The entire social circle knew that Anna, the eldest daughter of The Jones family, was a hopeless simp. Back in the day, Albert had married her under family pressure, but even after five years of marriage, he found her so repulsive that he wouldn't spare her a glance. To avoid her, he often stayed out late into the night. On their wedding anniversary, Anna discovered that her scumbag husband was cheating on her. That night, she did the craziest thing she had ever done-she got drunk and slept with a man who had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and devastatingly handsome looks. After a night of passion, Anna casually transferred $500,000 to him as a "tip" and left without looking back. Later, at a banquet, she witnessed the elites and power players of high society fawning over the very man she had slept with, showing him the utmost respect. It was only then that she realized-he was none other than the legendary, untouchable, and fearsome billionaire, the wealthiest man in New York City! Anna instantly knew she had messed with the wrong person. She turned and tried to flee, only to be cornered against the wall by the noble and aloof man. His eyes were tinged with red, his expression full of grievance as he said, "You slept with me, so now you have to take responsibility!" ... Albert had always wanted to rid himself of Anna. However, after their divorce, he gradually realized how irreplaceable she was. It wasn't until he saw her gazing at that billionaire with tenderness and affection that he completely lost his mind. Regret consumed him as he fell to his knees, begging for reconciliation. But before he could get close, the billionaire kicked him away and warned coldly: "If you dare lay a finger on my woman again, I'll make sure your entire Smith family is buried along with you!"
[Your husband isn't home on your anniversary. Doesn't feel great, does it?]
[Despised by your husband, left alone for five years-how do you even tolerate it?]
[Aren't you curious who the person you're waiting for is with right now?]
...
Sitting at the dining table, Anna received several friend requests from a stranger. Just as she was about to block the unfamiliar profile picture, another message popped up.
[I'm pregnant. The baby is Albert's.]
Anna froze, her entire body trembling uncontrollably. Her face turned deathly pale, and her tightly pressed lips instantly bled from being bitten too hard.
After a long silence, she accepted the friend request.
Opening the woman's Facebook, she found only a dozen posts, the earliest dating back four months.
Every post was a collage of photos-either flaunting love, luxury brands, fine dining, or picturesque views-yet none of them revealed her face.
Anna carefully examined each post, enlarging the pictures one by one. Soon, she noticed something unusual in one of the extravagant meal photos-the reflection in a wine glass showed a man wearing a Richard Mille limited edition watch.
There were only ten of these watches in the world. Albert owned one, and it was the watch he wore most frequently.
Matching it with Albert's late nights out, Anna instantly realized the truth-every night he didn't come home, he was with this woman.
She opened the chat, about to type a message, when the woman sent her a location pin.
Anna glanced at the meticulously prepared dishes on the table, her gaze turning cold. They were just like her relationship with Albert-appearing lavish on the surface, but long since gone cold.
Without hesitation, she grabbed her keys and drove to the club.
Standing outside the private suite of a high-end club, Anna stared at the closed door, her heart pounding violently.
She knew that the moment she pushed this door open, there would be no turning back for her and Albert.
Just as her hand touched the doorknob, she heard voices inside.
"Damn, Albert, you're going too far! Hands all over her while we're still here?"
"Seriously! Broad daylight, and you're putting on an 18+ show here? Gross! Take your wife home for that!"
"I've known Albert for years, but I've never seen him this invested in a woman before. Must be true love!"
The voices belonged to Albert's usual drinking buddies. Anna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Then, a delicate, sugary voice drifted out:
"You guys just love teasing me. What wife? I'm just an unacknowledged mistress."
Anna's eyes darkened. So it was her-the rising starlet, Alice.
A cool, slightly stern male voice cut in: "You should know your place. Albert has a wife. They had a family-arranged marriage-he won't divorce her."
Anna's brows arched slightly. Dante? He's back from abroad?
"Dante always speaks so harshly. Alice, don't take it personally. Albert's heart and body belong to you-who cares about a meaningless title?"
"Exactly! We all know his wife is just a decorative piece. If she weren't so obedient and easy to manipulate, Albert would've kicked her out long ago."
"Jackie, watch your mouth!"
"Dante, what's with the attitude? Everyone at our university knew about the disgraceful thing that Jones family heiress did. Albert was already being generous by agreeing to marry her. You really think he'd ever touch her?"
A heavy silence fell over the room as the man realized his slip-up.
After a moment, a familiar voice spoke:
"Dante, you sure seem protective of her. But I've long since gotten sick of looking at her face. If you don't mind filth, I wouldn't mind handing her over to you."
"Albert, watch your words!"
A wave of sorrow washed over Anna. She had heard enough.
She turned around and walked away from the club, her steps light but her heart heavy.
3 AM.
Albert returned home to find Anna sitting at the dining table with the untouched meal before her. He took off his suit jacket and casually draped it over a chair.
Loosening his tie, he spoke indifferently, "I already ate. I told you not to wait up if it's late."
"Of course you're full-you've already had your fill outside."
Anna lifted her gaze nonchalantly, her words carrying a double meaning.
Albert gave her a brief glance, assuming she was just sulking because he hadn't spent their anniversary with her.
He pulled out a delicately wrapped box from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Happy fifth anniversary. I was busy at a business dinner and forgot to reply to your messages. I still have work to do, so I'll sleep in the study tonight."
With that, he turned and strode upstairs.
Anna watched his retreating figure, the light in her eyes dimming little by little.
She opened the box. Inside was a Tiffany Love bracelet-one size too big.
She chuckled self-deprecatingly. Albert had never bothered to truly know her.
As dawn approached, Anna left the dining table and began packing her things.
She had lived in this house for five years, yet everything she took with her fit into a single suitcase.
She didn't pack any of the expensive bags and jewelry Albert had given her. Since they were never given with sincerity, there was no need to keep them.
Morning.
Albert came downstairs and saw Anna cooking breakfast as usual. Sitting at the table, he sneered inwardly.
She was so desperate to cling to him.
After the Jones family fell from grace, she had given up her promising career to be a housewife. Every morning, she woke up early to cook for him, but he had never been moved-he only looked down on her more.
When the final dish was placed on the table, Albert spoke indifferently, "The maid could do this too. Why go through the trouble?"
Anna gazed at him-the man in his crisp white shirt and tailored trousers. He was strikingly handsome, exuding an air of nobility. Despite being utterly heartless, he remained dazzling.
After a few seconds of silence, she sat down and spoke calmly, "This is the last breakfast I'm making for you."
Albert's hand, reaching for the porridge, paused briefly before he brushed it off. "Glad you finally understand."
"I do." Anna pushed the bowl toward him, her gaze unwavering. "Let's get a divorce."
Albert sipped his seafood porridge, raising an amused brow. "What did you just say?"
Anna repeated firmly, "I said, let's get a divorce."
Albert didn't even blink. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, his voice detached. "You sure? I don't take back what I throw away."
Anna met his oppressive gaze and smiled faintly. "Neither do I."
"Fine. Just don't come crawling back later." Albert scoffed, rising from the table and slamming the door behind him. Moments later, the roar of his car engine filled the air.
Anna remained at the table, calmly finishing her meal.
She had eaten too many cold meals alone in this house. But today, she didn't feel sad at all.
Before leaving, she changed into a stunning black dress, applied flawless makeup, and let her long hair down.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled.
Then, she grabbed her suitcase and strode downstairs.
At the door, she placed her car keys on the entryway table. The luxury sports car Albert had gifted her for their engagement-she was returning it.
Stepping outside, she glanced back at the hilltop mansion one last time.
A sense of relief washed over her.
Just then, her phone screen lit up-it was a message from Peter, her mentor from France.
[Anna, I'm returning home to compete. You were always the best among us-are you really not going to enter?]
[Oh, and I heard Emily will be competing too.]
Anna's eyelashes quivered. Memories she had buried for years resurfaced in an instant.
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