Chapter 1
“Imagine if both your wife and your lover fell into the water at the same time—who would you save first?”
The words echoed in Myra’s mind, their sharpness striking her heart. The pain was so intense, it felt as though her chest would collapse under its weight. She stood frozen in the middle of the grand banquet hall, her knee-length blue dress clinging to her damp body, making her resemble a drenched rat.
Around her, company employees whispered in hushed tones, their snickers filling the air. Myra didn’t need to listen closely to know what they were saying.
“She’s trying to climb the corporate ladder by sleeping with the director…”
“I heard she wanted to push the director’s girlfriend into the pool!”
“How could someone who acts so high and mighty be so shameless?”
Just moments ago, Myra had been strolling through the lush back gardens of The Alegria when Eris, a rising star and Sean’s latest conquest, had approached her, blocking her path.
“Myra, you may be Sean’s legal wife, but if I were you, I’d have filed for divorce by now. What’s the point of staying married if you have to watch him fawn over other women?” Eris had said, her words sharp and dismissive.
Since Myra’s marriage to Sean, encounters like this had become common. The words pierced her heart, and just as she was about to fire back, Eris’s expression shifted. The smugness melted away, replaced by a vulnerable, doe-eyed look.
“Myra, I know you still love Sean. I never would have come between you two if he felt the same, but he doesn’t. You—aaah! Help—” Before Eris could finish, she dragged Myra into the pond with her.
What followed was a scene straight out of a fairy tale, where the hero rushes in to save the damsel. Unfortunately, Myra wasn’t the one to be rescued. She wiped the water from her eyes, her gaze drifting toward the banquet doors.
She couldn’t see their faces, but she recognized Sean’s tall, lean frame. She watched him as he held Eris close, his arms wrapped around her petite form, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Myra could almost feel the pity in his eyes as he looked at the other girl. Does he think I pushed her into the pond?
It felt like acid in her stomach. Her hand pressed hard against her chest, her fist clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
When she arrived home later that night, the nanny greeted her in the foyer. “Welcome home, Young Mistress Myra.”
Myra nodded, responding with a soft hum. Her eyes immediately landed on the pair of black leather shoes in the hallway.
Seeing her gaze, Greta gave a warm smile. “Madam is at a poker game, and Master has just returned home. He’s asked to see you in his study as soon as you’re back.”
It’s my birthday today, Myra thought, her throat suddenly dry as she stared at Greta’s unassuming smile.
“My goodness, Young Mistress Myra, you’re soaked! You need to take a hot shower immediately!” Greta exclaimed.
Myra nodded, heading upstairs. Her steps slowed as she passed the door to Sean’s study. She closed her eyes, hurrying past it.
Earlier, Greta had mentioned the bouquet of blue roses in the study. Myra quickly showered and then went to her wardrobe, selecting a pale blue knee-length dress, adorned with jasmines embroidered at the waist.
Her nerves fluttered as she stood outside Sean’s study. But before she could knock, the door swung open. Sean stood in the doorway, his face stern, devoid of expression.
Without a smile, he looked distant, unforgiving. The coldness in his gaze was always there, though his almond-shaped eyes were more than capable of warmth. Myra took him in—his black suit, his imposing figure, his natural regal presence.
“Why didn’t you come the moment you returned home?” he asked, his tone clipped.
Myra blinked, her ears flushing. “My dress got wet at the party, so I took a shower before I—”
But before she could finish, Sean turned and walked back into the study, leaving her standing in the hallway. She parted her lips, as if to speak, but then fell silent, trailing after him.
The study was a reflection of its owner—tasteful and elegant, with dark brown furniture and accents. The only splash of color came from a vibrant bouquet of blue roses resting on the ottoman.
Myra paused when she saw the flowers. She crossed the room to Sean, who was adjusting his tie. “I thought you had forgotten my birthday, Sean,” she said softly.
The resentment from the banquet began to melt away, but just as she moved to help him with his tie, he brushed her hand away.
“Your birthday?” Sean said, as if only just noticing her dress. He glanced toward the bouquet of roses before turning to sneer at her. “You don’t think those flowers are for you, do you?”