Chapter 2 Not Heartbroken

The call had barely ended when a new message popped up from the private investigator.

Melanie opened it and found a fresh set of photos. Under the glow of the streetlights, Gabriel and Chelsey stood pressed against a car, tangled in each other's arms. Chelsey's hands looped around his neck, her bracelets catching the moonlight.

Her stomach twisted, but Melanie forced herself not to look away.

In the next image, Chelsey leaned into Gabriel's side, holding his arm as if it belonged to her. They looked like a couple who had shared years of devotion, not something secret and recent.

Old memories rushed in without warning. A faint buzz filled Melanie's ears, and each breath seemed to press against the ache in her chest.

After standing still for a long moment, she picked up her phone and called her friend. "Lacey, about that aviation club you mentioned before-are you free tomorrow?"

"I thought you refused because you're scared of heights."

A quiet, dry laugh slipped from Melanie's lips. "I've got something worth celebrating. It's time I tried something new."

"Then tomorrow morning at the club."

Once the call ended, Melanie opened her messaging app and typed to Gabriel, saying, "Our wedding anniversary is next week. I've prepared a surprise for you."

Just then, a notification sounded from the iPad on the table.

Curiosity pulled her closer. When she glanced at the screen, she realized his WhatsApp account was still logged in. A new message sat at the top. "Hotel's booked. Don't worry-I'll cover for you with your wife on your anniversary."

A sharp tremor tugged at the corner of Melanie's mouth, and her fingers shook before she stilled them.

So Gabriel had never intended to spend their anniversary with her.

While she was still holding onto the date, he had already arranged everything in advance to keep her unaware.

Without another glance, she set the iPad aside and walked into the bathroom.

At dawn, as Melanie shifted in bed, a sudden warmth at her side jolted her awake.

Still heavy with sleep, Gabriel drew her closer and murmured in a rough voice, "It's early. Come back to sleep."

A faint scoff escaped her as she pushed herself upright. "Did you come home last night?"

"Of course I did. I got back around eleven. You were sleeping so deeply that I didn't want to disturb you."

His lies washed through her like cold water-then settled, distant and still.

After everything, the pain had worn her down to the point where it barely registered.

She had stayed awake until nearly three in the morning. If he had truly returned, she would have known.

"I've got plans today. I'm heading out," she said flatly.

As soon as Melanie stepped into the club, Lacey Reid hurried over with an eager smile. "You sounded mysterious on the phone. What's the occasion?"

A calm curve touched Melanie's lips. "I'm ending my marriage."

The words hit Lacey like a shockwave, and she stood there staring. "You're getting divorced?"

In her eyes, Melanie had always been patient with Gabriel and deeply devoted to him. The idea that her friend would walk away felt impossible.

"Mel, did he mistreat you?"

Instead of answering right away, Melanie moved to a couch and picked up her coffee. She took a steady sip before shaking her head. "No."

Relief flickered across Lacey's face.

"He cheated. That's all," Melanie added in an even tone.

"He cheated?" Lacey's voice shot up, and anger colored her expression. "After everything you've done for him, he still had the nerve to cheat? What kind of man does that?"

Noticing the emptiness in Melanie's eyes, Lacey quickly softened her tone. "Don't let this crush you, dear. Walking away from someone like him is a win. "Young, gorgeous, successful-you'll have plenty of options."

She understood how much that marriage had meant. It had once been Melanie's dream since she was a teenager.

After sitting quietly for a while, Melanie finally lifted her head. A faint smile appeared on her lips. "I'm not heartbroken. If anything, I'm relieved I found out before we had a child together."

She blinked and felt a steady, burning stare resting on her.

Instinctively, she followed that sensation and locked eyes with a man across the room.

He was stretched out on a nearby couch, dressed in a black leather jacket that gave him a composed, commanding presence.

Her breath caught for a second as recognition hit.

It was Rhett White.

What was he doing here?

And more importantly, had he heard what she just admitted?

Heat rushed to her face. She lowered her head and covered part of it with her hands as she leaned toward Lacey. "Let's leave. We need a different place."

Confusion crossed Lacey's face. "Why? This club's amazing. I heard the owner's a pilot, and apparently he's really hot."

At that point, Melanie wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.

Carefully, she parted her fingers and peeked out. The couch was empty.

Her gaze swept across the room, and the moment she turned around, she collided with someone solid. She gasped and stumbled back.

"Looking for me?" asked Rhett.

Regaining her composure, Melanie forced a small, awkward smile. "Why are you here?"

One brow lifted as he replied, "This place belongs to me. Should I not be here?"

A teasing curve tugged at his mouth. "You're scared of heights, yet you show up at a flying club. Planning to make a scene?"

Melanie's breath caught for a second. She remembered now. He had mentioned such a club before.

Back then, she hadn't cared enough to ask for details. She never thought she'd run into him like this.

Irritation slipped into her tone. "I paid for the experience. Isn't that what matters? Or do you only welcome certain guests?"

"Relax. I'll be your pilot today."

Before she could object, he turned and walked off as if the matter were settled.

"Why does he talk to you like that? I've heard he barely speaks to anyone."

"Don't mind him. He just enjoys being difficult."

Soon after, they changed into flight suits, and Melanie headed toward a helicopter.

Inside the cabin, Rhett rested his head against one hand and studied her with lazy interest. "You're not trembling. If you panic up there and lose control, you're buying me a helicopter. Or... you could just pay up with yourself."

"Stop talking and focus on flying." Melanie shot him an annoyed look.

"You argued with Gabriel?" Rhett glanced at her again just before sealing the cabin.

The question sounded casual, but his eyes stayed on her. His grip on the controls tightened without him noticing, as if he were waiting for a specific answer.