Leister was staring at his phone, panic written all over his face as he read the account cancellation message.
“Noelia, what did you cancel?”
Just getting my death certificate ready—had to cancel my old life first.
She kept her expression neutral, but when he leaned closer, she spotted the hickey barely hidden by his collar.
Those red marks made her eyes burn.
She met his worried gaze and smiled coolly.
“Nothing major. Just deleted some stupid mobile game. It was giving me headaches.”
“Oh… a game.”
Relief flooded his face as he set the phone down and pulled her close like she was something precious he’d almost lost.
“Hey, didn’t you mention wanting to go shopping? Let me take you today.”
Noelia wasn’t in the mood, but Leister had already made all the arrangements.
Feeling guilty, are we?
She smirked and gave in. No point starting drama when she’d be gone soon anyway.
He was sickeningly attentive all day.
The summer heat was brutal, but there was Leister Devereux—CEO of a billion-dollar company—holding an umbrella over her like some lovesick teenager.
People around them were eating it up:
“Oh my God, is that Leister and Noelia? He’s so sweet to her!”
“Right? Their love story is legendary in this city. The man literally planted cherry trees in their backyard because she mentioned liking cherries once. Where do I find a guy like that?”
“He chased her for years before she said yes. Of course he worships her.”
Noelia’s smile felt like it might crack her face.
They wandered into some high-end boutique where the saleswoman immediately pounced.
“Miss, you simply must try this dress! It’s our signature piece, and with your figure, you’d look absolutely stunning.”
Leister waved dismissively. “Get whatever you want, babe. Money’s no object.”
Before Noelia could respond, a sickeningly sweet voice cut through the air.
“Ugh, signature pieces are so last decade. Talk about dated.”
Anita Duke sauntered over, all fake smiles and designer everything, picking up a trendy little number.
“Now this is what I call fashion. So fresh and youthful.”
She turned to Noelia with mock innocence. “Don’t you think so?”
The challenge in her eyes was obvious.
So this is the little slut from last night. Moving fast, aren’t we?
Leister’s face went dark, shooting Anita a warning look.
But she pressed on, emboldened. Noelia was such a pushover—what was the worst that could happen?
“Oops, silly me.” Anita’s voice dripped fake concern. “I forgot you’re twenty-six now, Noelia. These cute little dresses probably aren’t age-appropriate anymore. You just can’t pull them off like you used to. Sorry…”
Her smirk was pure victory.
Noelia actually laughed, casually checking the price tag.
“You’re right, it is very… youthful. But I guess some people mistake cheap for trendy.”
She paused, letting that sink in.
“Or maybe cheap people are just drawn to cheap things.”
“See, trends come and go every season—they’re basically disposable. But classics? They’re timeless.”
Did this bitch just call me cheap? Disposable?
Anita’s face went white under all that makeup.
She turned to Leister with tears welling up, expecting him to defend her like he usually did.
Instead, he tightened his arms around Noelia. “My wife’s absolutely right. Classics are always better. Trends are so… disposable.”
Anita bit her lip, eyes filling with tears. “You’re right. How could someone like me compete with Noelia? She’s got everything—your love, your protection. Not like me…” She let her voice break. “I’m sorry for bothering you.”
She turned to leave, all tragic and wounded.
Leister’s jaw clenched as he watched her go, clearly torn.
But then he caught himself, staying put while his eyes followed Anita’s retreating figure.
Noelia noticed everything. She let out a bitter laugh and walked over to the most expensive dress in the store.
“I’ll take this one. The priciest you’ve got.”
Leister snapped back to attention, immediately pulling out his black card. “Whatever my wife wants. Ring up everything she’s looked at.”
The saleswoman practically bounced with excitement.
“Mr. Devereux really spoils you, Mrs. Devereux!”
He grinned. “She’s my wife. If I don’t spoil her, who will?”
Noelia’s smile was pure ice.
…
Outside the boutique, Noelia’s energy had completely flatlined.
Leister noticed and made her sit on a bench while he went to get her favorite bubble tea.
He used to read her moods like this. Wonder if he does the same for his little side piece.
He came back with the drink, straw already in. “Here, try it. Same as always?”
She took a small sip, her expression unreadable.
Same taste. Different man.
Her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.
So, how’d it feel watching me with your husband last night? Pretty rough, huh?
Just so you know, every night he’s not home? He’s with me. And honey, he REALLY likes me. We go through a whole box of condoms every time. ?
Noelia’s face stayed blank, but her eyes went arctic.
Want to make a bet? He’s about to ditch you to come see me.
No way. Leister’s an asshole, but he’s not stupid enough to abandon me in public.
But apparently, he was.
She watched him check his phone, that familiar smile creeping across his face as he typed back.
When he looked up, his expression was all business.
“Babe, something came up at work. I’ll have the driver take you home, okay?”
“Ha…”
Noelia glanced at her phone, where a screenshot showed Leister and Anita’s flirty conversation.
So this is his “emergency.”
“Sure, go handle your business.”
She swallowed the metallic taste in her throat and didn’t fight it.
Leister looked almost confused by her calm reaction. Usually she’d pout and beg him to stay. The empty feeling in his chest was… unsettling.
His phone kept buzzing, pulling him back to reality.
Noelia’s just being mature about it.
He left without another thought.
The second he was gone, she dumped the bubble tea in the trash.
Minutes later, another text from Anita—this time with a very explicit photo.
The unloved one is always the side piece. Look how crazy he is about me. ?
Noelia typed back: Perfect match—trash with trash. Hope you’re happy together.
Radio silence after that.
…
Back home, Noelia continued packing methodically.
She pulled out her old design books and sketches from the closet, carefully placing them in boxes.
These were her treasures. If she’d never married Leister, maybe she’d have been someone completely different…
Better late than never.
She was being careful, packing just a little each day. Anyone paying attention would notice.
But Leister wasn’t paying attention to anything.
After finishing, she walked to the calendar and marked a big X through the 25th.
Twenty-eight days left, you bastard.
She heard the front door open—he was back.
When Leister pushed open the bedroom door, he found her standing by the calendar. Those red X’s looked ominous somehow.
“What’s with all the marks, babe?”
His voice was tight with sudden anxiety.
Chapter 3
Noelia capped her pen, her voice eerily calm.
“Just marking off days until our anniversary. Don’t want to forget when you should open that gift.”
She straightened his tie, her downcast eyes completely detached.
Leister melted instantly, taking her soft hands in his. “Of course I’ll remember, babe. I think about that present every day—I can’t wait to see what it is.”
Can’t wait, huh?
Her smile was razor-thin as she caught a sweet aroma from the bag in his hand.
“Tiramisu?”
“Ha, my little foodie’s nose never fails.” He grinned and booped her nose, handing over the elegant pastry box. “Your favorite from that place downtown.”
This used to be their thing—Leister would wait in those ridiculous lines just to get her tiramisu from that tiny Italian café.
He’d always tease her: “You’re so easy to please.”
And she’d laugh back: “When you love someone, the little things matter most.”
Now she took the box mechanically. Same sweet taste, same creamy texture.
Different man.
Leister watched her for a long moment before clearing his throat.
“About that dress you liked today—turns out someone had already reserved it. The salesgirl screwed up. Let me get you something even better, okay?”
Noelia paused mid-bite, the tiramisu suddenly tasting like sawdust.
So everything has a price tag after all.
He was going to give her favorite things to his mistress.
She swallowed the burning sensation in her throat. “Sure, whatever.”
Keep the dress. Keep the man. I don’t want either anymore.
…
Monday morning hit like a freight train.
Noelia had barely walked into the office when Beatrice Rossi came flying over, practically hyperventilating.
“Whoa, Bea, what’s wrong?”
“Noelia, we have a major problem—”
…
She stormed into the CEO’s office and slammed a folder on Leister’s desk.
“You’re replacing my endorsed model? Without even discussing it with me?”
Her voice cracked with fury and hurt.
Leister immediately stood and pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back. “Hey, breathe. Getting worked up isn’t good for you.”
“This is my fault—I should’ve talked to you first.”
“But your original choice had some… personal issues that came to light. We had no choice.”
He handed her the file.
After reading it, her anger cooled slightly. “Fine. Who’s the replacement?”
“Anita Duke. She’s with Cielo Media, trending pretty hard online right now. Actually, she’s that girl we bumped into yesterday—small world, right?”
The words hit like a sledgehammer.
Leister continued obliviously. “Market research shows she’s perfect for our demographic. The numbers don’t lie.”
“What do you think?”
Noelia’s throat felt like it was full of broken glass.
He’s making his mistress the face of my project.
“What if I said she was completely wrong for this? Would you replace her?”
Leister hesitated.
The pause said everything.
He’s actually weighing whether to choose me or his side piece.
“Never mind.” She pushed away from him, her voice arctic. “Do whatever you want.”
The coldness in her tone made him flinch. They’d had disagreements before, but never like this—never with her shutting down completely.
“Noelia, wait—”
But she was already gone, the elevator doors closing between them.
He stood there, suddenly regretting last night’s promise to Anita.
“Leister…”
Soft arms wrapped around him from behind as Anita pressed against his back.
His mood was already sour, but he turned and kissed her forehead anyway.
“What did I tell you about public displays? Go back to your office.”
Anita pouted, hurt flashing in her eyes. “Sorry, I just missed you so much. It won’t happen again…”
“Good girl.”
Her obedience pleased him. He softened, giving her another quick kiss before heading back inside.
Anita smiled sweetly until he was gone, then her expression turned venomous.
Your move, Noelia.
…
Back in her office, Noelia was sketching jewelry designs for the competition, completely absorbed when Leister walked in carrying an elegant gift box.
The jewelry set she’d admired earlier.
She quickly shoved her sketches into a drawer.
“I’m sorry about earlier. Please don’t be mad.” He started massaging her shoulders. “Forgive me?”
She shrugged away from his touch. “I’m not mad. Just busy. You should get back to work.”
Her tone was pleasant but her eyes were ice.
This wasn’t the reaction he expected. Usually, any gift—even a single rose—would make her light up with joy.
Now? Nothing.
He was about to say something when his assistant knocked. “Mr. Devereux? The board meeting?”
Reluctantly, he left.
The moment the door closed, Noelia picked up her phone.
“I need to sell a jewelry set. Donate the proceeds to… let’s see… the city waste management program.”
The confused silence on the other end was almost funny.
Her desk phone rang immediately after.
“Noelia, there’s a welcome dinner tonight at Le Jardin Tranquille for the new spokesperson. Eight PM.”
Despite her feelings about Anita, this was business. “I’ll be there.”
…
Le Jardin Tranquille was New York’s most exclusive restaurant, all glass walls and hanging gardens.
Noelia arrived in an elegant white suit, immediately spotting Anita holding court in the center of the room, draped in that gorgeous dress.
The same dress she’d wanted.
Even knowing Leister had given her things to his mistress, seeing it still felt like a knife to the chest.
Anita noticed her and smiled brilliantly, as if to say: See? He spoils me, not you.
“Anita, that dress is absolutely stunning! Isn’t it like, crazy expensive?”
“Who bought it for you? Must be someone special!”
Anita blushed prettily, making sure Noelia could hear every word.
“My boyfriend insisted on getting it. Said I was the only one who could make it look that good.” She emphasized each word like a weapon. “No one else could even come close.”
“Your boyfriend sounds amazing! Almost as generous as Mr. Devereux with Noelia!”
“Right? Some women are just so lucky!”
Noelia’s nails dug into her palms, but her expression remained neutral.
So this is how tender he is with his mistress.
“Boyfriend?” Noelia’s voice cut through the chatter like ice as she stepped forward, her presence commanding the room.
Anita felt a chill but stood her ground. “That’s right!”
She twisted the knife deeper. “He’s always surprising me with little gifts… Last night he brought me tiramisu from that cute Italian place. So sweet of him!”
Tiramisu.
The same tiramisu he’d given her. After his mistress.
Noelia felt like she was being burned alive and stomped on simultaneously.
Anita’s eyes glittered with triumph. Let’s see you act superior now.
But Noelia just smiled—cold, sharp, dangerous.
