Chapter 2

"Ms. Scott, your request has been submitted. The result will be available in two working weeks," the clerk said. Those words made Whitney realize that it would all be over in just half a month. By that time, she would change her name, move abroad, and erase herself from Cody's life for good. … Back home, Whitney started packing away everything Cody had ever given her. That room, dedicated to storing jewelry, held pieces that each carried a shared memory between them. She picked up a diamond necklace, her fingers brushing lightly across the cold stone. Cody had won this at an auction for their first anniversary. That night, he had fastened it around her neck and whispered in her ear, "Whit, diamonds are forever. Just like them, my heart will belong to you and you alone forever." Whitney let out a bitter laugh. Those priceless jewels, the luxury cars, the houses, and the carefully chosen gifts had all become the most ironic proof of his betrayal. She had the high-end jewelry anonymously donated and then burned everything else. In the flames, she thought she saw the Cody she used to know. The teenager who once set off fireworks across the whole city just because she said she wanted to see some. The man who sat by her bedside all night when she had a fever. The husband who promised, "You're the only one I'll ever want." All of them went up in smoke. … Three days later, Cody came home and noticed that the house looked emptier than before. He frowned. "Whit, why is so much stuff gone?" "It was damp from the rain. I had someone put some things away," Whitney replied calmly, though her gaze flicked to the faint kiss mark barely visible on his neck. Cody took her hand. "Today's your birthday. I've been working on a surprise for days. Come with me." Whitney let him lead her to the car. She had already seen through his act, but she wanted to see how far he would go with the performance. She got in the car and followed him to their destination, only to realize that he had planned a birthday party for her. The party was lavish, filled with Eldoria's elite. And amid the dazzling crowd, Whitney caught sight of a familiar figure—Yvette. She was dressed in an elegant mermaid dress, her shoulder-length hair framing a face that was innocent and delicate. Yet, she carried a shy, youthful air that seemed almost like a student's. At a glance, she did look strikingly similar to Whitney, so much so that several guests mistook her identity. They approached her with glasses in hand, smiling warmly and greeting her as "Mrs. Larson". Yvette had never been in a situation like this before. Surrounded on all sides, she looked like a frightened little rabbit, her eyes turning red with panic. Cody took one glance at her and instinctively frowned. He was already moving to help her out, but Whitney stopped him. "Why did you bring her here on my birthday?" "She's never been to an event like this before and just wanted to experience it. Whit, don't worry. I told her to behave. She won't cause any trouble." With that, Cody strode into the crowd and placed Yvette protectively behind him. Seeing his gesture, the guests couldn't help but offer their compliments. "Mr. Larson, after all these years, you two are still so in love. All we did was say hello, and you're already jealous and rushing to shield her. You two really are inseparable!" Whitney listened to the compliments and glanced at Yvette, who was tucked behind Cody. Her chest tightened, as though something was lodged there, and she could hardly breathe. Cody frowned as well and instinctively turned to Whitney. His tone was laced with annoyance as he said, "You've got it wrong. She's Whitney's cousin." Whitney stayed quiet. A flicker of irony glinted in her eyes. Yvette had stolen her husband. And yet, Whitney had to pretend like Yvette was her cousin in front of everyone. All because Yvette was sensitive and afraid of gossip, Cody gave her this convenient label of "cousin" to cover up what they really were. For a moment, everyone fell into an awkward silence. Then, they rushed to smooth things over, commenting on how much the two ladies looked alike, before directing their flattery toward Whitney. But Cody's attention had already shifted to Yvette. When she whispered that she was hungry, he immediately escorted her to the buffet. She was in her early 20s and curious about everything. She wanted to try a bite of whatever she saw. If something tasted good, she would offer half to Cody. His expression stayed cool, but he accepted every bite she handed him. When Yvette coughed from eating too fast, he gently patted her back. When crumbs clung to the corner of her lips, he took out a handkerchief to wipe them away with an affectionate smile. Watching them share those intimate little moments from a distance, Whitney felt like her heart was being pricked over and over again. Still, she had to keep up appearances and continue entertaining the guests around her. "Mrs. Larson, were you and Mr. Larson at the Lysander's auction the other day? I thought I saw you there. The emerald earrings he bid ten million dollars for would've gone perfectly with your dress. Why aren't you wearing them tonight?" Another guest said, "I think I saw you two at a bar not long ago too. You were being all lovey-dovey, so I didn't dare interrupt. You've been married for so long and are still so in love. Honestly, you two make the rest of us jealous." "Oh! I ran into Mr. Larson at the hospital two days ago. He was waiting outside the OB-GYN. Mrs. Larson, are you two finally giving up the childfree life and planning for a baby? "That would be such wonderful news! A child would really bring life to the family. And with Mr. Larson loving and doting on you the way he does, I just know the three of you will be so happy together!"