Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Heather Longstaff left the wedding planning agency and immediately booked a ticket out of Kennethville on her phone. Just as the confirmation popped up on her screen, Mitchell Bennett called. As she answered, his familiar voice came through, tinged with a gentle warmth. "Heather, my mom says she misses you. She asked me to bring you home for dinner tonight. She also mentioned having something to give you. Can you guess what it is?" Everyone in Kennethville knew Mitchell as a man of cold demeanor, someone who kept people at arm's length with an air of aloofness. Despite the constant stream of women vying for his attention, he had always reserved his tenderness exclusively for Heather. Until today, Heather had believed in that wholeheartedly. Their mothers were the best of friends, and Heather and Mitchell had grown up together, childhood sweethearts in every sense of the word. But everything changed when Heather's mother passed away. Barely a month after her death, her father remarried, bringing a stepmother into the picture. Heather's stepmother orchestrated a cruel scheme, sending her to a desolate rural town. When Heather regained consciousness, she found herself being groped by a drunken man. Panicked, she grabbed an empty bottle from the floor and smashed it over his head. The man convulsed on the ground for a few moments before going still. Terrified and at a loss, Heather didn't know what to do until Mitchell burst through the creaky door, scooping her into his arms. At that moment, he seemed like a savior descending from the heavens. Even though she was rescued, the incident left deep trauma. Mitchell stayed by her side every day, tirelessly seeking the best therapists and doing everything he could to cheer her up. Gradually, she began to heal. His unwavering companionship melted even the coldest parts of her heart. Yet, having witnessed her father's betrayal of her late mother, Heather had become exceedingly cautious about love. Before agreeing to be with Mitchell, she had laid everything out plainly. "Mitchell, I can only accept undivided love. If you ever stop loving me, let's part ways amicably. But if you betray me, I will make sure you never find me again." Mitchell had eagerly sworn an oath, both thrilled and anxious. "Heather, I swear I will only ever love you. I promise to cherish you forever. Time will prove how deep my love is!" His heartfelt vows from back then still rang in her ears. But now, time had proven the opposite. Mitchell couldn't give her the undivided love he promised. He had betrayed her and their relationship. Last night, Heather had discovered a marriage certificate in the pocket of Mitchell's jacket. His name was on it—alongside Bethany Caldwell's. The Bennetts had supported many underprivileged students over the years, and Bethany was one of them. Heather remembered her clearly, though not for her merits. It was her cunning nature that left an impression. Heather had seen Bethany flirt with Mitchell, only to be met with his frosty rejection. "Sorry, I have a girlfriend." Mitchell's blunt dismissal had crushed Bethany's hopes, and after that, she'd mostly stayed out of Heather's sight. But a month ago, Mitchell had brought her up again, saying Bethany's mother was gravely ill and wanted to see her daughter married before passing. To Heather's shock, Mitchell had asked for her opinion on helping Bethany. She had refused outright, reminding him of what she'd once said when they first got together. "I only accept love that's undivided. If you want to give part of it to someone else, we're done." Mitchell had paled at her words and hastily sworn he would never betray her. Heather thought that had been the end of it. But Mitchell had gone behind her back and married Bethany in secret. He'd been hiding her away, spending nights with her, all while their own wedding was just two weeks away. Heather's lips curled into a bitter smile. At least she had discovered the truth before the wedding. "Heather, are you listening?" Mitchell's voice brought her back to the present. She responded lightly, "I'm not home. Just head to the manor by yourself later; I don't need a ride.""When did you leave? Why didn't you tell me? I could've come with you," Mitchell said, his tone full of concern. Heather's expression grew colder as she heard the faint rustle of fabric and a woman's quiet gasp in the background. "I was preparing a surprise for you," she said evenly. "I came to finalize some wedding details.""What kind of surprise?" Mitchell asked, his excitement barely contained. Heather's smile didn't reach her eyes. "If I told you now, it wouldn't be a surprise. You'll find out on the wedding day." Mitchell chuckled warmly. "Alright, I'll look forward to it. See you tonight." Before the call ended, she heard exaggerated kissing noises. But Heather knew they weren't air kisses from Mitchell. He was actually kissing another woman. Her face remained calm as she stared at the disconnected call, though a storm raged inside her. She hoped that Mitchell would truly feel surprised when he saw everything on the wedding day.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

After hanging up the phone, Heather didn't head straight to the manor. Instead, she returned home. The 1,000-square-foot apartment, meticulously decorated over the years by her and Mitchell, exuded warmth and comfort rather than feeling cavernous. She had once believed this place would always be their home—a sanctuary for them both. But after discovering Mitchell's betrayal last night, it was clear it no longer held that meaning. The diamond rings meant to be exchanged on their wedding day in two weeks had already been delivered into her hands. These matching rings were something Heather had watched Mitchell design, stroke by careful stroke. She remembered how Mitchell had held her close as he eagerly explained the design. "These rings have hidden grooves," he had said, his eyes full of hope. "When placed together, they form a heart—symbolizing that we'll never be apart." Heather shook off the memory and, without hesitation, retrieved the rings before dialing a number. "Hello, I'd like to schedule a delivery…" Since Bethany would be replacing her as the bride, these rings, with all their symbolic weight, should naturally go to her. After arranging for the rings to be delivered at 9:00 AM on the wedding day, Heather watched the courier leave with them. A faint sense of relief settled in her chest. The apartment was filled with countless memories of her love for Mitchell. Before leaving, she resolved to restore everything to the way it was before she had ever been there. - When Heather arrived at the manor, the redness around her eyes had yet to fade. Vanessa Bennett, Mitchell's mother, noticed her red eyes as she walked in. Glancing behind her, Vanessa seemed puzzled when she didn't see Mitchell. "Why are you crying? Did Mitchell upset you?" Heather didn't know how to share her pain. No matter how kind Vanessa was to her, she would still choose her own son in the end. Forcing a smile, Heather adjusted her expression. "No, the wind outside was strong, and it irritated my eyes." She rubbed her eyes, wiping away stray tears in the process. Once again, Heather appeared as she always did. Vanessa sighed in relief and chuckled. "If Mitchell mistreats you, you have to let me know. I'll straighten him out." Not long after Heather's arrival, Mitchell's car pulled into the underground garage. When Vanessa realized he hadn't come upstairs, she asked Heather to fetch him. In the garage, Heather spotted the only car with its lights still on. Mitchell was sitting inside, a cigarette in his hand, his eyes fixed intently on his phone screen. He didn't notice her approach. "You're teasing me dressed like that. Looks like you don't plan on getting out of bed tomorrow," he growled. "This is a special treat for you. It won't last forever, so don't miss out tonight," Bethany replied coyly. Mitchell uttered under his breath, "Wait and see how I handle you tonight." After hanging up, he lit one cigarette after another, as if trying to suppress the desire coursing through him. This was a side of Mitchell Heather had never known—the man she had believed loved her wholly and deeply could split his affections so effortlessly and passionately. Watching him from the shadows, Heather felt her stomach churn violently as she bit back a bitter smile. When she heard the car's engine being turned off and saw Mitchell put out his cigarette, she hurriedly got out of the garage before he opened the door. When they returned upstairs, one after the other, the housekeeper was setting the table for dinner. Vanessa frowned at Mitchell. "What took you so long? Heather had to go downstairs to call you up." Mitchell froze, his expression instantly tense as he turned to Heather. "You came to find me?" he asked, his voice tight. Heather met his gaze calmly. "Yeah, but when I saw you on the phone, I left. Why?" Mitchell stared at her, the tension in his expression not easing. "Did you hear who I was talking to?" Heather felt a wave of irony wash over her but kept her face unreadable. "No. Wasn't it a client? Who else would it be?" Her steady gaze held his, and Mitchell's stiff demeanor relaxed. He smiled warmly, the way she had always known, and gently ruffled her hair. "No, it wasn't a client. I've been arranging a custom set of jewelry for you to wear at the charity gala next week. That was the jeweler calling. I must make sure you're the most dazzling person in the room when you're with me." Heather remembered how Mitchell would, through Bennett Corporation, occasionally organize charity galas in her name after she was rescued years ago. He donated all the funds raised through a foundation under her name, hoping to bring her good luck. Back then, his sincerity had deeply moved her. Now, her response was devoid of emotion. "Do as you see fit." - After dinner, Vanessa brought out an exquisite wooden box. She opened it to reveal a diamond bracelet, which she placed on Heather's wrist. "This bracelet has been passed down to the Bennetts' daughters-in-law. Finally, it's your turn to wear it," Vanessa said warmly, her gaze shifting between Heather and Mitchell with a motherly smile. The sparkling diamonds accentuated Heather's slender, fair wrist, but she couldn't bring herself to appreciate it. Forcing a polite smile, she took the bracelet off and returned it to the box. "I really appreciate the gesture, Mrs. Bennett, but such an important gift should wait for the wedding day." Her firm tone left Vanessa with no choice but to agree to present it again at the ceremony. Noticing how often Mitchell checked the time, Heather seized the opportunity to leave early. - On the way home, a sharp pain in her abdomen reminded her that her period had arrived early. Back at the apartment, Mitchell brought her hot water and personally helped her soak her feet, removing her shoes and socks with practiced care. Staring at his head as he kneeled before her, Heather felt her heart twist painfully. If he had already fallen out of love, why could he still act like this? Why was he still so gentle, so familiar, so perfect? It turned out that one could pretend to be in love. Later, as they lay in bed, Mitchell placed a warm hand on her abdomen, soothing her discomfort. Heather pretended to be asleep, but she knew the reason he was being so tender tonight—it was to lull her into slumber. Yet sleep eluded her. When his phone buzzed twice softly, she felt him grab his own phone. His breathing quickened, and his hand pressed a little harder against her. Satisfied when her breathing evened out, Mitchell crept out of bed, changed his clothes, and hurried out the door. Standing by the window, Heather watched his car disappear into the night, her nails digging into her palms until the pain finally registered.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

The next morning, Heather woke to the sound of activity in the kitchen. Mitchell was back, bustling around with enthusiasm. As Heather stepped out of the bedroom, Mitchell glanced up and greeted her with a bright smile, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Come try the banana oat cookies I just learned to make. They say it's great for soothing cramps during your period." Heather froze momentarily, her gaze lingering on the scene before her. Then, she slowly made her way to the dining table and sat down. Her eyes searched Mitchell's face, probing for answers. "Where did you go last night?" she asked, her tone calm but pointed. Mitchell's cheerful expression faltered for a split second before he quickly looked away. Regaining his composure, he sat beside her, taking her hand in his own with a look of genuine concern. "There was an emergency at work," he explained softly. "I left for a bit while you were asleep. I didn't want to wake you. Did you have a bad dream?" The worry in his eyes was unmistakable, devoid of any pretense. Heather's heart twisted. She couldn't understand how someone could compartmentalize love and desire, giving them to two different people. She didn't respond, letting Mitchell pull her into his arms as he whispered soothing words. Soon, he was calling his assistant, instructing him to book an appointment and bring over her medication. Since being rescued, Heather had relied on medication to sleep. Even then, nightmares frequently dragged her back to that horrifying night—the acrid smell of alcohol, hands stained with blood... Mitchell, ever attentive, had spent countless nights on a makeshift bed in her room, staying close to comfort her whenever nightmares woke her. Yet, this same Mitchell, who had cared for her so deeply, had betrayed her. Heather's gaze drifted to his face, where a faint, almost imperceptible kiss mark lingered near his jawline. Normally, Mitchell dressed casually at home and left the top buttons of his shirt undone, revealing the tantalizing hollow of his throat. But today, he'd buttoned up all the way to his collar. As he moved while baking earlier, his rolled-up sleeves revealed a faint, unmistakable scratch. Mitchell seemed oblivious to the clues that had already exposed him. He picked out a few cookies and brought them to Heather. The buttery aroma hit her nose, but instead of comfort, it churned her stomach when she thought of the marks on Mitchell's body. Overwhelmed, she pushed him aside and bolted to the bathroom. Mitchell followed, his face etched with concern. As he wiped the corners of her mouth with a tissue, Heather snapped, shoving his hand away. "Don't touch me!" she cried. Mitchell froze mid-motion, his hand suspended in the air. His voice was low and uncertain. "Heather, did I do something wrong?" She steadied her breathing, forcing herself to calm down. "No, I just read a novel that hit a little too close to home. I ended up projecting the character onto you." Relief washed over Mitchell's face. He stepped closer and gently wiped the water droplets from her cheeks. Smiling faintly, he teased, "What kind of novel got you that worked up?" Heather met his gaze evenly. "It's about a couple everyone envies. But the man cheats on the woman when their relationship is tested by time. He wants to have both but ends up losing everything. Mitchell… would you ever be like him?" Mitchell's hand trembled slightly before he quickly steadied it. Pulling her into a tight embrace, he murmured, "Novels aren't real. No one could ever come between us. I'd never fall for someone else, Heather. You have to trust in my love for you." His words were resolute, though it was unclear whether he was trying to convince Heather or himself. Later, Mitchell took Heather to the hospital for a checkup. Noticing her low spirits, he stayed close to her side for the following days, refusing to leave her alone for even a moment. The charity gala arrived quickly. Mitchell took Heather to pick out a gown. She browsed disinterestedly until her gaze lingered on a dark, elegant dress. Noticing her interest, Mitchell's voice softened. "Do you like it? Try it on. If it suits you, I'll have them send it to the house." Before Heather could respond, a sales associate approached, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry, Ms. Longstaff, but this dress has already been reserved. May I recommend another style?" Mitchell's expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on the associate. "Check if the client is willing to give it up. If they agree, I'll provide them with a new dress for free." The associate hesitated, glancing at Heather before leaning toward Mitchell and whispering, "This dress was reserved by Ms. Caldwell." Though her voice was barely audible, Heather caught every word. She turned to Mitchell and saw the flicker of emotions that crossed his face. It was almost laughable. "It's just a dress," he said, trying to smooth things over. "I can convince her to let you have it, okay?" Heather shook her head, her tone indifferent. "I was just looking. I'm not interested in taking something that someone else has claimed—whether it's a dress or anything else." Mitchell stiffened at the double meaning behind her words. A fleeting sense of panic crossed his face before he quickly buried it. Heather walked on, seemingly determined to choose a different dress. Suppressing the unknown feeling inside him, Mitchell hurriedly caught up to her. Heather chose a different gown, a blue one Mitchell had suggested. While she was in the fitting room, her phone screen lit up with a notification. [Countdown: Seven days.]

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Mitchell stared at the notification on the screen, unease creeping into his chest again. Just as he reached for Heather's phone to see what it was about, the dressing room curtain suddenly swished open, and Heather stepped out. The gown she wore complemented the gemstone jewelry Mitchell had chosen for her perfectly, adding an ethereal glow to her already stunning beauty. Mitchell forgot all about the countdown on her phone. His eyes lit up, transfixed by her. "Heather, I'm so lucky to have you." In the past, Heather would have blushed under the intensity of his gaze, her heart racing. But now, her expression remained calm. She avoided his gaze and felt no flicker of emotion in her chest. Mitchell leaned in to kiss her, but she subtly turned her head, sidestepping him. "Let's go. We're running late," she said. As she picked up her phone, Mitchell's mind returned to the countdown he'd glimpsed earlier. His brow furrowed as he spoke, "I saw a countdown on your phone—seven days. What's it about?" Heather froze for a moment, a flicker of panic darting through her eyes before she quickly regained her composure. She had no intention of letting Mitchell discover her plans to leave. "It's the wedding day countdown. Have you forgotten?" she replied, meeting his gaze with apparent ease. Mitchell's face betrayed a flicker of guilt, and he quickly brushed off the moment. Before the gala began, the hall was already abuzz, packed with guests chatting animatedly. Mitchell draped a shawl over Heather's shoulders as a chill from the air conditioning set in. The small gesture didn't go unnoticed. Women around them looked on enviously, while Mitchell's friends and business partners teased with knowing smiles. "Mr. Bennett, you're so devoted to Ms. Longstaff. We can't find a more perfect couple in all of Kennethville. I'll definitely be there to celebrate your wedding next week.""Mr. Bennett, you're second to none in spoiling your fiancée. If this were a competition, you'd definitely win!""Exactly! Mr. Bennett is the ideal husband. What woman in Kennethville wouldn't envy Ms. Longstaff?" The air buzzed with compliments about how perfect they looked together. Mitchell smiled, and the cold, distant look that usually kept people at arm's length softened just a little. Even though he knew it was all a calculated attempt to win his favor, Mitchell still found it quite pleasing. He didn't turn anyone away, regardless of who came to greet him. People found ways to get closer to Mitchell, and flattering words came pouring out without hesitation. Heather's head throbbed with the incessant chatter. It buzzed in her ears, leaving her dizzy. And she had no interest in hearing congratulatory remarks from people who didn't know the truth. Noticing her growing discomfort, Mitchell waved the crowd away and led her to a quieter corner. Their reprieve didn't last long. Bethany, dressed in a sleek black gown, approached with an air of practiced grace. "Mr. Bennett, Ms. Longstaff, it's been a while," Bethany greeted, her voice carrying a deliberate sweetness. Bethany was here as a guest speaker, a representative of the charity supported by the Bennetts over the years. Heather didn't want to engage in pleasantries. She pretended not to notice and kept her eyes fixed on her phone. Bethany took a step closer, her voice dripping with an insincere apology. "Ms. Longstaff, are you still upset with me? I want to apologize for the last time. I was desperate and thought asking Mr. Bennett to pretend to marry me would help. "But Mr. Bennett turned me down, and I've moved on. I even have a boyfriend now. Let's put the past behind us, shall we?" Heather caught the mocking undertone in Bethany's words. There wasn't a hint of genuine remorse, only veiled provocation. Mitchell noticed Bethany's smug tone, too, and his expression darkened. He snapped at her impatiently, "Know your place. Heather doesn't like you, so stay away." Bethany let out a coquettish laugh. "She might not like me, but some people do," she teased, casting a bold look at Mitchell and winking. Mitchell swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He grabbed his glass and downed the drink in one gulp, avoiding her gaze. Heather watched the exchange, her chest tightening as if a cold hand had clenched her heart. Without a word, she stood and headed toward the restroom. Mitchell quickly followed, leaving Bethany behind, now surrounded by a group of admirers. "Bethany, your dress is stunning! And those earrings—gorgeous!" someone gushed. Bethany tilted her head proudly. "Of course. My boyfriend gave me these. Only the best for me." Her boast drew another round of admiring murmurs. "Those earrings look like they're from the same set as Ms. Longstaff's jewelry. Maybe your boyfriend and Mr. Bennett bought them from the same store." Heather paused mid-step, her peripheral vision catching the glint of her diamond bracelet. She yanked it off and clenched it tightly in her fist, the stones digging into her palm until it hurt.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

When Mitchell caught up, Heather had already turned into the restroom. No more than two minutes inside, Heather heard Mitchell's phone ring faintly from the other side, then the sound of him answering it quickly. "I'll meet you in the little garden." The footsteps receded, gradually fading into the distance. Heather had attended countless dinners here and was well-acquainted with the layout. Hearing "the little garden", she immediately knew where Mitchell was headed. She slipped out of the restroom, heading toward the far end of the hallway where a storage room was located. Peering through a small gap in the open window, she saw Mitchell hurrying to his destination. Bethany was already there, waiting, and she rushed into Mitchell's arms. Mitchell showed no resistance, pulling her close with a familiarity that made it seem like he was trying to melt her into his bones. "You're tempting me again. Have you already forgotten about the other night when you couldn't get out of bed?" he teased. The past few days, Mitchell had been glued to Heather's side, so she quickly understood which "other night" he was referring to. It was the night they had left the Bennetts' manor, and Mitchell didn't come home until the next morning, his body marked with love bites and scratches. Bethany wrapped her arms around Mitchell's waist, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. He stared at her for a moment, then suddenly leaned down, kissing her fiercely, their bodies tangled together in an almost violent embrace. The sound of their lips and teeth clashing echoed loudly in the quiet garden. Bethany bit lightly at the corner of Mitchell's mouth. He pulled away from the kiss suddenly, wiping at the blood that had seeped from his lip. "What are you doing? I warned you not to leave any obvious marks. Heather will cause a scene." Nevertheless, Bethany seemed not the least bit afraid of his anger. She deliberately rubbed her body against his, the curves of her chest pressing against him. "Just make up some excuse and get it over with. She won't suspect anything. I like it when you're this aggressive with me in bed. Do you like the maid outfit from last time? Come over tonight. I've got a surprise planned…" She whispered something in Mitchell's ear, and he stiffened, his lips pressing together tightly in frustration. He grasped her chin and kissed her again, this time with even more intensity. Back in the storage room, Heather stood frozen behind the window, her body feeling like ice as she watched the scene unfold. Although she had suspected Mitchell and Bethany were involved, seeing it firsthand was far more shocking than she could have imagined. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in someone's hand, and she had to grip the windowsill to steady herself. After what felt like an eternity, she took a deep breath and left the storage room. By then, Mitchell and Bethany had separated, and Mitchell was searching for her. When he spotted her, he rushed over, his forehead dotted with beads of sweat. "Where did you go? I was about to lose my mind when I couldn't find you." Heather's eyes deliberately flickered to the corner of his mouth where the wound was visible. "I left the restroom, and when I didn't see you, I wandered into the garden. How did you end up with a cut on your lip?" Mitchell's expression shifted instantly to one of panic, and more sweat broke out on his forehead. "You went to which garden?" Heather offered a mocking smile, turning away from him as she spoke. "The one behind the house. There are lots of people there. Why are you so nervous?" The moment she mentioned the garden behind the house, Mitchell visibly relaxed, exhaling a deep breath. "It's nothing. I was just worried you had wandered off and I wouldn't be able to find you." At that moment, Bethany was on stage talking about how the Bennetts had helped her over the years, her gaze frequently darting toward Heather and Mitchell. Mitchell's eyes slid over the crowd, focusing on Bethany as the memory of her words about a surprise for him flashed through his mind. His muscles tensed instinctively, and as he subconsciously pressed his lips together, he winced at the pain from the cut. Only then did he remember he hadn't answered Heather's question yet. "It's just a cold sore. I accidentally tore it while I was rubbing it. It's nothing." Heather gave a barely audible scoff, turning on her heel. "I'm tired. I'm going back." Mitchell's heart suddenly lurched in a way he couldn't quite understand. He grabbed Heather's wrist urgently. "Let me tell my parents I'm leaving. I'll go with you." A few minutes later, Mitchell and Heather left the dinner, but Mitchell brought her toward the manor. "Mom wants us to stay at the manor for the night, so we'll head back tomorrow." Heather didn't argue. After arriving and getting ready for bed, she lay down, physically and emotionally exhausted. It didn't take long for her to slip into a half-dreamlike state. She could hear Mitchell's laughter in the background as he tapped away on his phone. Eventually, there was a shift beside her. Mitchell gently woke Heather, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Mom needs me. I'm going to talk to her. If you need anything, just call for me." Heather murmured a soft hum, rolling over as if she were still fast asleep. Once Mitchell had quietly left, Heather sat up. She could hear him and Vanessa in the study, their voices muffled by the walls. After a brief hesitation, she silently moved toward the study door. A faint light seeped through the crack, and she could hear Vanessa's voice, strained with barely-contained anger. "How many times have I told you that Heather is a nice girl? If you're serious about her, you need to get rid of all these other women. "But instead, you're getting more tangled up with Bethany, and now people in your circle are noticing. Have you thought about what would happen if Heather found out? What do you think she'll do if she hears about all this? "Mitchell, you're an adult now. I don't want to lecture you, but I can't just watch you make mistakes you'll regret later, all for the moment's thrill." Vanessa's words pierced through Heather's heart, her ears ringing with the truth of it all. It was more shocking than watching Mitchell and Bethany kissing in the garden. She couldn't focus on anything else but the realization that Mitchell's actions had been known to Vanessa all along—and she had kept quiet. And worse, everyone in their social circle knew about Mitchell and Bethany, while she had been left in the dark, believing that she had all his love. What did those fake congratulations mean, then? Were they all just laughing behind her back? The voices continued in the study, but Heather could no longer make out the words. Her legs stiffened as she turned and walked away. Back in the bedroom, she curled into the blankets, trying to find some warmth in the cold. It was clear now—love, too, could be faked.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

After returning to the bedroom, Heather found herself slipping into a daze, her mind foggy as she drifted into a heavy sleep. At one point, she sensed Mitchell had returned. She could feel his gaze lingering on her for what seemed like an eternity while she lay still. A short time later, his phone rang sharply, and after a few more rings, he hesitated for a moment before getting up and leaving. The next morning, Mitchell didn't even bother to come back. Vanessa pushed a plate of breakfast in front of Heather, her expression filled with motherly affection. "Mitchell said something came up at the company, so he had to leave in a rush this morning. If you don't mind, stay with me here at the manor. It might be less boring." Heather froze for a moment, looking at Vanessa's calm face. If it weren't for hearing her conversation with Mitchell last night—regarding her knowing about his affair—Heather might have actually believed Vanessa was just being caring. But now, both of them felt like nothing more than liars in Heather's eyes… leaving her alone, the only one kept in the dark, tricked and manipulated by everyone around her. She chuckled bitterly to herself, but kept a composed, almost indifferent look on her face. With less than a week until her departure, Heather had no intention of complicating matters any further. "Yesterday, the wedding planners contacted me about a few things that needed to be confirmed. Mitchell and I have been preparing for this wedding for so long, and we both want everything to go perfectly. I'll come back and spend time with you another day, Mrs. Bennett." Vanessa smiled in the perfect, reassuring way and didn't stop her. Heather had known this wasn't about Vanessa's concern but more about keeping her from suspecting anything. After breakfast, Heather left the Bennetts' manor and headed to the wedding planning company. She hadn't lied—she truly had business with the planners today. Last week, when she asked them to replace the bride with Bethany, Heather had promised to send over the necessary materials for the wedding. This week, Mitchell had been glued to her side, and she had managed to gather some information. Mitchell had no defenses against her. His phone and computer were both unlocked with her birthday as the password. While Mitchell showered, Heather took the opportunity to go through his phone and computer. It was then that she found out—Mitchell had not only gotten a marriage certificate with Bethany, but they had also gotten their wedding photos taken and even gone a honeymoon trip. The half month he claimed to be on a business trip? He had spent it with Bethany on their honeymoon. Heather forwarded the wedding photos and the intimate pictures of the two to the planners, along with all the other details they needed to make changes. Once all of this was done, Heather felt a strange emptiness inside her, though it wasn't as painful as she had imagined it would be. After leaving the wedding planners, she remembered the results of her recent checkup might be ready, so she drove to the hospital. As she parked, she noticed Mitchell's car was in the parking lot as well. Before she could even reach the place to collect her results, she spotted Mitchell and Bethany walking out of the obstetrics and gynecology department. The two were smiling, and Mitchell was carefully holding Bethany's lower back, looking like a loving couple who was expecting. The numbness in her heart, which she thought had long set in, flared painfully at the sight. Bethany looked up, noticed Heather standing there, and deliberately leaned closer to Mitchell before speaking, "Ms. Longstaff, what a surprise to see you here. Are you here for a checkup because you're pregnant too?" Hearing her name, Mitchell immediately withdrew his hand and looked up, his face tightening with sudden panic. His hands hovered in the air as if unsure where to place them. Soon, a bead of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. "Heather, what are you doing at the hospital?""I'm here to pick up my test results," Heather replied coldly, locking eyes with Bethany, who was clearly provoking her. Mitchell hurriedly moved closer to Heather, his face full of urgency as he tried to explain. "Heather, I ran into Bethany on my way to the office. She got hurt, and since she was a student we helped out in the past, I decided to bring her to the hospital. That's when we found out she's pregnant, so... I just brought her here for a checkup." Heather took a deep breath, the sharp pain in her chest easing slightly. "I see. Ms. Caldwell, you were so concerned about keeping up the fake marriage for your mother's sake a few months ago, and now you're already pregnant. Congratulations." Bethany gave Mitchell a loving glance, causing him to break out into a nervous sweat. "Thanks, Ms. Longstaff. I'm already two months pregnant, and it's twins. Last night, the father wasn't exactly gentle with me, but nothing too serious happened. He couldn't make it today, so luckily Mr. Bennett was here to help...""Since you're fine, I'll leave now. Heather, did you get your report? Let me take you home." Mitchell cut off Bethany's rambling and quickly grabbed Heather's hand. Heather pulled her gaze away from Bethany, her face calm as she shook her head. As if afraid of them being in the same space together, Mitchell hurriedly pulled her away. After collecting the results, they quickly left the hospital. Heather felt like a puppet on strings, letting Mitchell guide her out. She had once told him—if he betrayed her, she would make sure he would never find her again. She intended to keep that promise. Plus, there was one last gift waiting for Mitchell on the wedding day.

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

On the way back, Mitchell's phone kept flashing. While Heather wasn't paying attention, Mitchell took the chance to check the messages. They were from Bethany. [Mitchell, what do you think we should name our baby? Can you come over later and help me pick one?] Mitchell quickly typed a warning in response. [We'll talk about names later. Don't say anything in front of Heather that could give us away. If she finds out about us, you won't want to deal with the consequences!] Even though Mitchell said that, Heather could still tell from his relaxed demeanor that he didn't seem bothered by Bethany's pregnancy. After all, Mitchell had told her long ago that he liked children. Heather noticed her phone light up as well. She glanced down to see a friend request from Bethany. She knew it was meant to provoke her, but she accepted it anyway. As soon as the request was accepted, Bethany's message came through. [Heather, aren't you curious who the father of my child is? I can't believe you're that clueless—don't you see how close Mitchell and I are?] It seemed like Bethany was waiting for Heather to ask, but after this message, there was a long pause before another one came through. Heather stared at the message but didn't respond. She already knew the answer and had made her decision to leave, so there was no need for her to lash out and ask questions. When no reply came, Bethany couldn't hold back any longer and sent another message. This time, it was a photo of Mitchell and Bethany's marriage certificate. Heather had already seen it, and now, seeing it again, she felt no shock or pain. The feeling had long passed. [Heather, I got a marriage certificate with Mitchell. No matter what, I'm his legal wife. It doesn't matter that you're getting married soon. As long as I don't agree to a divorce, you'll always be beneath me. [And now that I'm carrying his child—two of them, actually—we'll never be able to separate. You still don't know how much he loves me, do you? He makes time for me every day. He's even told a lot of people about us. [Don't you feel pathetic when others talk about how good Mitchell is to you? They're just mocking you. Do you remember the dress I wore to the charity gala? Mitchell spent a fortune having it made just for me. Did you ever get that kind of treatment? You can't even imagine how much he loves me. [A woman like you—so boring and predictable—he could never love. What he likes is someone like me, someone who's free and confident in the bedroom.] Bethany sent more photos of herself and Mitchell in bed. Looking at her smug, high-and-mighty attitude, Heather couldn't help but feel a deep, bitter sense of mockery in her heart. "What are you staring at so seriously?" Mitchell suddenly asked, snapping Heather out of her complicated emotions. Heather quickly turned off her phone, shook her head, and didn't say anything more. Mitchell noticed her calm expression, but it only made the unease in his chest grow stronger, like something was slipping out of his control. He took Heather's hand in his, pressing it firmly against his leg. Heather wanted to pull away but couldn't. She just let him do it, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes to pretend she was sleeping. When Mitchell felt the softness of her hand and realized she wasn't struggling anymore, he sighed, the anxiety in his heart finally easing. In the following days, Mitchell used the excuse of work to stay away from home, both during the day and at night. Heather didn't actively search for his whereabouts, but Bethany made sure to send her updates. Mitchell had lied about being busy with work. In reality, he was spending time with Bethany. They went shopping for baby supplies together, preparing for their two unborn children, whose genders they still didn't know. Bethany sent photos of Mitchell carefully choosing names for the babies, and another of him resting his head on her belly... [Heather, Mitchell has been here with me. He must've told you he's busy with work, huh? It's such a shame you can't see for yourself how much he cares about me and our babies. Do you think, on your wedding day, he'll run away with me and the kids?] Heather didn't respond to her taunts. On the wedding day, someone was indeed going to run away, but it wouldn't be Mitchell. It would be her.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

During the days Mitchell was away, Heather found a bit of peace. She took the opportunity to remove everything that belonged to her from their home. Heather had secretly bought a small apartment in Kennethville, a place where she could temporarily store her belongings. As she cleared out the house, the memories she shared with Mitchell slowly vanished. The night before the wedding, Mitchell unexpectedly returned home, holding a photo that looked familiar to Heather. At that moment, she was finishing up packing the last of her things. When Mitchell walked in and saw the now-empty house, he almost thought he had walked into the wrong door. But when he saw Heather sitting in the living room, covered in dust and looking like a little kitten, a sense of relief washed over him. "How did you get yourself so messy? And what happened to all the stuff?" he asked. Heather hadn't expected Mitchell to return so suddenly. She froze for a second when she heard his question. But after these past few days, she'd become quite skilled at hiding her emotions and lying smoothly. "I was just getting rid of some old things. I'll replace them after the wedding," she replied. Mitchell had clearly misunderstood her, but she didn't bother explaining further. He then smiled gently and sat next to her, handing her the photo. "I had this photo restored by a professional. It's our first picture together after we got serious. Take a look—it's just like the old one," he said. Heather took the newly restored photo in her hands. Underneath a blossoming pear tree, she smiled at the camera, while Mitchell looked at her with a soft expression. This was their first official photo together, taken after Heather had agreed to be his girlfriend. But not long ago, this very photo, which had been displayed in Mitchell's office, was torn apart by Bethany's dog. Because the original was lost, printing a new one wasn't an option. Of course, Mitchell hadn't told Heather about this incident. Instead, it was Bethany who brought it up, proudly boasting about how Mitchell favored her. Now, Mitchell had had the photo restored, but no matter how well a photo could be fixed, emotions couldn't be repaired. Heather spoke in a calm tone, "I suddenly crave the spaghetti you used to make. Let's have dinner together tonight." After she was rescued, Heather had been starving for days and had devoured two full plates of spaghetti. To make sure she always had something she loved to eat, Mitchell had spent a month learning how to make them at a local restaurant until they tasted just right. It was her way of putting a final end to the relationship between her and Mitchell. Mitchell gently ruffled her hair, not thinking twice before agreeing. But just as the spaghetti was ready and placed on the table, Mitchell's phone rang. His expression shifted from relaxed to serious, and after hanging up, he looked at Heather with a mixture of guilt and hesitation. He hadn't spoken yet, but she already knew what he had to say. "Heather, there's an urgent matter at the company..." Heather lowered her head and played with the spaghetti using her fork while trying to force a smile, but failing nonetheless. "Company matters are important. You should go. We'll have plenty of time later." Mitchell gave her a tight hug and said, "Thank you for understanding." Heather smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Heather, I might be working late tonight. You don't have to wait for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing you in your wedding dress tomorrow." Heather, still in his arms, mumbled softly, "I can't wait either..." She was eager to see his reaction when he realized the bride wasn't who he thought. Once Mitchell left, Heather received a message from Bethany. [Heather, even on the night before your wedding, he's here with me. Why are you even trying? Do you really think you can compete with me?] Bethany had stopped expecting a reply. Still, the harsh words kept coming. Heather turned the phone's screen off and stared at the spaghetti in front of her, but she had no appetite. It wasn't just love that could change; even habits and tastes could shift so easily. She tore the photo Mitchell had brought home in the middle, separating Mitchell from herself. Afterward, she took a warm bath and quickly fell asleep, letting herself rest for the night. The next morning, just before 7:00 AM, Heather woke up. She smiled as she saw the notification for her train departure and the package in transit. She had already packed everything she needed days ago, and the remaining items were only the essentials she would need for the coming days. Once everything was packed, Heather left the place she had once considered home, without looking back. - Meanwhile, Mitchell suddenly woke up in Bethany's bed, his chest tight with unease. His heart raced as the feeling of panic grew stronger. He glanced at the clock, then quickly got dressed. The night before, he had received a call from Bethany, crying about a fall she had taken and how much pain she was in. When he arrived, he realized it was just a ploy to get his attention. But in the end, he couldn't resist staying. After leaving Bethany's place, Mitchell thought about his wedding with Heather today. A smile spread across his face, and he felt an excited rush. He couldn't wait to see Heather, so he sent her a message. [Heather, I'm so excited to see you.] The reply came quickly. [Me too. I can't wait for you to see the surprise I've prepared for the opening of the wedding.] Time passed quickly. At the wedding venue, seats filled up with guests, and Mitchell stood on stage, beaming as he talked about his and Heather's love story. As romantic music played, colorful balloons floated into the sky, and the bride slowly walked down the aisle, the eyes of everyone in the room following her. "Heather, I want to spend my life proving to you how much I love and cherish you. Will you be my wife?" Mitchell asked, his voice full of emotion. With everyone watching, the bride, veiled, nodded. Mitchell smiled widely and reached to lift her veil. But when he saw who stood before him, his expression froze. The overwhelming wave of panic swept through him as he realized the woman standing in front of him was Bethany.