding onto? Do you plan to guard that empty title of 'Mrs. Cooper' until you die?] [Because of you, the children have grown up without a father. The other kids in kindergarten call them bastards. Can you really bear that?] The phone kept vibrating. Lucy switched it off. When Steven walked in, she had already packed all her clothes, neatly stacked in the corner. He frowned. "Lucy, why are you packing?" "You're just in time." She picked up a small, beautifully wrapped box and handed it to him. Steven smiled. "A gift for me?" "Yes. Open it on our anniversary." He shook the box gently. It was small, delicate. "Jewelry?" "Mhm." Her wedding ring. Steven never gave her the ring he promised for their anniversary, but she had one for him. She was returning it now. Along with everything else—the years, the love, the sincerity. Steven was completely oblivious, of course. He looked genuinely happy. "Thank you, honey. After this business trip, our anniversary will be just around the corner. I'll make sure to spend it with you." Lucy smiled. She didn't say a word. By then, the anniversary he would be celebrating would be the news of her death. Chapter 7 On June 1st, Steven left. He had told Lucy in advance that this trip would be busy, that he might not have time to message her. But there wasn't any shortage of news of him. All sent by Marilyn. Photos, videos—plenty of them. Steven taking Shawn diving. Steven carrying Sharon on his shoulders, watching fireworks. Steven cradling both children, lulling them to sleep. Steven feeding them at the dinner table. [He's such a good father. He takes care of everything himself. I barely need to lift a finger.] [Look at how happy they are with their daddy. Can you really bear to let them live without him?] [Oh, by the way, Steven promised the kids an island tour. Not just Maldove this time.] [Steven bought me a new ring. Pretty, isn't it?] Attached was a photo of Marilyn's hand. On her left ring finger was a delicate women's ring—the exact one Lucy had picked out in a jewelry store not long ago. Lucy scrolled up, finding the picture of Steven feeding the kids. On his right ring finger was not their wedding band. It was a matching men's ring—the pair to Marilyn's. Her phone rang. It was Steven. "Lucy, I just finished a meeting. Called you right away. How are things at home?" Lucy glanced at the photos on her screen. "Everything's fine." "There's a lot to take care of here. I might be back later than planned." An island tour, wasn't it? She hummed in acknowledgment. He added hastily, "I haven't forgotten our anniversary. I'll make it back in time, I promise. We'll go out to sea and watch the moon together. And I want to open the gift you got me, in person." As he spoke, a child's voice piped up from the other end. "Daddy…?" Steven hung up almost instantly. "Lucy, I need to go. Eat on time, lock the doors and take care of yourself. I'll be home soon. Wait for me." Beep. Beep. Beep. The line went dead. Not that it mattered. Lucy wasn't worried. Marilyn would update her soon enough. Sure enough, within minutes, another video arrived. Shawn said, "Daddy, my birthday wish is to have a little sister." Sharon clapped excitedly. "Sister! Sister!" Steven didn't refuse. He simply smiled at them. "Then Daddy will try." Then he turned to Marilyn. The camera caught the soft curve of his lips, the warmth in his eyes. "What do you think, Mommy?" Marilyn giggled. "Then I'll try too." The four of them dissolved into laughter, a picture of perfect harmony. Lucy switched off her phone. She gathered every gift Steven had ever given her, every letter he had ever written, carried them to the rooftop, and set them all on fire. Ten years' worth of memories. There was so much. It took her an entire night to burn them all. Maybe even the heavens wanted to help. As dawn approached, rain poured over Hartemis City. The ashes were washed away, leaving no trace behind. Lucy fell ill from that night in the cold wind, drenched in the downpour. Fever raged through her body. Half-conscious, she heard the murmuring of the maids. "Madam is burning up. Should we call Sir?" "We should, shouldn't we? He loves her so much. He'd be worried." "Don't." Her mother-in-law's sharp voice cut through the room. "Steven is spending time with his children. No one is to disturb him. Understood?" A maid hesitated. "But Madam is seriously ill. What if something happens? How will we explain when Sir returns?" "If she dies, all the better," the older woman said coldly. "Then my two grandchildren can move in openly." Lucy couldn't speak. A single tear slipped down her cheek. Fifteen days passed. She recovered somewhat, though her body remained weak. Camille arrived, her face tight with worry. "Falling into the sea is risky. I've arranged a rescue boat, but in your condition… Are you sure you can handle it?" Lucy clenched her teeth. "Drive." Camille drove her to the shore. A yacht was waiting at the dock. She stepped aboard just as night fell, the crescent moon hanging in the sky. Camille reminded her, "Once we reach the designated spot, the yacht will be sunk. You'll go overboard, and the rescue team will be there immediately." She nodded. "Got it." Camille steadied her as she boarded. "Maybe we should reconsider. You're still weak—" "Tonight," she said firmly. "I need to be free of him. I've waited fifteen days. I won't wait any longer." The yacht's engine roared to life, carrying her into the vast sea. Then—her phone rang. Lucy glanced at the screen and picked up. "Hello?" Steven's voice was urgent. "Lucy, I'm sorry I'm late. I just landed. Where are you?" She looked up at the sky, at the sliver of moon above the waves. "On a yacht. Watching the moon." "Are you alone? Wait for me—I'm heading to the pier right now—" "No need. Goodbye, Steven." Lucy raised her hand. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the phone into the sea.