Chapter 1 1

"Your husband is celebrating his first love's anniversary tonight. If you want to know, come to the Grand Aurora Hotel, Main Ballroom."

Rosemary's chest pounded wildly. Her fingers trembled as she read the mysterious message.

"No... this must be some cheap joke," she whispered. But the more she tried to ignore it, the tighter the knot of curiosity strangled her heart.

With hurried steps, she grabbed her coat, clutched her bag, and rushed to the hotel mentioned in the message. A light drizzle dampened the streets, the city lights glowing faintly through the mist.

The Grand Aurora Hotel's ballroom was filled with the clink of crystal glasses and the laughter of guests. A soft orchestra played, while the scent of wine mixed with expensive perfumes lingered in the air.

Rosemary's eyes swept the room. And then... she saw him.

Her husband-Adrian.

The man stood in an elegant black suit, smiling warmly. In front of him was a young woman in a striking red gown, her face radiant as if the night was made just for her.

And in Adrian's hands-a black velvet box slowly opened.

"For you, darling," Adrian's voice echoed clearly, carried by the microphone. "This diamond necklace is the symbol of my first love, one that never fades no matter how much time passes."

Applause erupted throughout the room. Laughter and cheer filled the air.

Rosemary froze. Her feet seemed glued to the marble floor as she witnessed the scene before her.

A diamond necklace? A symbol of first love?

She swallowed hard, forcing down the surge of anger rising in her chest. Then, with firm steps, she pushed through the crowd.

"Adrian!" Her voice rang out, loud and sharp, silencing the orchestra instantly. All eyes turned toward her.

Adrian's smile vanished as he turned.

"Rosemary?"

The woman in red looked at her with surprise. Guests began to whisper; some even stifled chuckles.

Rosemary moved closer, her eyes blazing. "What is the meaning of this, Adrian? Giving a diamond necklace-to another woman-in front of everyone? What day is this supposed to be?"

Adrian sighed, placing the box into the woman's hands before stepping forward.

"Rosemary... you shouldn't be here."

"Shouldn't be here?!" She fought to steady her voice. "I am your wife! I have every right to know why my husband is flaunting his love for another woman in public!"

The whispers grew louder. Phones were raised, recording the scandal.

The woman in red smirked. "Maybe because I am his first love, while you... were just a late arrival."

"Silence!" Rosemary shot her a burning glare. "I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to my husband."

Adrian's face hardened. "Enough, Rosemary. You're embarrassing yourself."

She stepped closer, her voice trembling with fury. "The only embarrassment here is you, Adrian! A husband who betrays his vows!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some laughed, some watched in tense silence.

Suddenly, Adrian snatched the microphone from the host. His face was tense, but his voice rang loud.

"Fine. If you want the truth, I'll say it here, in front of everyone."

Rosemary's eyes widened.

"From tonight onward," Adrian said coldly, "I divorce you, Rosemary."

The world collapsed around her. Rosemary's heart stopped for a moment. Laughter broke from several corners of the room.

"What... what did you just say?" Her voice quivered, barely audible.

Adrian's gaze was firm, unshaken. "You heard me. I divorce you. You are no longer part of my life."

"Adrian!" she cried in despair. "How can you say that-here, in front of everyone? After everything I've done for you?"

The woman in red hooked her arm through Adrian's, smiling triumphantly. "It's over, Rosemary. You're just the past. Adrian chooses me now."

Rosemary staggered, nearly collapsing. Her hand clutched her bag tightly.

"This... this is insane." Tears welled in her eyes. "You've truly humiliated me in front of everyone."

A man in the crowd chuckled, whispering, "What a pity. His wife thrown away like garbage."

Laughter followed. Some women covered their mouths, suppressing giggles.

Rosemary's face burned. Her entire body shook, torn between rage and heartbreak.

"Isn't it enough that you betrayed me, Adrian? Must you also mock me in front of them all?!"

Adrian turned his face away, cold. "Go home, Rosemary. Don't make a scene."

"A scene?" She stepped so close she nearly touched his chest. "You started this! You stabbed me in the back, then stripped me bare before the world!"

The woman in red laughed lightly. "Oh, Rosemary, you should know better. First love always wins."

Rosemary turned on her, her eyes blazing red with fury. "First love? True love doesn't destroy another woman's marriage!"

The room erupted again.

Adrian raised his hand, signaling the orchestra to resume, as though trying to end the drama. But Rosemary stopped him.

"No, Adrian. You won't walk away so easily." Her voice trembled, but it was sharp. "I'll make sure everyone knows who you really are. A coward, a traitor, and a man who knows nothing about the sanctity of marriage vows."

Adrian glared at her, then spoke coldly, loud enough for all to hear: "You're no longer my wife, Rosemary."

Tears streamed down her face. "It won't be that easy, Adrian. I'll make sure you regret humiliating me tonight."

She turned and walked away through the crowd of guests-half sneering, half stunned.

Behind her, the laughter of the woman in red and the sound of music swallowed what was left of her pride.

Rosemary stepped out of the ballroom on shaky legs, but her eyes hardened. A tear nearly fell, but her lips whispered through the storm inside her:

"I won't let this drama end on your terms, Adrian."