Chapter 1

When a turbulence strikes an airplane that's tens of thousands of miles above ground, the pilot, Kevin Glover, uses the opportunity to confess his love for the co-pilot, Serena Burke.

Both of them come clean about their feelings for each other, not knowing that Kevin's wife, Henley Johnstone is on the plane as well.

The brimming affection in Kevin's tone hurts her ears.

"Serena, I'll marry you."

At the same time, Henley's son, Isaac Glover, who sits in the row in front of her, pipes up in a disgusted tone, "My mom isn't worthy of remaining as my mom. I want Serena to be my mom instead."

Henley feels crushed and defeated. Sorrow overwhelms her senses as well.

Once the plane overcomes the crisis and lands on the tarmac, she calls her assistant, Edith Pratt.

"I want to sign up as the test subject of the death-faking pill. I don't want my husband and son anymore."

Henley sets the date of her death on her wedding anniversary.

Once all preparations are done, she takes the death-faking pill. When she wakes up, she'll embrace her new life.

Some time later, when Kevin finds out about Henley's death, he wails like a madman.

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, Ms. Johnstone. The death-faking pill had already been successfully developed, but we are still missing a test subject," reported Edith Pratt with an uneasy expression.

Still, Henley Johnstone had a determined look in her eyes as she said, "In a couple of days, I'll go back to the company. Let me be the test subject."

She leaned back against the couch with misty eyes.

Her assistant, Edith, was shocked to hear that.

Her voice rang out again, clear and anxious. "But Isaac's graduation ceremony is coming up next month. Ms. Johnstone, are you sure you want to do this? Also, Mr. Glover said he had a surprise planned for you on your wedding anniversary."

A surprise?

Henley laughed at herself bitterly. It was probably more of a shock than a surprise.

Three days earlier, she had just secured a major project and had planned to go on a trip with Kevin Glover and their son, Isaac Glover. She had secretly bought a ticket for the flight Kevin was piloting, intending to surprise them with the gifts she brought along.

Midway through the flight, the plane was suddenly caught in a powerful turbulence.

At the brink between life and death, Henley heard a voice come through the intercom. "This is the captain of this flight, Kevin Glover. I will do everything in my power to bring everyone home safely."

The heart lodged in Henley's throat slowly settled. She believed he could complete the flight.

The broadcast did not cut off, and Kevin's voice came through the intercom again. "Serena, if we all make it back alive this time, I'll marry you."

Henley's eyes widened as rage surged violently within her.

Serena Burke was the co-pilot of this flight. She was also Kevin's best flight partner. They had flown thousands of flights together. The time Kevin spent with her far exceeded the time he spent with Henley, his wife.

They were all still in a dire situation at that moment, but a bold college student made a joke.

She said, "If the captain says so, we're definitely getting back safely. I'm seriously jealous of this Serena. She got such a romantic confession ten thousand miles in the air. She'd have no regrets in her life."

Henley clenched her seatbelt tightly with her gaze fixed on the cockpit.

After a long while, the plane finally began to stabilize. Cheers and cries of relief filled her ears.

Henley's tears spilled over, and in the corner of her eyes, she saw Isaac. The woman sitting beside him was Serena's mother, Sally Hunt. The two of them were sitting close together, happily discussing how they would celebrate Serena's birthday upon landing.

Isaac asked, "Mrs. Burke, does that mean Serena is going to become my mom soon?"

Sally smiled as she gently stroked his hair, her voice warm and kind. "Do you really want Serena to be your mother? Then what about your own mom?"

Isaac shook his head fiercely with an expression of repulsion on his face. He took out the good-luck charm Henley had given him and broke it into pieces.

"She doesn't deserve to be my mom. All she ever does is nag me about studying. Serena treats me so much better. I like Serena. Dad likes her too," he said.

He then lowered his head to look at the gift he had prepared for Serena with a bright smile.

Henley withdrew her gaze as bitterness filled her chest.

The year she had been pregnant with Isaac, she had gone from hospital to hospital to stabilize her pregnancy. She even drank folk remedies that tasted disgusting. Not only had her figure been completely ruined after having him, but she had nearly died from massive bleeding during childbirth.

However, the child she had risked her life to bring into the world was now saying that she didn't deserve to be his mother.

A single tear slid down from Henley's left eye. When she opened her eyes again, there was a strong resolve in her gaze.

After the plane landed smoothly, the airport was swarming with reporters waiting to interview the crew. Henley blended into the crowd, so much so that Kevin and his group failed to notice her presence.

"Mr. Glover, you saved the entire plane with your exceptional skills. How do you feel right now?"

Kevin smiled faintly as he pulled Serena over to stand in front of the reporters.

His eyes held nothing back as he explained with adoration, "It was all thanks to Serena's contribution. If it weren't for her accompanying me on every flight and helping me analyze the details, this crisis wouldn't have been averted so smoothly."

Serena shot him a mock reproachful glance and then explained the situation to everyone using professional terminology.

Thunderous applause erupted, and the crowd soon dispersed. Only after the interview ended did Kevin finally notice Henley's lonely figure.

He was first startled by her appearance at the airport, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Did you come to pick me up after work, Henley?" Kevin asked upon spotting her.

Henley stared at him as if he were a stranger. Her eyes held no warmth at all.

Kevin acted as though he hadn't noticed, as a hint of awkwardness crossed his features. His phone kept ringing, and he repeatedly raised his wrist to check the time.

Henley took a deep breath and asked, "Do you still have something else to do?"

Before Kevin could answer, Serena walked over with a light, graceful step in her professional uniform.

She said, "Kevin, there's a celebration party tonight. You're the captain. You can't miss it."

Then, she smiled sweetly at Henley and added, "Hi, Henley. I'll be borrowing Kevin for tonight."

Chapter 2

Serena smiled demurely. In Kevin's eyes, she was considerate and understanding. But to Henley, it was nothing but blatant provocation.

Isaac's voice sounded from behind Henley. The moment he saw her, the smile on his face vanished.

He asked irritably, "Why are you here? Didn't you say work wouldn't be over until very late?"

Thinking of what he had said on the plane, Henley clenched her hands tightly. Complicated emotions surged uncontrollably in her heart.

She could tell he was annoyed by her presence. In fact, he was resentful that she had disrupted the time they were spending with Serena.

After a brief pause, Henley spoke in a cool, distant voice. "I'm going on a business trip. I just happened to be at the airport. Carry on with what you're doing."

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and left without a trace of hesitation.

They could go to the celebration party or Serena's birthday like they wanted. It no longer mattered to her. Soon enough, none of it would have anything to do with her anyway.

Henley returned home alone. All the gifts she had prepared in advance were thrown straight into the trash.

In a daze, her gaze landed on the family portrait hanging in the living room.

When had this once-harmonious family begun to fall apart? Or had she been kept in the dark all along?

She collapsed onto the couch. The scenes from the plane looped endlessly in her mind like a broken record.

After hanging up the call with Edith, she took a quick shower and returned to the bedroom. She lay wide awake in bed the entire night.

At dawn, Kevin came home with Isaac. He was reeking of alcohol. After he came into their room, he stumbled and collapsed beside Henley with his neck covered in what were unmistakably kiss marks.

"Henley, I feel awful," he muttered.

Suppressing the bile rushing up to her throat, Henley turned her head away and avoided his touch.

Noticing her evasiveness, Kevin propped himself up and asked hoarsely, "What's wrong? Did something happen at the company?"

Only matters related to the company could ever sober him up so quickly. Kevin spent lavishly in every aspect of life. Most of his income in recent years had probably gone straight into Serena's pocket. Every time the company closed a deal, he would proactively suggest taking a share of the profits.

Henley stiffened for a moment.

Then, she tested the waters by remarking, "The company's fine. I heard you almost couldn't make it back today."

Kevin froze for a moment before pulling Henley into his arms and saying firmly, "Yes. What scared me the most was that if something had happened to me, what would happen to you and Isaac?"

Truth and lies were mixed seamlessly in his words. He always knew exactly what to say to manipulate her.

Henley smiled faintly, though her hands trembled uncontrollably.

She echoed, "Me and our son? How thoughtful of you to still think about us at the brink of life and death."

She ground out every word through clenched teeth, but Kevin assumed she was just sulking. He tightened his hold on her and leaned his face close to hers with a slight frown.

"Henley, the person I love the most in all my life is you. Our family of three will live a safe and happy life together," he said reassuringly.

Henley let out a short burst of laughter and asked, "If something were to happen to me one day, would you find someone else?"

Kevin sobered up considerably. His gaze was intense, and his eyes full of determination.

"Henley, I swear you'll be my only wife for the rest of my life. Did you hear something from someone? We grew up together. We're childhood sweethearts. What we have can't be compared to anything else."

Henley stared at him deeply. Only after a long while did she look away.

Seeing her expression remained normal, Kevin couldn't fight off his drowsiness any longer. He collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

Henley studied him for a long moment before reaching into his pocket and pulling out something that made her sick to her stomach. She stuffed the triangular piece of fabric back where it came from. She also noticed that his wrinkled suit was sticky and damp to the touch.

Covering her mouth tightly, Henley rushed out of the bedroom. She leaned against the door and gasped for air like a fish out of water.

Her nails dug into her palms. Blood seeped through her fingers and dripped down.

She walked to Isaac's bedroom door and peeked through the crack to look at his sleeping face. Her heart felt as though it were being crushed. She curled up on the couch and spent the night there.

Early the next morning, Henley prepared breakfast like she usually did.

Isaac was surprised when he saw it.

After a moment, as if realizing something, he spoke timidly. "Today's Sunday. I already made plans to go on a day trip with my classmates. Dad can take me. You probably don't have time, right?"

Hearing this, Kevin scolded him in a low voice, "Watch how you talk to your mother."

Isaac lowered his head slightly and poked his pancakes with his fork. The irritation radiating from his little frame was obvious to see.

Henley placed a fried egg onto his plate and said indifferently, "It's fine. Your dad can take you. From now on, I won't interfere with your grades anymore. You're old enough to know right from wrong. If I keep forcing you, I'll just end up being the bad guy."

Isaac looked up abruptly and stared at her in confusion. He watched her intently, as if he was trying to figure out if there was another person underneath her skin.

After a long moment, his smart watch suddenly rang. The sharp sound drew all three of their gazes.

He turned his back and answered the call sneakily.

Serena's voice came through. "Isaac, I've already prepared everything. When are we heading out?"

Chapter 3

Kevin and Isaac both stiffened instantly. When they saw that Henley showed no reaction at all, they quietly let out a sigh of relief.

Isaac responded vaguely and hung up the call. He lifted his head and shot Kevin a glance, and the two of them put down their cutlery at the same time.

After clearing the dishes, Kevin wrapped an arm around Henley, who was still wearing her apron.

He said affectionately, "I'll take Isaac to meet up with his classmates. I'll come back and take you out to dinner tonight. There's a teambuilding event held by the company. They specifically asked us to bring our spouses."

Henley nodded and turned around to ask, "Will all your colleagues be there? Is Serena there too?"

Kevin paused for a moment. Then, he lightly brushed her nose with the tip of his finger and laughed distractedly. "Serena is my colleague and my co-pilot. Of course she'll be there. Are you jealous?"

The smirk on his lips and his teasing tone revealed the great sense of satisfaction he was feeling. To him, Henley's jealousy meant she still cared deeply about their relationship and felt threatened.

In contrast, Henley lowered her gaze and said nothing. She didn't really feel anything inside.

Without another word, she fastened a watch onto Kevin's wrist casually. The design was sleek and new, but what he didn't know was that there was a listening device hidden inside. Her divorce from Kevin was already inevitable, so she needed to collect evidence of his affair in advance.

Kevin admired the watch for a while, clearly pleased.

After he and Isaac briefly said goodbye to Henley, she was left alone in the large house.

She looked down and examined herself from head to toe. Then, she grabbed her bag and went straight to the mall.

Henley was quick. By early evening, she was already back home and waiting for Kevin.

The lights were off in the house. Kevin was inside, but he still hadn't hung up his phone.

"Serena, I feel at ease leaving Isaac with you. I'll pick him up tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget about the teambuilding event tonight. I like seeing you in that white dress. It looks so good on you."

His playful tone continued until Henley coughed lightly at just the right moment. The atmosphere instantly took a nosedive.

"Did you just reach home? Where's Isaac?" Henley asked.

The apprehensive frown between Kevin's brows eased slightly upon hearing her question.

He walked over to her quickly and explained in an apologetic tone, "We might be coming back pretty late tonight, so I let him stay over at a classmate's place."

Henley suppressed the urge to expose his lie and forced a bitter smile instead. "I see. Isaac seems to have a lot of resentment toward me lately. Do you know why?"

Kevin had never involved himself in Isaac's studies. He was always the good cop, while Henley always played the role of bad cop.

Because of that, she became the villain to Isaac. However, Kevin was the one who could light his world up and give him everything.

Before Kevin could answer, Henley walked straight toward the door and called out to him, "Let's go. We're going to be late."

Kevin froze for a second and hurried after her.

They soon arrived downstairs at the venue. Henley's stomach churned violently, and she rushed to the restroom first. As the pain subsided, she stepped out.

What greeted her was the sight of Kevin and Serena kissing.

Their colleagues surrounded them and cheered them on loudly. It seemed that everyone knew about their relationship. Well, everyone except for Henley.

"Kevin, aren't you being too high-profile? Aren't you afraid your wife will find out?"

"Exactly. You're only bold because she's not around, right?"

"Serena is the most beautiful lady in our company. You'd better not let her down."

Serena leaned shyly into Kevin's arms and scolded playfully, "Don't put too much pressure on Kevin. He'll handle things at home properly very soon."

Kevin stroked her head gently and looked at her with eyes full of tenderness.

He said, "Yeah. Henley values the company and money more than her own life. She's so controlling that even Isaac is borderline depressed. We grew up together. I don't even know when she turned into the career-obsessed woman she is today.

"Now, she makes me feel like we're just roommates living under the same roof. We're like strangers, honestly."

Henley's eyes reddened instantly. She stood frozen in place.

This was the first time she had ever seen such an expression on Kevin's face. It was also the first time she had heard him say such words. No matter how many times she had imagined it in her mind, nothing compared to seeing and hearing it firsthand.

After some small talk, the group entered the private dining room together. Henley hid in the restroom. Only when all the voices disappeared did she turn and leave without looking back.

Back when she and Kevin had just gotten married, they had nothing. She had worked herself to the bone by running around to secure contracts and sponsorships. Bit by bit, she built the company into the successful enterprise it was today.

Along the way, she had knelt before others, been slapped across the face, and even drunk until her stomach bled for a business deal. She swallowed every hardship silently without complaint.

In the end, all Henley had done for their family was reduced to her being obsessed with her career.

Chapter 4

Henley's entire body trembled as she stepped outside and hailed a cab home.

When Kevin didn't see her return after a long time, his call quickly came through. "Henley, where did you go? The waiter said you took a cab and left. Are you feeling unwell? Should I come back and stay with you?"

His concerned voice echoed through the empty room.

Henley answered weakly, "There's something urgent back at the company. Please apologize to your colleagues for my absence."

Before he could reply, she ended the call firmly.

Soon after, Edith sent her a message. She wrote, "Ms. Johnstone, the death-faking pill is ready."

Henley gripped her phone tightly and slowly typed her reply. "I'm at home right now. Bring it to me."

Edith acknowledged her message and rushed over without delay. She brought all the instruction manuals along with the drug.

When she arrived, she hesitated. The hand she had lifted halfway withdrew abruptly.

She said, "Ms. Johnstone, maybe we should get someone else to test the pill. The company can't function without you holding things together."

Henley shook her head. She took the pill from Edith and slipped it into her pocket.

Just as she was about to speak, Kevin came rushing back in a hurry. Serena was right behind him with takeout boxes from the restaurant.

Seeing that Henley seemed to be discussing something with Edith, he tactfully said nothing. However, his gaze remained fixed on Edith.

Henley waved her hand, signaling Edith to leave first.

When only the three of them remained in the house, Serena walked up to Henley politely. "Henley, I'm Serena, remember? I'm Kevin's co-pilot."

Henley glanced at her dispassionately before shifting her gaze to Kevin. "Why did you suddenly come back? And why did you bring your colleague home?"

Kevin bent down so that he met her eyes. He looked at her face with affection.

He said, "You didn't eat anything tonight. I was worried about your stomach. Serena has experience with this kind of thing, so she insisted on coming back with me to look after you."

Henley nodded. Kevin turned and went into the kitchen to heat up the food.

Once he disappeared into the kitchen, Serena finally revealed her true colors. She looked around like she was the lady of the house. Then, she fixed her disdainful gaze on Henley.

"You saw us kissing, didn't you? I knew you would see it. That's why I did it on purpose. You've been married for so many years. Kevin got bored a long time ago. You're no longer attractive as a woman. How could you possibly keep a man's heart?

"Besides, Isaac always tells me he hopes I'll be his mom. Father and son really do think alike. Kevin marrying me is only a matter of time. If I were you, I'd leave early so that I won't be an eyesore."

Kevin suddenly poked his head out of the kitchen. When he saw Serena smiling brightly, he assumed the two women were getting along well. He quickly retreated back inside.

Serena's lips curled into a provocative smile as she called toward the kitchen. "Kevin, I think Henley's fine. I'll head out first. Don't forget that we have a flight together tomorrow night."

With that, Kevin reluctantly walked her downstairs. Unable to help themselves, the two lingered together in the stairwell for quite some time before finally parting.

When Kevin came back, Serena's scent hadn't faded from his body yet as he pulled Henley into his arms.

He said, "Henley, do you want me to take time off and go to the hospital with you? Or we could spend some time together tomorrow. Just the two of us. Ever since we had Isaac, it feels like it's been forever since we had time to ourselves."

Henley gently pushed him away and rejected his suggestion.

Saying that they were busy with Isaac was nothing but an excuse. They had had plenty of chances to spend time with each other. It was only that the person he wanted to hang out with had never been her.

A marriage that existed in name only was utterly devoid of the love it once had.

She brushed Kevin off with a few perfunctory words and went to bed early. After all, she had many things to take care of the next day.

At dawn, Kevin left first. Henley didn't bother asking where he went. She drove to the company and gathered all the senior executives for a meeting that took up the whole morning.

After handling the company's affairs, Edith laid out all the insurance policies in front of her. She examined them carefully and signed the ones that named herself as the beneficiary.

Henley terminated all the other policies in advance. She didn't want Kevin and Isaac to profit even a cent from her fake death.

By evening, she rushed back home and burned all the mementos of their relationship and their clothes. Since she was leaving, there was no point in leaving anything behind.

Henley had never been the type to lose her mind over love. She had told Kevin more than once that if he stopped loving her one day, all he had to do was say it, and she would leave.

They could have parted ways amicably. Yet, he kept it from her and let her discover the truth herself. It was a disgusting experience.

The flames rose high into the air. When Kevin returned and saw the scene, he was alarmed.

His voice rose an octave as an uneasy thought occurred to him. "What's the matter, Henley?"

With a blank expression, Henley answered coldly, "I just burned some things that are useless. There's nothing to make a fuss about. Next time you come back, take care of your clothes beforehand."

His white shirt was covered in lipstick marks of varying shades, but he seemed completely unaware.

Kevin said, "I talked with my superiors today about a promotion and had a few extra drinks. Soon, I won't have to fly around every day. I'll have more time to spend with you and Isaac."

He was bright-eyed when he said that. But to Henley, those eyes held nothing but deception and lies.

She held the death-faking pill tightly in her hand, and her eyes reddened slightly.

Going against her true feelings, she answered, "Alright."

Chapter 5

Henley and Kevin shared the same bed that night like they always did. However, their hearts were elsewhere and no longer in tandem.

When daylight broke, Henley was already up and out of the house. She had booked an appointment with the sales office in advance, as she planned to sell the apartment they were currently living in.

The manager, Gina Craig, was in the middle of handling the paperwork with her when the laughter and playful banter from Kevin and Serena drifted over.

There happened to be a pillar directly in front of Henley, so it blocked her from their view completely. She didn't want to pay them any attention, but there was no avoiding it.

His gaze tender and doting, Kevin said softly, "Serena, pick whichever unit you like. All the properties here are mine anyway. Since I promised you a unit as your birthday gift, I'll definitely make it happen."

Serena smiled shyly and instructed the salesperson to introduce her to the best units.

Henley froze, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. This apartment was a birthday gift she had given Kevin. She had spent two full years personally designing the entire project for him. Every single detail had been filled with her love for him.

Now, he was giving it away so casually, like it meant nothing at all. He had completely forgotten the vows he had once made.

Seeing that something was off with Henley, Gina asked quietly, "Ms. Johnstone, should I go remind them?"

Henley waved her hand. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.

Kevin and Serena completed the procedure quickly.

The salesperson continued flattering them, "Ms. Burke is blessed to have a husband who's so willing to spend money on her."

Serena nestled into Kevin's arms, unable to hide the joy on her face.

On Henley's side, the paperwork was finished just as quickly. Dozens of staff members followed behind her to see her out.

The commotion drew their attention.

The salesperson merely glanced over and said disdainfully, "Looks like another woman is selling her house. She's probably just another worn-out housewife slaving away for her family."

Henley stopped in her tracks, and her expression turned frighteningly frigid.

Gina immediately strode over and slapped the salesperson hard across the face. "Who do you think you are to talk bad about Ms. Johnstone? Don't bother coming in next month. You're fired."

The salesperson panicked. She dropped to her knees and cried hysterically, "I was ignorant! Please forgive me, Ms. Johnstone!"

Henley said nothing.

Instead, Kevin spoke up before she could. "She didn't really do anything wrong. Don't be so harsh on her. It's not easy to make a living nowadays."

Serena also stepped forward and tried to speak up for the salesperson. But before she could speak, Henley shot her a look that made her retreat in fear.

Looking wounded, Serena said, "Henley, do you have a problem with me? It seems like she is dismissed for no reason because of me."

Kevin didn't overtly defend Serena in front of everyone, likely out of fear that Henley might realize something.

Gina was efficient. She told the salesperson to pack her personal belongings and leave. After handing all the contracts to Henley, she departed as well.

Kevin frowned at the documents in Henley's hands. He asked in confusion, "Did you sell our place? Why didn't you discuss this with me first? Where are we going to live from now on? Isaac is still going to school. I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation."

He sounded perplexed, and there was a hint of resentment in his voice.

Henley's eyes were completely devoid of emotion as she replied calmly, "I got tired of living there and wanted to try out a new environment."

Upon hearing her tone, Kevin froze in place. When had this indifference started? When had Henley lost even the desire to explain herself to him?

At a loss, he reached out to grab her hand. Instead, his eyes caught sight of her bare ring finger.

When had she taken off the ring?

Chapter 6

Taking advantage of Kevin's stunned stupor, Henley took a step back and left. She holed up at the company for another entire day. When she finally looked up, it was already deep into the night.

Kevin had called her many times and had sent countless messages.

"Henley, when are you coming back? I made your favorite dishes just for you."

"Isaac got a perfect score today. He's been clamoring for you to praise him."

"Are you working late again tonight? Then I'll tuck Isaac in first."

"I'm waiting for you to come home."

Henley rubbed her temples irritably as a dull ache rose from her stomach. She opened the drawer and saw that the box of stomach medicine was already empty. Left with no choice, she shut down her computer and went downstairs to buy some medicine.

While waiting to pay, she was unexpectedly met with a post that made her heart pound violently.

Serena was at her home.

She posted a photo of a property deed, as well as a photo of herself with Kevin and Isaac, looking like a happy family of three.

The caption read, "He remembers every word I say. I think I'll be happy forever."

The comments below were filled with well-wishes. Kevin and Isaac expressed their agreement and fondness too.

"I'll never let my woman down."

"Mommy Serena is the prettiest!"

Soon after, Serena posted another update. From her words, it was obvious that she was boasting.

She wrote, "Father and son almost fought over me. Everyone, help me judge. Who should I side with?"

At the end was a mischievous laughing emoji, followed by people on the internet egging her on in the comments.

As if unsure whether Henley had seen it, Serena deliberately sent her a message. "Henley, you're too busy with work. Since I had time, I stayed and spent time with your husband and son for a while."

The bitterness in Henley's chest spread like wildfire and consumed her heart whole.

Seeing as she didn't reply, Serena grew even more brazen. She sent one taunting message after another.

Late at night, a video that was nearly an hour long popped up on Henley's phone. Despite having a feeling that she might not want to see it, she tapped to open it regardless.

The filthy contents of the video polluted her eyes. Lewd, intimate sounds drilled into her ears.

In a low voice, Kevin called Serena's name again and again. Henley knew all too well that was how he sounded whenever he was brimming with lust and desire.

She turned off the video. The pain she had barely suppressed surged violently again in her stomach. Cold sweat soaked through her hair, yet she never made a sound.

Henley had always been like this. She endured all the pain alone.

Kevin had once told her that as a woman, she didn't need to be so strong all the time. Since she had him backing him up, she could rely on him.

But Kevin had never truly understood her. In the end, he gave that tenderness to another woman.

Henley curled up in her office and slept there for the night. By morning, she had caught a chill. She returned home, dragging her sick body lethargically. Serena had long left.

The house was spotless. Kevin had clearly taken the initiative to clean up the adulterous scene.

The moment he saw Henley, his heart jolted. He couldn't quite explain it, but she felt different from before.

Henley's face was deathly pale as she remarked in an even tone, "You must have had a good time last night."

Kevin's expression stiffened. He scratched his head and said, "I couldn't sleep all night because you didn't come home. In the future, no matter how late you get off work, why don't I go pick you up at the company?"

There was a hint of inquiry in his tone, as well as some concern. But there was not a trace of intimacy between husband and wife.

Henley desperately wanted to see some other emotion on his face. Unfortunately, he hid it too well and didn't reveal even the slightest of cracks.

He could spend a passionate night with Serena and show up before her the next day as if nothing had happened.

Henley, on the other hand, couldn't let it pass.

She walked past him and went straight into the bedroom. Upon seeing the neatly made bed, the images from the video resurfaced in her mind.

She covered her mouth and rushed into the bathroom. Her stomach was empty, so there was nothing to vomit.

Seeing how unwell she looked, Kevin reached out to comfort her. "Henley, why don't I take you to the hospital?"

Henley waved him off and said coldly, "I'm fine."

Chapter 7

As soon as the words left Henley's mouth, her gaze fell on the date on the calendar.

The next day was Isaac's birthday.

Henley's heart softened, and she lowered her eyes as she spoke. "Do you have time tomorrow? It's Isaac's birthday. I want to hold a birthday party for him."

Kevin nodded quickly, clearly delighted. "That would be perfect. Isaac's been talking nonstop about wanting to invite lots of people to his birthday. As expected of a mother and her son, you two are on the same wavelength."

Henley nodded silently and struggled to stand up.

Kevin suddenly pulled out a jewelry box from his pocket with an affectionate expression.

Judging by the shape, it looked like a ring box.

He stared intently into Henley's eyes and said, "I noticed your wedding ring is gone. You must have lost it. Our wedding anniversary is coming up, so I bought a new pair of diamond rings. They are symbols of our eternal love."

His gaze was clear and sincere, and for a split second, Henley almost believed him again.

She narrowed her eyes and couldn't help asking, "Kevin, what is it about me that you actually like?"

Kevin barely hesitated before answering firmly, "We were each other's first loves, and we grew up together. Are you really still doubting my feelings for you?"

Every time she asked that question, he gave the same answer. Perhaps there was no love left between them anymore. They just happened to be a good match for forming a family.

Isaac's voice suddenly sounded from behind, startling them both. "Dad, how are we celebrating my birthday tomorrow?"

The moment he saw Henley, he shot her a look of disgust. "Will you be there tomorrow too? If you're busy, you don't have to come."

A small, bitter smile appeared on Henley's lips as she said softly, "I'll be there. It is your birthday, after all."

It would also be the last birthday she spent with Isaac.

On the day of his birthday, Henley decorated the house meticulously. Only when she was satisfied that it felt festive enough did she leave for the cake shop.

Every year, she made his birthday cake by hand. This year was no exception.

But this year was different. She planned to make a much bigger cake. She would make a giant cake that was the sum of what she would have made before he turned 18. This would be her farewell gift to Isaac.

A cake that big required a lot of work. It wasn't until dusk that she finally finished. Henley placed the cake in the car and drove home as fast as she could.

When she reached their apartment, she saw the scattered shoes in the entrance and heard the noisy chatter inside. Her heart sank to her stomach instantly.

Isaac's voice reached her ears. His callous words were like a blade slowly slicing into her.

He announced, "Serena is my real mom. Don't get it wrong in the future. From now on, I only have one mom."

Kevin was all smiles, and Serena held Isaac close in an intimate embrace.

They had started Isaac's birthday celebration without bothering to notify Henley. So, she turned around and threw the cake into the trash. Then, she sat gingerly in the car, feeling numb to everything that was going on.

Before long, she watched with her own eyes as Isaac's classmates left one by one.

Serena noticed her car and continued to provoke her deliberately. "Kevin, I really wish I could stay with you and Isaac forever."

Kevin pulled her into his arms and comforted her. "Soon. After we're done with this flight, I'll have a good talk with Henley."

Henley took a deep breath. She stared at the death-faking pill in her pocket.

Indeed, the end was nearing. She would be leaving very soon and wouldn't get in their way anymore.

Clutching the pill tightly, Henley hesitated for a moment before dialing her mother's number.

Chapter 8

"Mom, help me retrieve my body in a couple of days," Henley said.

Olivia Roberts froze upon hearing this. Then, she silently listened as Henley explained everything.

When she was done, the air fell into a deathly stillness.

Finally, Olivia spoke up in an uncertain voice. "Have you really decided to let it all go? Isaac is still so young, after all."

Henley smiled faintly and replied calmly, "I should have let go long ago. Maybe they'll be happy when they hear the news of my death."

Knowing there was no arguing with her, Olivia ultimately chose to respect Henley's decision.

She set the date for her fake death to occur on their wedding anniversary. Kevin had said he would give her a surprise, so she should give him one in return.

On that day, Henley waited at home, wearing the evening dress Kevin had prepared for her. She had already taken the death-faking pill. She could feel the effects kicking in as her eyelids grew unbearably heavy.

Kevin had promised to spend the entire day with her, but one hurried phone call threw him into a panic.

He said in a conflicted voice, "Henley, Serena was in a car accident and is in the hospital. She's all alone. As her colleague and friend, I have to go check on her."

Henley didn't speak.

Kevin continued explaining on his own, "I'll be back very soon. It won't affect our plans today. Trust me."

The tremor in his voice was unmistakable.

Henley looked up and asked softly, "If I say no, would you stay with me? Kevin, can't you choose me just once?"

The look of resolve on her face caused an inexplicable surge of panic in him. Just as his heart went out to her for once, another message from Serena came in. The shocking image of her injury helped him make his final decision.

Henley received a message as well. It was a peace-sign emoji sent by Serena.

She smiled bitterly, knowing that this was another one of Serena's tricks. It was nothing more than proof that she was the one Kevin held closest to his heart.

Henley let out a deep sigh and said with disappointment, "Go ahead. We'll celebrate when you get back."

But what she meant was celebrate their farewell.

Kevin's steps were heavy, yet he still left in a hurry.

The moment the door closed, Henley spat out a mouthful of blood. While she still had strength, she swiftly made arrangements for everything.

She sent a message to Edith. "The onset of the pill is too painful. It needs further refinement."

Edith had just replied when Henley slowly closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, she would be welcoming a new day. By then, she would be a reborn Henley.

Meanwhile, Kevin rushed to the hospital and finally saw Serena. She stood there unharmed with tears brimming in her eyes.

She whimpered, "You're finally here. I was so scared. The doctor said… I'm pregnant."

Kevin froze upon hearing that shocking news. He didn't think that this was the right time to have a child with Serena.

Just as he was about to speak, Olivia's call came in. "Kevin, where are you?"

A deep sense of unease rose within him as he answered in a low voice, "A colleague of mine was in a car accident. I came to see her."

Olivia immediately broke down and started wailing in rage. "Henley died at home, and you still have the heart to visit a colleague?"

The instant Kevin heard those words, a shrill buzz filled his mind and drowned out everything else.