[Your husband isn't home on your anniversary. Doesn't feel great, does it?]
[Despised by your husband, left alone for five years-how do you even tolerate it?]
[Aren't you curious who the person you're waiting for is with right now?]
...
Sitting at the dining table, Anna received several friend requests from a stranger. Just as she was about to block the unfamiliar profile picture, another message popped up.
[I'm pregnant. The baby is Albert's.]
Anna froze, her entire body trembling uncontrollably. Her face turned deathly pale, and her tightly pressed lips instantly bled from being bitten too hard.
After a long silence, she accepted the friend request.
Opening the woman's Facebook, she found only a dozen posts, the earliest dating back four months.
Every post was a collage of photos-either flaunting love, luxury brands, fine dining, or picturesque views-yet none of them revealed her face.
Anna carefully examined each post, enlarging the pictures one by one. Soon, she noticed something unusual in one of the extravagant meal photos-the reflection in a wine glass showed a man wearing a Richard Mille limited edition watch.
There were only ten of these watches in the world. Albert owned one, and it was the watch he wore most frequently.
Matching it with Albert's late nights out, Anna instantly realized the truth-every night he didn't come home, he was with this woman.
She opened the chat, about to type a message, when the woman sent her a location pin.
Anna glanced at the meticulously prepared dishes on the table, her gaze turning cold. They were just like her relationship with Albert-appearing lavish on the surface, but long since gone cold.
Without hesitation, she grabbed her keys and drove to the club.
Standing outside the private suite of a high-end club, Anna stared at the closed door, her heart pounding violently.
She knew that the moment she pushed this door open, there would be no turning back for her and Albert.
Just as her hand touched the doorknob, she heard voices inside.
"Damn, Albert, you're going too far! Hands all over her while we're still here?"
"Seriously! Broad daylight, and you're putting on an 18+ show here? Gross! Take your wife home for that!"
"I've known Albert for years, but I've never seen him this invested in a woman before. Must be true love!"
The voices belonged to Albert's usual drinking buddies. Anna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Then, a delicate, sugary voice drifted out:
"You guys just love teasing me. What wife? I'm just an unacknowledged mistress."
Anna's eyes darkened. So it was her-the rising starlet, Alice.
A cool, slightly stern male voice cut in: "You should know your place. Albert has a wife. They had a family-arranged marriage-he won't divorce her."
Anna's brows arched slightly. Dante? He's back from abroad?
"Dante always speaks so harshly. Alice, don't take it personally. Albert's heart and body belong to you-who cares about a meaningless title?"
"Exactly! We all know his wife is just a decorative piece. If she weren't so obedient and easy to manipulate, Albert would've kicked her out long ago."
"Jackie, watch your mouth!"
"Dante, what's with the attitude? Everyone at our university knew about the disgraceful thing that Jones family heiress did. Albert was already being generous by agreeing to marry her. You really think he'd ever touch her?"
A heavy silence fell over the room as the man realized his slip-up.
After a moment, a familiar voice spoke:
"Dante, you sure seem protective of her. But I've long since gotten sick of looking at her face. If you don't mind filth, I wouldn't mind handing her over to you."
"Albert, watch your words!"
A wave of sorrow washed over Anna. She had heard enough.
She turned around and walked away from the club, her steps light but her heart heavy.
3 AM.
Albert returned home to find Anna sitting at the dining table with the untouched meal before her. He took off his suit jacket and casually draped it over a chair.
Loosening his tie, he spoke indifferently, "I already ate. I told you not to wait up if it's late."
"Of course you're full-you've already had your fill outside."
Anna lifted her gaze nonchalantly, her words carrying a double meaning.
Albert gave her a brief glance, assuming she was just sulking because he hadn't spent their anniversary with her.
He pulled out a delicately wrapped box from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Happy fifth anniversary. I was busy at a business dinner and forgot to reply to your messages. I still have work to do, so I'll sleep in the study tonight."
With that, he turned and strode upstairs.
Anna watched his retreating figure, the light in her eyes dimming little by little.
She opened the box. Inside was a Tiffany Love bracelet-one size too big.
She chuckled self-deprecatingly. Albert had never bothered to truly know her.
As dawn approached, Anna left the dining table and began packing her things.
She had lived in this house for five years, yet everything she took with her fit into a single suitcase.
She didn't pack any of the expensive bags and jewelry Albert had given her. Since they were never given with sincerity, there was no need to keep them.
Morning.
Albert came downstairs and saw Anna cooking breakfast as usual. Sitting at the table, he sneered inwardly.
She was so desperate to cling to him.
After the Jones family fell from grace, she had given up her promising career to be a housewife. Every morning, she woke up early to cook for him, but he had never been moved-he only looked down on her more.
When the final dish was placed on the table, Albert spoke indifferently, "The maid could do this too. Why go through the trouble?"
Anna gazed at him-the man in his crisp white shirt and tailored trousers. He was strikingly handsome, exuding an air of nobility. Despite being utterly heartless, he remained dazzling.
After a few seconds of silence, she sat down and spoke calmly, "This is the last breakfast I'm making for you."
Albert's hand, reaching for the porridge, paused briefly before he brushed it off. "Glad you finally understand."
"I do." Anna pushed the bowl toward him, her gaze unwavering. "Let's get a divorce."
Albert sipped his seafood porridge, raising an amused brow. "What did you just say?"
Anna repeated firmly, "I said, let's get a divorce."
Albert didn't even blink. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, his voice detached. "You sure? I don't take back what I throw away."
Anna met his oppressive gaze and smiled faintly. "Neither do I."
"Fine. Just don't come crawling back later." Albert scoffed, rising from the table and slamming the door behind him. Moments later, the roar of his car engine filled the air.
Anna remained at the table, calmly finishing her meal.
She had eaten too many cold meals alone in this house. But today, she didn't feel sad at all.
Before leaving, she changed into a stunning black dress, applied flawless makeup, and let her long hair down.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled.
Then, she grabbed her suitcase and strode downstairs.
At the door, she placed her car keys on the entryway table. The luxury sports car Albert had gifted her for their engagement-she was returning it.
Stepping outside, she glanced back at the hilltop mansion one last time.
A sense of relief washed over her.
Just then, her phone screen lit up-it was a message from Peter, her mentor from France.
[Anna, I'm returning home to compete. You were always the best among us-are you really not going to enter?]
[Oh, and I heard Emily will be competing too.]
Anna's eyelashes quivered. Memories she had buried for years resurfaced in an instant.
Even after all these years, hearing her name still stirred something deep inside Anna.
She was stunned for a moment before snapping back to reality and dialing a number.
It didn't take long for Sarah to arrive in her pink Cayenne, speeding over like a whirlwind.
As soon as she got in the car, Sarah smirked teasingly. "Anna, what's this about? Did you have a fight with Albert?"
"He has another woman. I asked for a divorce," Anna replied calmly, her delicate features remaining composed.
Sarah immediately realized the gravity of the situation.
She had long heard about Albert's affairs. If it weren't for The Smith family's immense influence in Miami and her fear of causing trouble for her father, she would have beaten Albert up a long time ago.
After cursing Albert through gritted teeth, Sarah took a deep breath and regained her composure. "Anna, listen to me. You absolutely cannot divorce him! We can't just let those two scumbags off the hook. Drag them through the mud-let's see who gives up first."
"Even if I don't divorce him, it won't stop him from indulging in debauchery. His status ensures that those women won't care whether he's married or not."
Anna lowered her gaze, a bitter smile appearing on her lips. "Marriage only restrains those with a sense of responsibility. It can't contain scumbags."
Sarah's face flushed with anger. "So you're just going to let this go? That bastard Albert is blind and brainless! He has a stunning wife at home but still chases after trash outside. Men are just disgusting-no matter how good the food at home is, they'll still think shit tastes better just because they haven't eaten it before."
Anna lowered her head, her expression distant. "I only just found out about what happened five years ago. Albert never truly believed me. He's always thought I was dirty, which is why, despite being married for so many years, he never once touched me."
She felt like the biggest fool in the world, believing all his lies-thinking that he had some kind of physical condition. She had even comforted him, saying she didn't mind, when in reality, the one who minded was him.
Sarah's eyes widened in rage. "He never touched you? Is Albert out of his damn mind? You've known each other for years, and he still doesn't trust you?"
Anna hadn't slept all night. She rubbed her temples, looking exhausted. "I've made up my mind. I've been tired of this for years. A divorce would be a relief for me."
After a moment of silence, Sarah's expression turned serious. "The Smith family is filthy rich. Even if you want a divorce, don't go easy on them. A billion-dollar settlement is totally reasonable."
Anna chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm not some naïve pushover from a romance novel."
Thinking about Albert and everything that had happened five years ago left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Just as she was lost in thought, Sarah's voice interrupted her.
"Anna, why should Albert get to fool around while you've stayed faithful all these years? I'm taking you to a place where you can finally experience some real fun!"
She slammed the brakes, spun the wheel sharply, and sped straight toward Miami's most infamous nightclub-Noble Club!
It was known as the paradise for the poor and the playground of the rich.
After parking the car, Sarah linked arms with Anna and strode confidently inside.
A waiter escorted them to the top floor, where only the wealthiest could enter.
Looking around, Anna quickly noticed the stark contrast between this level and the raucous lower floors. It was quiet, private, and dimly lit-daytime felt like night, adding to its air of mystery.
Once they were seated in a private room, expensive liquor quickly filled the table.
Anna felt dizzy just looking at it. She rarely drank and had little tolerance for alcohol.
Sarah, on the other hand, was a regular here, and the club's manager eagerly came over to pour their drinks.
After a few pleasantries, he was about to leave when Sarah stopped him.
She stuffed a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills into his pocket and instructed, "Go bring us the best male model you've got. I know your rates. If my friend is satisfied, I'll send him a Benz tomorrow."
The manager's face lit up with excitement. "Understood! I'll bring someone right away."
Sarah's smile widened. "No muscle-bound brutes-I don't want to scare my friend. Find someone innocent and charming, a clean newbie."
"Got it! I'll make the arrangements immediately."
Once the manager left, Anna frowned. "Sarah, you know I'm not that kind of person. If you keep messing around, I'm leaving."
Sarah groaned in frustration. "Anna, Albert is out there sleeping with whoever he wants, and you're still staying faithful to him? Before you divorce him, at least make things even! He plays, you play-trust me, it'll make you feel better."
Sarah had lost faith in love after her parents' bitter divorce and a terrible past relationship.
Anna thought of Albert, and a dark shadow passed through her eyes.
Sensing her hesitation, Sarah handed her a drink with a mischievous grin. "Anna, stop overthinking. Let's have a toast-to your new beginning."
Not wanting to spoil the mood, Anna suppressed her emotions, smiled at Sarah, and raised her glass. "Cheers!"
She downed the drink in one go, the fiery liquid burning her throat-intense yet exhilarating.
After a few more drinks, Anna was drunk.
Sarah was about to say something when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, her face tightening.
"Anna, it's my dad. I need to take this. Call me if anything happens. Otherwise... well, I won't come back to interrupt you."
Sarah shot her a knowing smirk before leaving.
Not long after, Anna felt her stomach burn, nausea rising uncontrollably.
She covered her mouth and staggered to the restroom at the end of the hallway.
After throwing up, she returned-only to realize she had forgotten the room number.
The dim lighting and her drunken haze made it hard to tell where she was.
She wandered for a while before stopping in front of a slightly open door.
She pushed it open and stumbled inside.
The room was dark, but she could make out the silhouette of a tall man, exuding an air of nobility.
Losing her balance, she fell right into his arms.
Looking up, she locked eyes with his cold, piercing gaze.
He looked eerily similar to Albert-only younger, even more handsome.
She had thought Albert was the epitome of perfection, but this man was on another level.
His eyes were especially captivating, filled with an inexplicable allure.
Anna stared at him, entranced. The more she looked, the more he seemed like a fallen angel-a dangerously beautiful temptation.
A reckless thought took root in her mind.
If Albert could cheat, why couldn't she?
Anna, in a moment of intoxicated boldness, reached out to touch the man's cheek. Seeing that he did not resist, she gently lifted the corners of his lips, sculpting them into a smile.
"You look good when you smile. Don't keep a straight face all the time; you'll scare away the guests."
Guests? She actually mistook him for a male escort. Hidden in the shadows, the man's deep black eyes darkened with intrigue.
He began to size her up-long legs, a slender waist, stunning features, and flawless fair skin. Her thick, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, making her already petite face appear even smaller.
Her eyes were slightly hazy, carrying a seductive charm, yet within that allure, there was also an unexpected hint of innocence.
He had seen plenty of beautiful women, yet he had to admit-when it came to both appearance and figure, she surpassed them all. She was a rare gem.
He had a severe obsession with cleanliness and had never let a woman get close to him in years. Normally, had she drunkenly stumbled into his room, he would have kicked her out without hesitation.
But perhaps because he was in a rare good mood today, he didn't send her away. Instead, he decided to amuse himself and see what game she was trying to play.
"Your lips are soft and delicate; they must be wonderful to kiss." With that, she leaned in and pressed her lips against his, her hands wandering across his body.
Countless women had thrown themselves at him, using every trick in the book to seduce him, yet he remained unmoved.
But this woman, with her clumsy and unpracticed kisses, somehow managed to stir ripples in his heart.
He suddenly grasped her wrist, flipped her underneath him, and said in a deep, husky voice, "Is that all you've got?"
His taunting words ignited Anna's competitive spirit. She boldly slipped her hand under his shirt, exploring his firm muscles without restraint.
Seeing the dangerous glint in his eyes, Anna sobered up slightly and suddenly wanted to retreat. "I... I regret this."
She attempted to push herself up from his chest in a fluster.
But before she could escape, he caught her and pulled her back into his arms, his voice indifferent yet dominant.
"Flirting and running away? Not that easy!"
The next second, he lifted her chin and captured her lips in a wild, demanding kiss.
Anna's heart pounded violently, her breath hitching under his overwhelming presence. Unable to resist, a soft moan escaped her lips.
He froze for a moment, his dark eyes clouded with raw desire. His lips trailed from her nose to her lips and further down, with an unstoppable intensity.
Anna glanced at the slightly open door, her cheeks burning. She placed her hands on his chest, whispering breathlessly, "Not here..."
Reality snapped back into him. He stood up, scooped her into his arms, carried her into the inner room, and locked the door.
Soon, the floor was littered with scattered clothing and shoes, while heavy breaths intertwined in the dimly lit space.
When Anna opened her eyes again, the man beside her was still asleep. Moving cautiously, she slipped out from his embrace, suppressing the ache in her body and the pounding headache from last night's drinking.
She sat up and turned her gaze toward the sleeping man.
He had a face that could bring gods and mortals alike to ruin-broad shoulders, a sculpted waist, and abs chiseled to perfection. Women would go crazy for a man like him. When he was quiet, he exuded an intimidating and refined aura. But when he teased, he was like an irresistible seducer-a living, breathing temptation.
She suddenly felt that giving her first time to this man was not a loss.
But for something like a one-night stand, Anna was clear-headed enough. She had tasted the pleasure; that was enough.
Moving carefully, she got out of bed, hurriedly put on her torn dress, and glanced at the man's phone on the nightstand. A thought crossed her mind.
Taking a gamble, she picked it up and found-no password!
She swiftly opened his payment app, transferred 500,000 yuan to herself, and even left a note.
She recalled Sarah mentioning this price last night-it was enough to buy a Mercedes-Benz sedan.
She didn't want to sleep with him for free.
Using Albert's money to pay for a night with another man gave her a strange sense of satisfaction.
Feeling much better, she cast the man one last glance before walking out of the room without looking back.
When the man woke up, he instinctively turned to his side, only to find the woman long gone.
Pulling back the covers, his gaze darkened at the sight of the red stain on the sheets.
He prided himself on his self-control. For years, no woman had ever stirred his emotions. But last night... was an exception.
She had a strangely calming scent, one that made him feel at ease.
For a man who suffered from severe insomnia, he had never slept so soundly before.
He picked up his phone and saw the money transfer and the note she left behind.
"I was very satisfied last night. This is what you deserve."
His fingers tightened around the phone, his expression turning cold and menacing.
She treated him like a male escort? Had her fun and then left?!
His jaw clenched, his icy aura intensifying as he dialed a number.
Soon, his assistant arrived with a fresh set of clothes.
Walking out of the shower, he had already restored his usual aloof, noble demeanor, as if last night's events had never happened.
Buttoning up his shirt, he commanded in a cold voice, "Find out everything about that woman."
"Yes, President William."
"President William, the Madam called earlier. She wants you to attend next week's banquet. She also said that if you refuse, she will personally come to fetch you."
William's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.
Anna left Noble Club and checked into a nearby hotel to get some sleep.
By the time she woke up again, the sun was high in the sky.
Dragging her sore body into the bathroom, she saw the marks all over her skin.
Memories of last night's passion flooded back, making her cheeks flush.
Turning the shower to a cooler temperature, she let the cold water wash over her, easing both her physical discomfort and her scattered emotions.
Thirty minutes later, she not only felt physically refreshed but also mentally clear.
Noticing a series of missed calls on her phone, she dialed Sarah back.
The call connected instantly.
"Anna! Why are you only calling me now? The manager went looking for you last night, but you were gone! Your phone was off! I was about to report you missing to the police! Where the hell did you go?"
Anna's brows furrowed. So... the man she slept with last night wasn't the male escort the manager arranged?
She had slept with the wrong man.
Then... who exactly was he?
"Sarah, I'm at Empire Hotel. Let's meet. Also, bring me a change of clothes-mine got ripped."
Thirty minutes later, at Blue Mountain Café next to Empire Hotel.
Sarah sipped her coffee while listening to Anna's story.
When Anna finished, Sarah's eyes lit up like fireworks.
She gave Anna a big thumbs-up.
"Girl, you're savage! You did the right thing-that scumbag Albert deserved a taste of his own medicine!"
After a moment's pause, Sarah arched a brow and asked curiously, "Wait... you said he was way hotter than Albert? Anna, I trust your taste. But who the hell is this guy? Why have I never seen him at Noble Club before?"