Lover is Gone as the Wind Rises

The Ivanovas and the Vitales are well-known aristocratic families who have maintained everlasting friendship through generations.

My name is Anastasia Ivanova.

I have been the daughter of the Ivanovas for twenty years, only to discover just now that I was switched at birth.

When I was swept out of the Ivanova’s mansion like rubbish, Lorenzo, the youngest son of the Vitale family, firmly picked me up in spite of all objections.

Lorenzo always acted cold and distant toward me. I didn’t know why he came to take me into his car at that time.

He whispered in my ear again and again, ‌"I’ve wanted you for a long time."‌ He pinned me against the leather seat, making me cry until my voice was hoarse. At that moment, I finally understood his coldness over the years was not indifference but restraint.

Soon after, Lorenzo overrode all objections to marry me.

His parents were vehemently against me, but Lorenzo directly stripped them of power and became the youngest godfather. Scarlett Montgomery tried to stop us from getting married, but Lorenzo canceled all her credit cards and threatened to send her away.

I thought we would have a happy life.

Three days before our wedding ceremony, he planned to send me abroad, claiming enemies might retaliate. But, I accidentally overheard him talking to Scarlett in the hallway at night.

"Thank goodness. You tricked her into leaving until after I give birth. You’re so good to me!"‌

He kissed her cheek, ‌"I don’t want Anastasia know our affair. You must keep it secret."‌

Their dialogue made me devastated.

But I didn’t confront him immediately. Instead, I quietly completed my immigration paperwork as a way to make a clean break with him.

Half an hour later, I returned home carrying a beautifully packaged jewelry box. When Lorenzo returned, it was already past ten o'clock in the evening.

He was still holding a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hands, “Honey, I’ve been swamped with work and haven’t had time to spend with you. I brought some freesia. It’s your favorite. Do you like it?”

As he leaned in for a kiss, I caught a whiff of perfume on him. I glanced sideways and noticed a tiny tooth mark on his throat, along with a bright, eye-catching lipstick stain on his collar. That was eye-catching red.

I gave a cold laugh, “You must be busy with Scarlett.”

Lorenzo sniffed the air, “Why are you so mad again?‌”

I pushed him away, “I’m just a bit tired.”

“Let me carry you to bed.” He crouched down, preparing to scoop me up into his arms.

I pushed him away again, “You must be tired too. Go take a shower and get some rest early.”

Lorenzo reached for my hand, but his eyes suddenly locked onto my bare finger. “Anastasia, where is your wedding ring?”

“I took it off.”

“Why? I made that with my own hands. It is a testament to our love.”

I said dismissively, “I’ve gained weight recently. It was cutting into my finger.”

Only then did Lorenzo’s expression soften slightly, and he resumed his smile, “I’ll take it to have the size adjusted some other day.”

“We’ll talk about it later.”

“By the way, what’s that on the table?”Lorenzo pointed at the jewelry box resting on the table. He was pleasantly surprised, “Anastasia, is that a gift for me?”

I nodded, “Yes.”

“What’s it?” Lorenzo intended to open the box, but I snatched it away.

“Why?” Lorenzo puzzled, shrugging and spreading his hands.

I replied, “Not yet.”

Lorenzo was delighted, “What’s the occasion? Why are you getting me a gift?”

My heart ached, “For our wedding anniversary…two weeks from now.”

Lorenzo’s face instantly turned extremely grim. He immediately coaxed me in an ingratiating tone, “I remember it. I’ve been really busy with work lately. How about we go out for dinner tonight? I’ll book the restaurant right now…”

“I’ve already eaten.”

“How about I take you out to see the night view? Let’s go for a stroll along the river?”

“I’m tired. I just want to sleep.”

Lorenzo slightly wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, “It’s been ages since we’ve taken a walk together. Give me a chance to have a walk with you, please!”

I felt nothing but boredom, “Lorenzo…I…”

Lorenzo directly cut me off, “I’ve been feeling that you’ve been a bit distant with me. I’m wondering if my honey has fallen for someone else if you keep saying no.”

I felt a wave of confusion and disgust.

He had the nerve to accuse me of being unfaithful, yet he never admitted that he had left me alone and had an affair with Scarlett. This time, I would take back all my love for good.

On the drive, Lorenzo chatted about his recent experiences. I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, completely tuning him out.

As I buckled my seatbelt, my fingers brushed against something in the gap beneath the seat. I pulled out a pair of women’s silk stockings. They had clearly been worn. I simply stuffed them back and pretended nothing had happened.

I have made up my mind to leave Lorenzo. I didn’t want to argue with him anymore because I knew I won't get anything but lies.

When we reached the riverbank, Lorenzo got out first and opened my door, “Anastasia, we’re here.”

I hadn’t wanted to come. This was the place where we had our first date. Maybe this was fate. I thought it might be the perfect place to finally put an end to my affection.