Chapter 1

On our fifth wedding anniversary night, I arrived in my best suit, eagerly anticipating that my CEO wife, Madelyn Grant, would finally reveal our secret marriage at the gala.

But instead, scandalous news about her first love, Carter Hayes, suddenly made headlines.

Ignoring my feelings, she announced to the crowd:

“Carter and I are indeed in a relationship. Please show your support for his new project.”

As the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, Carter pulled Madelyn into a kiss.

I didn’t cry, didn’t make a scene. I clapped along with the rest, offering my hollow congratulations.

It wasn’t until later, when she realized how much I’d changed, that Madelyn begged me, in tears, to forgive her again.

Content

“Evan Cooper, what are you doing? Why are you being so unreasonable?”

Madelyn Grant caught up with me, roughly grabbing my collar and dragging me into the shadows.

“You know Carter’s career is on the rise. How could I just stand by and let a few haters insult and attack him?”

I looked at her, meeting her irritated gaze. My eyes drifted beyond her, landing on Carter Hayes, casually mingling with his glass of champagne.

He was radiant, basking in the crowd's admiration. With every glance, I felt my heart bleeding.

This gala was supposed to be the happiest night of my life.

After two years of dating and five years of marriage, Madelyn promised to announce our marriage tonight.

But in the end, I couldn’t compare it to her first love.

For years, the recognition I had longed for was given to Carter with nothing more than a pitiful act.

When she noticed my focus lingering on Carter, Madelyn’s expression darkened.

She tightened her grip on my collar and warned, “Evan Cooper, don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning. You better not cause trouble for Carter at this party!”

Her grip was suffocating, and the pain in my chest was unbearable. I pushed her away, coughing violently.

Perhaps out of guilt, she gently patted my back and sighed softly. “Evan, stop making a fuss. The situation with Carter came up suddenly. Pretending to be a couple was a last-minute decision—I didn’t have time to discuss it with you.”

This gala was meant to announce our secret marriage.

Madelyn had invited company executives and a few entertainment journalists. She said she didn’t reveal the theme in advance to maintain an air of mystery.

Yet now, not only were all the company employees here, but she’d also invited hard-to-reach reporters, directors, and investors.

And she called this a “last-minute decision”?

Once my breathing steadied, I scoffed, “Ms. Grant, you overestimate me. I know exactly where I stand. Who am I to question your decisions?”

My reaction left Madelyn stunned. She stared at me for a long time, her expression complicated.

As employees passed by, glancing curiously in our direction, she raised her clutch to shield her face, afraid someone might see us arguing.

Watching her ridiculous antics, I suddenly burst out laughing. “Ms. Grant, you don’t need to do this. If I’m not welcome, I’ll leave.”

With that, I stepped around her and headed for the door.

“Enough!”

Madelyn wasn’t ready to let it go. She followed closely, holding her clutch awkwardly to her face. “Evan Cooper, I explained everything to you! What more do you want?”

Tired of her excuses, I stopped abruptly.

Just as I was about to speak, Carter Hayes appeared. Casually, he wrapped an arm around Madelyn’s waist, pulling her close. He shot me a smug glance and said, “Madelyn, Director Warren mentioned he has a lead role in mind for me. Can you come and discuss the details?”

Madelyn hesitated, casting me a fleeting glance. Then she said, “Evan, you go home first. I’ll join you after I finish discussing the project with Carter.”

I watched the two of them, their closeness like a knife twisting in my gut. My fists clenched, but in the end, I could only mutter, “Fine.”

Madelyn praised me for being understanding before turning away, a smile lighting up her face as she left with Carter.

Not long after, Carter grabbed the back of Madelyn’s head and kissed her passionately.

Flashes erupted as reporters swarmed them for photos. The two reluctantly pulled apart.

“Carter is just so clingy with me,” Madelyn said shyly, her voice full of affection. “I hope everyone understands.”

With his arm firmly around Madelyn’s waist, Carter shot me a triumphant look, basking in the spotlight.

Unable to contain my emotions, I fled the suffocating scene.