4
For the next week, Xavier didn’t come home.
During this period, he didn’t contact her once. Just like their usual fights, neither was making the first move to talk.
But Celeste knew his whereabouts.
Vivian posted on Instagram every day, flaunting how Xavier took her to candlelit dinners, booked entire cinemas just for her, and even put on extravagant fireworks displays–never repeating the same romantic gesture.
He showered her with designer handbags, jewelry, luxury homes, and an unlimited black card. His displays of affection were even more lavish than those he had given his actual wife.
Meanwhile, Celeste wasn’t idle. She stayed home, quietly clearing out every trace of herself. Since she had decided to leave, nothing tying her to him
would remain.
On the first day, when Vivian posted nine intimate photos of them together, Celeste burned all nine hundred and ninety–nine commemorative photos
of her and Xavier.
On the second day, as Vivian boasted about the handmade ceramic dolls they crafted, Celeste smashed every piece of antique porcelain Xavier had ever given her.
On the seventh day, when Vivian shared a video of Xavier declaring his love, Celeste finally took off her wedding ring.
The pigeon’s blood diamond still sparkled brightly, but their love had long since withered. Celeste took one last look, then carelessly threw it into the toilet and flushed it away.
Xavier returned in the middle of the night that day.
The other side of the bed sank in, and Xavier wrapped his arm around her waist, “Sweetheart, can we stop giving each other the silent treatment? Tomorrow’s the company’s tenth–anniversary gala, and we’ll attend together.”
It was also their fifth wedding anniversary.
A significant day. She’d always planned it herself, and this year would be the last.
Celeste shifted slightly away from him, murmuring, “Mm–hmm.”
His hand fell away, his body stiffening.
He thought she was still upset, but thankfully, he’d prepared a big gift that would surely smooth things over. With that thought, he drifted off to sleep.
But things went sideways at the gala the next day.
On the huge screen on the yacht, a company history reel played, followed by a montage of Celeste and Xavier’s ten years together.
They’d been through thick and thin, their love a testament to enduring commitment.
The audience was awestruck, even Xavier’s eyes softened.
But at that touching moment, the screen suddenly switched, displaying dozens of intimate photos of Vivian and Xavier, along with some of Vivian’s personal pictures.
An uproar ensued. Everyone assumed Celeste was behind it; only a scorned wife would pull such a stunt to expose her husband’s mistress.
Xavier’s eyes narrowed, his voice booming “Celeste, what do you want to do?”
Before Celeste could explain, Vivian ran to them, crying. “Ms, Sloane, Mr. Sinclair and I haven’t crossed any lines. Why are you using these photos to ruin my reputation?”
“Mr. Sinclair, to prove my innocence, I’ll just resign and leave. I don’t want to affect your marriage!” She ran out of the party in tears.
Xavier didn’t stop her in time, his eyes frantic as he tried to chase after her, but Celeste grabbed his hand.
“I didn’t do it.”
She didn’t want to take the fall for this.
But Xavier didn’t believe her. He roughly shook her off, sending her stumbling backward into a champagne tower. She fell to the ground.
Several cuts instantly appeared on her body.
0944
3.5%
Meru
resorting to stalking, secretly taking pictures, and spreading rumors? Is there anything you won’t do?! I just wanted to cheer you up, no need.”
but
out an emerald necklace.
than those
leine family heirloom, a generational piece of jewelry she’d pawned years ago to help the company’s cash flow. She’d tried to get it back but find it.
ad found it.
text second, he threw it into the ocean and chased after Vivian without looking back.
ohim
photos
delever
ntbahe
sleep.p.
in’s
s to ruin
unable to stop him, jumped over the railing and plunged into the water.
