Chapter 2

I lowered my eyes to my bare ring finger and said, expressionless, "I don't know. Probably lost it."

She fixed her gaze on me, brows furrowed, as if trying to discern if I was lying.

I met her stare, completely open and calm.

After a long moment, she finally exhaled, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"How could you be so careless? Never mind, I'll just buy you a new one later."

"I know I've been busy lately, and you've been feeling neglected."

"Actually, I prepared a little surprise for you. Something you've always wanted. I finally bought it."

Scarlett pulled a small box from her pocket, then gestured to the messy pile of clothes and shoes nearby.

"But you have to clean all this up first before I give it to you."

I glanced at the trinket in her hand and said blandly, "I don't need it. You keep it."

Scarlett's displeasure was evident.

"I bought you the gift you like, and you're not even willing to do a little housework?"

"I think I've been too good to you—"

Before she could finish, her phone rang. I knew it was Liam's custom ringtone.

Scarlett's lips curved upward unconsciously. She instinctively glanced at me, then, phone in hand, turned and walked into the room, closing the door behind her.

Five minutes later, Scarlett emerged, pulled on her trench coat, and tossed the small box onto the sofa.

"Alright, I was just kidding. Go ahead and see what the gift is."

"But the housework still needs to be done. The house must be sparkling clean by tomorrow night. It's a disaster; I don't know what you do all day."

"There's a small issue with a company project. I'm going to deal with it. You go to bed first, don't wait up for me."

I watched her silently.

The same scene had played out countless times over these eight years. Yet, I always kept deceiving myself.

After Scarlett left, I casually tossed the gift towards the trash can.

But the box hit the rim of the bin, snapping open with a pop. A diamond-studded watch fell to the floor.

I froze for a moment, then finally remembered. Seven years ago, I had once asked her for a diamond-studded watch.

Back then, the company was just starting out. I accompanied her to various business dinners, and we finally landed a huge deal.

The day the project was successfully completed, I mustered my courage and asked Scarlett to get me a diamond-studded watch.

She frowned, clearly impatient.

"Alex, can't you be more sensible? Today it's a necklace, tomorrow a car, and the day after are you going to ask for a private jet?"

"Besides, your neck is so short, what's the point of wearing anything?"

"If you really like jewelry, I'll buy you a necklace, alright?"

The next day, Scarlett gave me a cheap necklace.

I always thought she just didn't like those kinds of things.

But later, she showered Liam with countless pieces of jewelry. So many that he couldn't help but flaunt them on his social media.

Liam: Why does someone love giving jewelry so much!!! I'm not an octopus, I can't even wear it all!

This diamond-studded watch is so tacky, I hate it, don't want it!

I clicked on the post. That diamond-studded watch was the very "surprise" gift Scarlett had given me.

My lips tightened. I picked it up and threw it into the trash can again.

Then, I dialed a number.

"Chris, that famous divorce lawyer you mentioned last time, can you recommend him to me?"