2026-04-20 18:03:09The sound of porcelain shattering echoed through the kitchen. A plate slipped from Alexander’s wet fingers and crashed onto the marble floor, fragments scattering in all directions.
Before he could even bend down, a sharp voice rang out."Alexander, are you blind? That’s imported porcelain! Do you know how expensive that is?"
The head servant, Mrs. Rowan, stood at the doorway with her arms folded, her expression filled with disdain, her lips curled slightly as she looked at him like he was something stuck to the bottom of her shoe.
Alexander paused for a moment, then quietly crouched down to pick up the broken pieces."I'm sorry,"he said calmly.
Mrs. Rowan scoffed."Sorry? Sorry, fixes nothing. Ever since you married into the Wallace family, you've done nothing but waste resources. If not for Miss Aurelia's kindness, do you think someone like you would even be allowed to set foot in this house?"
Alexander didn’t respond; he simply gathered the broken shards carefully, his movements steady and controlled. This wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last three years.
He had endured this kind of humiliation for three entire years to everyone in the Wallace household. Alexander was nothing more than a live-in son-in-law, a man with no status, no wealth, and no dignity, a freeloader, a dependent, a useless husband living off Aurelia’s success.
But only he knew the truth. Three years ago, Aurelia's grandfather had discovered Alexander's parents after they were ambushed by enemies.
Alexander's family was one of the wealthiest and most feared households in the city. Their influence stretched across multiple industries, and their immense wealth only made them more dangerous in the eyes of their enemies, which was precisely why they had become a target and were eventually attacked.
The attack had been brutal—a suicidal assault targeting extremely wealthy families.
His parents lost their wealth and status temporarily and were forced into ordinary society. Aurelia's grandfather recognized their background and secretly helped them recover.
In return, the old man made a single request. Marry Aurelia. Protect her for three years, Alexander had no choice but to agree at that time, Aurelia was still in college.
He never expected her to pursue him so passionately afterward and even less expected…that he would eventually fall for her.
"Stop daydreaming!"Mrs. Rowan snapped again."After you finish the dishes, Miss Aurelia’s clothes are waiting. Don’t forget to hand-wash them. She doesn’t like machine washing."
Alexander nodded quietly."I understand."
Mrs. Rowan clicked her tongue and turned away."Useless,"she muttered under her breath. Alexander didn’t react.
He turned back to the sink and continued washing the mountain of dishes piled high like a small hill, and the cold water ran across his fingers.
Alexander could hardly believe how his life had turned out. A man who once stood among the wealthy had become a live-in son-in-law, all to repay the kindness Aurelia’s grandfather had shown his parents years ago.
Now, his hands were soaked in soap foam and grease, the sharp scent clinging stubbornly to his skin. The contrast was almost cruel—from polished boardrooms to stained fingers and quiet servitude.
Yet, despite it all, his expression remained calm, as if he had long accepted this fate, burying every trace of pride deep within his heart.
Because today was special, today marked the third anniversary of his relationship with Aurelia, and in five days, their agreement would end.
After finishing the dishes, Alexander wiped his hands dry and walked upstairs. Aurelia’s bedroom door stood slightly open, and the faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.
Her clothes were neatly placed in a basket beside the bed. Alexander picked them up carefully; each piece of clothing felt familiar in his hands, and he had washed them countless times.
He filled the basin with warm water and began gently scrubbing the sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the quiet room. His movements were careful and slow.
As if he were handling something precious, Aurelia was always busy ever since Aurelia Cosmetics began expanding. She barely had time for herself; her stomach problems had worsened recently due to stress.
That was why Alexander stepped back from the company he chose to become a stay-at-home husband to take care of her, to lighten her burden, to protect her even if she never noticed.
After washing the clothes, Alexander carefully hung them to dry, then he checked the time. 5:40 PM. She should be home soon. He walked downstairs and began preparing dinner:steak, red wine, candles, soft lighting.
He arranged everything meticulously. At the center of the table sat a velvet box. Inside it, a pink diamond, rare, elegant, worth millions. Beside it lay a document.
The contract Aurelia had been desperately trying to secure with Harbor International, the industry leader, was the gateway to overseas expansion.
Recently, Aurelia had been under immense pressure because of this deal. She didn’t know Alexander had already secured it, using his own methods.
Using connections that even Aurelia couldn't imagine, and beside the contract, a sleek black card rested silently. Unlimited. No spending limit. A gift for her.
Everything was ready. Alexander checked the clock again. 6:30 PM Still no sign of her. He hesitated briefly, then picked up his phone and called her. The phone rang three times, then connected.
Aurelia’s voice sounded hurried."Alexander? I'm busy."
"I just wanted to"
"I'm working overtime today. The company is overloaded. If it’s not important, don't disturb me."
Alexander paused, his fingers tightened slightly."Today is"
"I'm really busy, okay? We'll talk later."
Click. The line went dead. Alexander lowered the phone slowly, the room felt quieter, the candles flickered gently, and the steak slowly cooled.
He sat there in silence, alone, confusion clouding his face. Slowly, he placed the phone beside him on the table, his movements absent-minded.
His thoughts churned as he tried to process what had just happened.“Did she…forget what today was?”The question lingered in his mind, heavy and unsettling, as a quiet disappointment crept into his chest.
Meanwhile, at the airport.
A black Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss was parked near the entrance. Aurelia stepped out, holding a welcome banner. Her best friend, Vivian, leaned against the car, shielding her eyes from the sun. Vivian chuckled."Wow. The pampered princess actually came out in this heat?"
Aurelia rolled her eyes."Stop teasing."
Vivian smirked."You even lied to your husband about working overtime. Don't tell me you're embarrassed to admit you're picking up your first love?"
Aurelia’s cheeks flushed instantly."Nonsense. It's just business."
Vivian laughed."Business? Then why reserve the Stellar Grand Hotel three months in advance? And invite your family elders?"
Aurelia hesitated slightly."It's his first day back."
Vivian raised an eyebrow."Your wedding wasn't even this grand."
"Husband and first love are different,"Aurelia replied quietly.
Vivian's smile deepened."Oh? So, first love matters more?"
Aurelia didn’t answer at that moment. A tall figure emerged from the arrival gate, Nahir Virel, elegant, handsome, confident. Aurelia’s eyes lit up instantly, and she hurried forward."You're finally back."
She reached up gently, wiping sweat from his forehead, then handed him her water bottle."Drink."
He accepted it naturally without hesitation. Vivian quietly took a photo. They looked perfect together.
At home, Alexander suddenly felt uneasy. He glanced at the door, still empty, and he sighed softly. She was always busy. It had always been this way since college.
Whether it was gratitude or love, he had accepted everything. Suddenly, his phone rang again, and he frowned slightly."Jake?"
"Boss, trouble. Black Dragon Gang plans to smash the Stellar Grand Hotel tonight."
Alexander’s eyes narrowed."Do they know whose territory that is?"
"They said their boss can handle the consequences."
Alexander fell silent, then stood slowly. A faint coldness entered his gaze."Prepare the car."
Since Aurelia wouldn't be home tonight, he might as well take a look after all; some people were asking for trouble. Alexander picked up his coat, the candles flickered behind him, and the anniversary dinner was left untouched.
As he walked toward the door, the night outside felt unusually tense, and somewhere far away, fate was already beginning to shift. Tonight, everything would start to change.
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Chapter: 127 Part 3: Three Years of Marriage Under Question
Aurelia had prepared herself for Alexander to become angry. She had expected accusations, harsh words, and perhaps another confrontation in which she could insist that he had misunderstood her intentions.Instead, he had allowed the evidence to speak while remaining almost entirely detached from the woman he had once called his wife.She remembered the early days of their marriage, when Alexander had tried to make their home comfortable despite the dismissive treatment he received from members of her family.He had prepared meals, taken care of household responsibilities, and quietly supported her ambitions.When Aurelia Cosmetics needed help, he had stood beside her. He had contributed financially, offered ideas, and helped her navigate the company's early challenges. Even after the business began expanding, he had continued to place her needs ahead of his own.She had accepted those sacrifices as though they were simply part of his responsibilities as her husband.Now, when the cour
Chapter: 127 Part 2: Three Years of Marriage Under Question
Aurelia swallowed, feeling the pressure mount around her. “I never cheated on Alexander.”“Then help me explain why your conduct has given the court reasons to question your testimony.”She opened her mouth, but the words refused to come; how could she explain something she had barely examined herself?She had never considered the consequences of allowing Nahir to hold her hand in public. She had not thought about how her silence might be interpreted when someone called them a couple.She had attended his welcome party without telling Alexander, dismissed her husband's concerns as jealousy, and repeatedly chosen to spend time with Nahir while assuming Alexander would always be waiting when she returned.At the time, each decision had seemed insignificant.She had convinced herself that her marriage was secure enough to survive a few neglected dinners, unanswered calls, and cancelled plans. Alexander rarely complained, and when he did, she assumed he would eventually calm down.She had
Chapter: 127 Part 1: Three Years of Marriage Under Question
The photographs remained displayed on the courtroom screen, each one presenting another piece of a story Aurelia had never imagined she would have to defend before a judge.She sat motionless beside her lawyer, her phone resting in her hands as though the device had suddenly become too heavy to hold.Only moments earlier, she had been searching desperately for a photograph that could demonstrate the affection she shared with Alexander. Now, she could barely bring herself to look at the images of herself and Nahir.The judge examined the evidence again before lifting his gaze toward her. His expression had grown noticeably stern, and the silence that followed made Aurelia increasingly uncomfortable.“The file before this court states that you have been married for three years,” he began. “Yet when asked to produce even a single photograph demonstrating comparable affection between yourself and your husband, you were unable to provide one. Meanwhile, there are numerous photographs of yo
Chapter: 126 Part 6: Aurelia’s Story Begins to Unravel
She remembered him suggesting that they take photographs together, only for her to tell him she was too busy. She remembered leaving events early to meet Nahir, refusing to join Alexander for dinner, and treating his attempts at affection as unnecessary distractions.She had always assumed there would be another opportunity; now, sitting before a judge, she realized that those opportunities had quietly disappeared.Vivian leaned forward, watching Aurelia’s face. “Check your phone properly,” she whispered urgently. “You must have something. Even one photograph could help explain your relationship.”Aurelia continued scrolling, but her hands had begun to tremble.There were pictures of Nahir at dinners, Nahir at business meetings, Nahir at the welcome party, and Nahir at the class reunion.She had preserved those memories without hesitation, apparently believing that the moments she shared with him deserved to be recorded.Yet the gallery contained almost nothing that reflected affecti
Chapter: 126 Part 5: Aurelia’s Story Begins to Unravel
Alexander did not accuse Aurelia of being a terrible wife or demand that the judge condemn her. He simply described what had happened, leaving the evidence to speak for itself.That restraint made the testimony more difficult for Aurelia to dismiss.She remembered Alexander waiting for her on evenings when she had promised to return early. She remembered his unanswered calls and the meals he had prepared before discovering that she would not be coming home on time.For years, she had considered those incidents insignificant compared with the pressures of running her company.Now she could no longer ignore what they revealed about the distance between them.The judge instructed Alexander to sit down and turned back toward his lawyer. “Proceed with the remaining evidence.”The lawyer clicked to the next set of images.Photographs appeared one after another, showing Aurelia and Nahir together on different occasions. Some had been taken at restaurants, others at public events and business
Chapter: 126 Part 4: Aurelia’s Story Begins to Unravel
Alexander’s lawyer addressed the judge.“Your Honour, this recording was also shared online. Its public availability allows the original footage to be examined independently, and the court can assess the context in which the statement was made.”The judge nodded. “Proceed.”Aurelia looked toward Nahir, hoping he would offer some explanation that might lessen the damage. He remained still, his face carefully composed, although a faint tension had appeared around his mouth.He had not expected the recordings to be presented in this order.He had known that people at the reunion might have captured photographs or videos, but he had assumed that the circumstances could be explained away.Seeing the footage displayed before the judge made him realize that the evidence could be more troublesome than he had anticipated.Still, he kept his expression controlled; he could not afford to appear nervous.The third recording began.This time, the screen showed the elaborate celebration Aurelia had
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