The silence in the opulent living room was deafening, broken only by the rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock. Olivia sat on the plush couch, her gaze fixed on the ornate double doors, willing them to open.

Every passing minute felt like an eternity. For a week, she'd dodged news reports, avoiding the whispers about Alex and the extravagant necklace that was supposedly for her. But she knew the truth; the glittering bauble was not for her, just as their anniversary had been forgotten by them both.

She clutched a small, perfectly wrapped gift in her hands, a last-ditch effort to mend the widening chasm between them. The familiar hum of Alex's car finally broke the oppressive quiet. She rose, a fragile smile gracing her lips, ready to face the man who was both her husband and a stranger.