Chapter 1
Amelia Hartwell would never forget today’s party–it was destined to become a haunting memory.
It was her 26th birthday, and her husband, Theo Hartwell, had gone above and beyond, throwing a lavish celebration with a crowd of friends in attendance. Surrounded by flowers, gifts, and an endless flood of birthday wishes, Amelia smiled so much that her cheeks began to ache.
But the perfection of the day shattered the moment she stepped into the bathroom.
As soon as she closed the door, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she found a message from an unknown number. Unknown Number: [Amelia, I’m warning you out of kindness—Theo has been cheating on you. He’ll ruin your life!]
An ominous text like that during her birthday party? Her first reaction was disbelief. Before she could fully process it, her phone vibrated again— this time, delivering a photo.
In the image, Theo was unmistakable. He wore a casual gray sweatshirt, his head tilted as he kissed another woman. His expression was unmistakably passionate, his eyes closed as if lost in the moment.
Amelia’s heart seized, and her legs nearly gave out.
Fighting to steady herself, she inspected the photo carefully. It was no accidental snapshot–it was taken with precision. Theo’s face was crystal clear, while the woman’s features were deliberately blurred.
Despite the damning evidence, a spark of hope flickered in her mind. ‘Is this some prank? A doctored photo? Someone’s idea of a cruel joke?‘
Driven by desperation, she zoomed in on the photo, analyzing every detail with the intensity of a detective.
Then, she saw it–something that made her blood run cold. The background of the photo–the furniture, the sofa, the flooring–it was unmistakably hers. The scene was set in her own home.
Her head spun, and a storm of emotions raged inside her.
Theo hadn’t just been unfaithful–he’d brought his affair into their shared sanctuary, their safe space.
A chilling realization washed over her.
Yet, amidst the fury and heartbreak, a gnawing curiosity took hold. Who Is this other woman? And just as pressing—who sent me this message?‘
A sudden knock on the door startled her.
Amelia quickly wiped her eyes and shoved the phone into her pocket. “What’s wrong?” she called out, working to steady her voice.
From the other side, her best friend, Sharon Blake, replied, “Amelia, come on! Everyone’s waiting for you to cut the cake!”
“I’ll be right out,” Amelia said, forcing her tone to
nd normal.
The party wasn’t over, and the house was still filled with guests. Losing
control
now wasn’t an option.
She took a deep breath, touched up her makeup in the mirror, and plastered on a bright, practiced smile. Only when her reflection looked as radiant as before did she return to the
party.
As soon as she stepped in
the room, she was ushered to the center, surrounded by friends singing “Happy Birthday” in a cheerful, unified chorus.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”
“The cake looks incredible, Amelia, blow out the candles and make a wish!” someone called out.
Amelia closed her eyes, silently counted to three, and blew out the candles.
The room erupted in cheers, the lively vibe wrapping her like a warm hug. But deep inside, her heart sank further into an icy void.
The sharp contrast between the joyful celebration around her and the storm within made her chest tighten. Tears threatened to spill, but the dim lighting hid the cracks in her composure.
Amelia suddenly felt a warm presence behind her. Theo wrapped an arm around her waist, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, “Amelia, I love you.”
Her body stiffened. She didn’t dare turn to face him, afraid her eyes might betray the storm brewing inside her. Under any other circumstances, his
1/2
Chapter 1
affectionate words would have made her heart soar. But now, they felt hollow–tainted by the memory of that damning photo. The image of Theo with another woman in their home consumed her thoughts, making it impossible to muster a response.
Someone yelled dramatically, “Amelia, you’re lucky girl! Theo’s the perfect husband–handsome, rich, and so thoughtful. We envy you!”
Theo responded modestly, flashing a disarming smile. “I think I AM the lucky one here. Marrying Amelia is the greatest blessing of my life. I’ll do whatever it takes to give her the best of everything.”
His words melted the hearts of the guests, who nodded approvingly.
Under the soft glow of the birthday candles, Theo’s image as the ideal husband was now carved into everyone’s minds.
Amelia could only force a tight, awkward smile as the others gushed over him.
Why is he doing this?‘ she wondered, her stomach churning. If Theo was cheating, why go to such lengths to act like the perfect husband? Why plan this elaborate celebration just to win public praise?
The rest of the party dragged on in an excruciating blur. Every time she blinked, the image of the incriminating photo burned behind her eyelids, sending sharp pangs through her chest.
Her thoughts spiraled. Their marriage hadn’t been an easy journey—it was built on love that had been hard–fought.
Theo had fallen for her at first sight and pursued her relentlessly. After months of persistence, she’d finally agreed to date him. Their early relationship was nothing short of magical, the kind of love story they both felt was worth shouting from the rooftops.
But their road to marriage had been riddled with challenges. Theo’s wealthy and influential parents had fiercely opposed the union, disapproving of Amelia’s modest background.
Theo had stood his ground, enduring heated arguments with his family to fight for her. In the end, he’d won, and they’d tied the knot.
Amelia had believed their story was a fairy tale–love overcoming all odds for a happily ever after.
Now, reality was delivering a cruel and bitter twist.
By the time the party ended at 11 p.m., Amelia’s smile was frozen in place. She stood by the door, bidding farewell to the last guest with practiced politeness.
As the final guest stepped outside, she shut the door behind them with a sharp bang. The anger simmering inside her erupted into full–blown fury.
The entire evening, she’d been forced to swallow her emotions, but now the house was silent and empty. This was her moment. Time to put all cards on the table.
Clenching her fists, Amelia braced herself for a confrontation. She couldn’t let this go unanswered.
Fueled by determination, she marched upstairs to Theo’s study.
But just as she reached the door, she froze in her tracks. From inside, Theo’s voice drifted out–low and deliberate, as if he were trying to keep his tone measured.
Pressing her ear against the slightly ajar door, she strained to hear his words. “Don’t worry,” Theo said. “I’ve taken care of everything. Just sit tight and wait—it’s over for her.”
Amelia’s heart skipped a bit.
Her pulse raced as she tiptoed closer, her mind swirling with questions. ‘What is Theo talking about? And could it have something to do with me?‘
