###Chapter 2
Three years ago, Robert proposed to me in front of his company building. Suddenly, an earthquake struck.
The building shook violently. The ground cracked open. Without much thoughts, Robert pulled me under him to protect me.
A falling pillar hit him so hard that he coughed up blood. Broken stones cut into his skin and his chin was split open. But he still used his body to shield me, creating a small safe space.
“Ayla, as long as you’re safe, it's worth it. Even if I had to die....”
Who else in this world would love me like that? Not even my father. After we were rescued, I put on the engagement ring through my tears. I thought that was the beginning of happiness.
Unfortunately, the same man who seemed to love only me had shown signs of betrayal long before.
The first time he went with me to a prenatal check-up, he got a message that Silvia had severe menstrual pain. He immediately stood up to leave.
“Silvy needs someone to take care of her. You’re at the hospital. You’re safe.”
The first time I felt the baby move, I excitedly took his hand to let him feel it. He pulled his hand away almost immediately.
“Wait. Silvy just texted me. She’s afraid of the dark. I need to help her fall asleep.”
I once vomited so badly from morning sickness that I was throwing up bile. Yet, when he saw Silvia post on Instagram that she planned to stay out overnight, he slammed the door and left me alone.
Who was truly the most important person in his heart? The answer was obvious. But I covered my eyes and lied to myself.
In the end, Robert even cried. His tears fell onto my neck. My body trembled. I didn’t want to look at his fake sorrow anymore.
“Let’s just do it your way,” I said calmly. “By the way, it’s your mother’s birthday soon. I prepared a gift in your name. I just need your signature for the payment.”
I took out the divorce agreement, opened it to the signature page and slid it in front of him. My palms were sweating. I was afraid he would read it carefully.
Just then, Silvia’s special ringtone rang. Robert answered immediately.
Her voice was slightly drunk. “Brother, there’s a guy who wants to take me home. Should I go with him?”
Robert’s face changed instantly. The veins on his forehead stood out. “Don’t you dare! Send me your address. Now.”
I watched the man in front of me turn into an angry wolf, his eyes full of jealousy and possessiveness.
The last time he looked like that was on our honeymoon cruise. I had glanced at a handsome foreign man at another table. Robert’s face darkened. He carried me back to our suite and didn’t let me leave the room for seven days.
That same intensity was still there. Only now, it was for someone else.
After hanging up, Robert finally remembered I was there. “Silvy’s drunk. I need to pick her up. You can take a taxi home, okay?”
He was leaving his pregnant wife alone on a cold night, for another woman.
I pushed the agreement toward him again. “Sign first.”
Without even looking at it, Robert quickly signed his name.
***
The moment my taxi arrived, I saw Robert's car sped away. He even ran past a red light, not caring about his own safety.
I stood alone on the empty street, feeling like a discarded doll.
It was past midnight when I got home. As soon as I walked in, I saw Silvia lying on the bed in a sheer lace nightdress, eating snacks casually.
I stared at her. “Why are you in my house?”
She pouted and pretended to be shy. “I had a fight with someone and went to a bar to make him jealous. I said I might leave with another guy and he immediately came to drag me away.”
As she spoke, she pulled her neckline slightly lower, revealing obvious marks on her skin. She smiled mischievously. “I didn’t expect him to get so jealous. He couldn’t even wait until we got home.”
My nails dug into my palms as pain spread through my body. In the past, I tried to believe they had only kissed on the cheeks only, now all my illusions were finally gone.
I stepped forward angrily, ready to tell her to leave.
Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed my shoulders from behind. “Ayla, I know you’ve been upset these days. Look what I bought for you.”
I turned around. It was the newest limited-edition Chanel dress—my favorite style.
But I felt nothing. It wasn’t love. It was guilt.
“Go take a shower and try it on after,” he said gently.
Robert pushed me lightly toward the bathroom.
I turned on the shower but realized I hadn’t brought clean clothes. When I opened the door, the scene in front of me froze my blood.
My husband was holding Silvia tightly on the sofa. He wasn’t even trying to hide it. He knew I usually took a long shower.
I gripped the doorframe to keep myself standing.
“You’re so good to her,” Silvia said mockingly. “Congratulations. Everyone says you’re the perfect husband.”
Robert lowered his head and kissed her. “Jealous? Do you think I didn’t prepare something for you?”
After some rustling, he picked up a velvet box from the floor. Inside was a sapphire necklace, the stone large and dazzling.
“It was hard to get. There’s only one in the world,” he said.
I understood. What he gave me could be bought anytime. But, what he gave Silvia was unique.
“Oh my God!” Silvia wrapped her arms around his neck. “I only mentioned it once. Yet, you spent millions for me?”
“If you want the moon, I’ll bring it to you,” he whispered near her ear. “Just wear it, don't make too much fuss. I don't want Ayla to find out.”
I couldn’t watch anymore. I ran back into the bathroom and threw up over the toilet.
“Divorce her and Mary me,” Silvia said softly. “Okay?”
“I can’t. You’re my sister in name,” Robert replied. “Besides, I love Ayla. If I lose her, I’ll go crazy.”
Then why couldn't you control yourself, Robert?
My phone vibrated. A text message appeared:
[I've got special connections. Your immigration paperwork will be done in five days.]
Robert. In five days, I’d be waiting to see you go crazy!
