Chapter 2

"Hey babe, did that Hermès bag you helped me order finally arrive?"

I had just walked into the private VIP lounge and picked up the limited-edition orange Birkin—which required over a hundred thousand dollars in pre-spending—when Ethan’s call came through.

I looked up and caught the sales associate’s smile freezing on her face.

So, my husband had his own eyes and ears inside this store.

"Yeah, I just got it," I replied, my voice sounding flat even to my own ears.

Ethan’s voice was instantly pumped with excitement. "Awesome! I'll swing by and grab it after work. I actually have a dinner meeting with a major client tonight to lock down that new project."

I slowly ran my fingers over the supple, pebbled leather of the bag.

It was the classic Hermès orange.

Bright, flashy, and attention-grabbing.

I had always hated loud colors like this.

Most of Ethan’s high-profile business clients were around my age; none of them would realistically carry a bag in this shade.

That was why, when I placed the order last week, I had specifically requested a classy, understated Etoupe Gray.

"Which client are you gifting this to? I can just have my assistant deliver it directly to their office," I said casually.

Silence stretched over the line for two agonizing seconds.

"Babe, come on, it’s our anniversary today. Why would I want to stress you out with work errands?" Ethan chuckled nervously. "Plus, you haven't been involved in this specific project. You wouldn't be able to chat with them about the details if they ask."

He was dodging the question, talking in circles.

Since last year, Ethan had practically moved into the gym. He was constantly flexing his new abs in the mirror and spending thirty minutes styling his hair every single morning before leaving for "work."

My best friend had joked once, *“Is your husband going through a midlife crisis, or is he having an affair?”*

I had laughed it off back then.

Ethan and I had been together for ten years, surviving the transition from college sweethearts to business partners.

I was the one who stood by him when he had absolutely nothing. I was the one who ignored my wealthy family's warnings and used my own inheritance and connections to fund his startup. I watched him grow from a clueless boy into a polished CEO.

We survived the worst of times together. Why couldn't we share the best of times?

My eyes burned with unshed tears.

"Fine. Come pick it up now then," I said, hanging up before he could respond.

I closed my eyes.

Memories of us huddling together in our cramped, freezing studio apartment years ago flashed across my mind.

But they were instantly shattered by the image of him today, meticulously styling his hair in front of the vanity.

As it turned out, the pain of a breaking heart was far worse than physical labor.

My hands trembled as I unlocked my phone and texted the real estate broker who had helped us buy the downtown condo last year.

"I need you to sell the downtown condo immediately. List it for one million dollars cash today."

The broker replied almost instantly.

"Elena! Are you serious?! That is way below market value! You paid nearly double that amount last year!"

My heart felt completely numb.

"Just sell it. Today."

Right after I locked my phone, Ethan rushed into the VIP lounge.

"Babe! What made you decide to come pick up the bag yourself today?"

I glanced at my watch. It had taken him less than twenty minutes to get here.

Was he really that terrified of me uncovering his little secret?

"The store manager called me and said my VIP order was ready, so I happened to be in the area," I said smoothly.

Ethan shot a sharp, warning glare at the sales associate, Sarah.

But when he turned back to me, his face softened into his usual warm, loving expression.

I smiled faintly, pretending not to notice their little exchange.

"By the way, Ethan, I distinctly remember ordering the Etoupe Gray last week. Why did Sarah hand me an orange one?"