Chapter 1

My childhood sweetheart, who promised to marry me, Julia Rivera, right after graduation, had proposed to the fake heiress, May Rivera, at my graduation ceremony. Right after the successful proposal, the well-known Mr. Zen of the capital, Randell Gunther, publicly confessed his feelings for me. In the five years that we were married, he'd always treated me with utmost gentleness and doted on me unceasingly. That was, until I overheard his conversation with his good friend. "Randell, May has already become famous. Are you still going to keep this act up with Julia?" "It doesn't matter since I can't marry May anyway. Also, with me around, she won't be able to interfere with May's happiness." All the written prayers that he treasured dearly bore May's name. "I pray that May will be freed from obsessions and find peace in body and soul." "I pray that May receives everything she wishes for and loves without worry." "May, though we are not fated for this lifetime, I yearn that I'll be able to hold your hand all through the next." And just like that, five years of foolish dreams were shattered in an instant. I prepared a false identity and staged a drowning. From then onwards, we would never meet again, whether in this life or the next. … After confirming the final details of my fake death, I hung up the phone. In two more days, I would disappear permanently, just as they wished. Right then, I caught a faint whiff of sandalwood, and I looked up instinctively. It was Randell. He wrapped his arms around me and asked gently, "Who were you on the phone with?" "It's nothing. Just the gallery," I answered with a smile, trying my best to make my voice sound natural. He pressed a kiss on the top of my head and said softly, "Why are you so busy lately? I'll make something light for you tonight. Something that's easy on the stomach." In our five years of marriage, Randell had always been gentle, caring, and incessantly doting. Everyone had said that should Mr. Zen fall in love, it would definitely be for a lifetime. I, too, had thought he would be my happiness. But now, I have finally realized that this marriage wasn't about my happiness. It was his way of protecting May. As Randell caressed my shoulder, he suddenly said, "By the way, the Riveras are throwing a celebratory banquet tomorrow. May's pregnant, and they're also celebrating her successful submission in an international art exhibition. You don't need to go. I'll deliver a present on your behalf, then come back to keep you company." "That exhibition… I also—" Before I could finish my sentence, he interrupted me, gently but firmly. "It's better if you don't participate in the exhibition. Aren't you always saying that you want a child? You can take this opportunity to stay home and rest." I lowered my gaze, hiding the storm coursing through me. Though we've been married for so many years, we had never once been pregnant. I once thought that our time hadn't come yet, but now, thinking back, it was likely just because he hadn't been willing. I suspected he didn't want me participating in the competition because he didn't want me standing in May's way. He pressed a kiss on my forehead, seemingly unaware that my heart had already plummeted into the abyss. "It's your birthday the day after next. I've already prepared a surprise for you. May you always be well." I muttered the words "May you always be well" to myself, suddenly finding them especially painful on the ears. All these years, his well-wishes would always begin with the word "May", and only now did I realize the true meaning behind it. As it turned out, these well-wishes of his were never meant for me. "Alright. I've also prepared some events for my birthday. Make sure you keep your schedule free so you can spend time with me." He nodded and then said, "Of course. Whatever you say, Jules." I looked up and gave him a smile. "Oh, Randell, how difficult this must be for you," I thought to myself with a scoff. That night, I couldn't seem to fall asleep. I gently removed Randell's arm that was draped around me, and when doing so, I accidentally pulled off the rosary beads that he always wore. When I picked the beads up, I felt that the surface was strangely uneven. I took a closer look under the dim light. That was when I realized that each bead was engraved with the word "May". In that very second, all hope in me died.