Before the Danton Family went bankrupt, Amber had lived a life most could only dream of, where even the smallest details of her existence—right down to every strand of her hair—were meticulously tended to. Raised as a privileged heiress, she carried herself with an air of entitlement. She walked with her head high, never sparing a glance at her feet, secure in the belief that her path would always remain smooth, free of obstacles. She was like a proud white peacock, resplendent and untouchable.
But life has a way of humbling even the mightiest. The Danton Family's fortune collapsed under the weight of debts her father had concealed. Unable to bear the shame, he took his own life, jumping from the rooftop of their family estate. The once-pristine Danton name was dragged through the mud, leaving Amber to pick up the pieces.
Her mother, grief-stricken, fell gravely ill. Her younger brother, studying abroad, required financial support. The world that had once revered Amber now turned its back on her. She had alienated many in her prime, dismissing people as beneath her. When the tables turned, not one hand reached out to help.
Desperate, she swallowed her pride and approached a woman she had once scorned—a former mistress of her father. The woman, now running an exclusive private club, agreed to let Amber work there as a server.
Word of the fallen heiress working among common folk spread quickly. Some customers, driven by curiosity and cruelty, flocked to the club, eager to savor the spectacle of her downfall. Reduced to her lowest point, Amber endured evenings serving drinks and fending off the leers of men old enough to be her father, sometimes her grandfather, just to earn enough to survive.
When Calvin discovered this, his fury was volcanic. He smashed a room full of expensive liquor bottles, the shards reflecting his outrage.
"Amber," he thundered in front of everyone at the club, "I'll give you a home. You can't lower yourself to this. You're better than this. The Amber I know has a spine and doesn't bow to anyone."
And he did give her a home. But Calvin also took her dignity, piece by piece.
When Harvey, Calvin's grandfather, mocked Amber as unworthy of the Sawyer name, Calvin didn't defend her. Instead, he smirked and assured Harvey he'd grow tired of Amber within three years and move on.
A month ago, Amber had confronted Calvin about completing a list of "100 Couple's Must-Do Activities" with Iris. His response wasn't what a husband should offer—it was indifference. Calvin admired Amber for her tenacity, her spirit. Yet, it was he who crushed it beneath the weight of his disregard.
That night, Calvin stayed by Iris's side at the hospital. The following morning, instead of returning home, he went straight to his office, diving into work and alcohol. He had completely forgotten about the divorce agreement he'd signed the night before.
Friday marked their third wedding anniversary. Calvin left the office late, but with a rare flicker of consideration, he purchased a mango cake for Amber. He remembered how she always valued these occasions, making them feel special with her own quiet efforts. She had even texted him earlier in the day, reminding him to come home early.
As Calvin drove, the image of Amber's gentle texts lingered in his mind.
[Are you tired from work? Should I have Florence bring you some food? Will you be home early tonight?]
He had ignored every message, as he always did. Yet, scrolling through the unread green bubbles, a strange pang of guilt surfaced. Amber's patience, her willingness to stay even when he neglected her, should have been comforting. Instead, it unsettled him.
But before he could dwell on it further, Iris's call came through. In an instant, Amber's texts were forgotten, replaced by Iris's familiar voice.
He arrived at the hospital with the cake in hand, only to find an unexpected scene: his stepmother, Sonya, standing in Iris's room with Amber by her side.
The moment Calvin entered, his face darkened. He didn't wait for explanations. His eyes narrowed as he barked, "Who told you to bring her here to see Iris?"
Before Amber could respond, Calvin's temper erupted. His hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly as he dragged her out into the hallway.
With a forceful shove, he slammed her against the cold tiled wall. The impact sent a jolt of pain up Amber's spine.
"I didn't... Ah!" she gasped, her voice trembling as she winced, instinctively trying to free her wrist from his iron grip.
Her eyes watered from the pain. She looked up at Calvin, who stood looming over her, his expression twisted with rage.
Earlier that day, Amber had wanted to make their anniversary meaningful, even if it was their last. She had spent hours with Florence in the kitchen, learning to cook a simple meal. She had carefully chosen the dishes Calvin liked, hoping to create a semblance of normalcy before their inevitable separation.
But just as she was rinsing vegetables, Sonya had arrived unannounced, her imperious demeanor filling the mansion.
