Born For This

Chapter 001: The Anniversary Surprise

"Sorry sir, but Madam Vivian is hosting a banquet tonight with her gentleman, and only invited guests are allowed."

For a short moment, Kyle thought he had misheard.

"Her...what?"

Then who the hell was he to her?

For three years, Kyle had never stepped into Vivian's company building. She had asked him not to, claiming it would complicate things. He completely respected her request. 

But today was different. Today, marking the third anniversary of their marriage, he wanted to surprise her.

Now, he stood in front of a guard who had blocked his path to the elevator.

In his hand was a gift box, and inside was a special bracelet he had spent weeks choosing. It sure hadn't been the most expensive piece back in the jewelry store, but it was elegant–a silver band with a tiny sapphire that matched the color of his lover's eyes.

"I'm sorry," Kyle said to the guard, "but there must be some mistake here. Vivian is my wife."

The guard frowned slightly. "Sir, please don't joke like that."

Kyle's grip tightened around the gift box, and he took a slow breath.

He really loved Vivian. For her, he had done things most men wouldn't even consider. 

Just two years ago, when she asked him to become a live-in son-in-law, he agreed without hesitation. 

His mother had fiercely opposed the idea. His relatives mocked the hell out of him. 

But Kyle didn't care. He loved Vivian, and that was it. 

For her sake, he had even cut ties with his dear mother. 

But Vivian loved him too. At least...that was what he believed. 

Whenever her brothers mocked him for being a live-in son-in-law, Vivian always tried to defend him. 

They'd belittle him and call him a simp, but she'd always remind them that he was her husband. 

That had always been enough for him. 

Kyle reached into his coat pocket and slowly took out a small jade pendant. It made the guard's eyes widen immediately, and he stiffened. 

"Well...that's... that's..." 

Kyle nodded quietly. "It belongs to Vivian's family. It's the heirloom of their household." 

The guard nodded slowly, eyes still fixed on the pendant. "Yeah, I know that." 

He hesitated, then finally stepped aside. "My apologies, sir." 

Kyle nodded politely and walked toward the elevator. 

As the doors slid shut, his reflection appeared faintly on the mirrored wall, and he was suddenly filled with anticipation.

She'd love his gift, no doubt. He couldn't wait to see her excitement. He believed Vivian loved him, and that was all that mattered.

The elevator chimed, and the doors opened. Laughter and music found its way down the hallway. 

Kyle followed the unusual sound until he reached a large banquet hall. The doors were slightly open, bright lights spilling out. 

He stepped forward, only to freeze instantly. 

Inside the hall, Vivian stood in the center of the room. She wore a stunning red dress. 

Her beautiful long hair fell elegantly over her shoulders as she smiled brightly at the small crowd. 

Standing right beside her was a tall man, and the two of them held a shared wedding cup. Their arms crossed in the traditional manner. 

Around them, people cheered loudly. 

"Drink! Drink! Drink!" 

Kyle felt as though someone had struck him hard in the chest. 

He recognized the face of the man. 

It was James Carter–Vivian's first love.

She had dated him during her university days, but he had gone abroad for further studies. 

Last month, Vivian had told him that James had returned to the country. And since then, she’d become busy. 

Very busy. 

Whenever Kyle asked her to spend time together, she’d turn him down. 

"I need to accompany James," she would say. "He's a valued business partner now. I can't disappoint him." 

Kyle had believed her. He had never doubted her even once. 

He watched as the crowd continued laughing and cheering. 

Someone even teased from the side. "Vivian, won't your dear husband get jealous if he sees this?" 

Vivian instantly waved a dismissive hand. "Oh please." 

Then she laughed lightly. "He's absolutely nothing but a live-in son-in-law." 

The room erupted in laughter, and James wrapped a hand around her waist and drew her closer.

"I mean, how can Kyle possibly help my career?" Vivian continued casually. "Even if I drink and dine with James here, it's all business." 

Her tone was indifferent. "As for jealousy...Kyle dares not object. He has no standing whatsoever to do that." 

Each word struck Kyle like a knife. This was because it was she who had asked him to abandon his life and become a live-in son-in-law. 

Someone else spoke up from the crowd. "Then when are you divorcing his ass?"

Laughter followed. 

"After all, he was only a placeholder when James went abroad, right?"

Vivian fell silent for a moment, and Kyle held his breath. 

Then she sighed softly. "Well. It is true he served that purpose."

A few people chuckled. 

"But honestly," she added thoughtfully, "Kyle is an obedient puppet. He is easy to manage, I must say."

The moment he heard her last words, something inside Kyle shattered completely. 

The gift box slipped from his hand and fell silently onto the carpet. 

But no one noticed. 

Kyle turned around and slowly walked away.

No one stopped him, as no one even knew he was there in the first place. 

----

An hour later, Kyle sat alone in the living room of the house. 

Rain continued to tap softly against the windows. His phone rested in his hand. 

For a long time, he stared at his mother's contact. 

Two years ago, that number had been the one he swore never to call again. 

Slowly, he pressed it. 

It rang just once, and a familiar voice answered. 

"Kyle?" 

For a moment, he couldn't speak. His throat tightened painfully. 

Finally, his voice came out hoarse. 

"Mother..." 

"My boy," she replied softly. "It's been a while since we–" 

"I was wrong," he cut in quietly. "I want to come home."