Chapter 1

I woke up, back on the morning of our wedding anniversary.

In my past life, I had booked a restaurant a week in advance. I even spent hours in the kitchen making his favorite Beef Bourguignon from scratch.

At 3:00 PM, I sent him a message: "7:00 PM tonight. Our usual spot. I'll be waiting."

He didn't reply.

It wasn't until 5:00 PM that he sent a voice note.

"Clara, baby, I'm so sorry. An important client just flew in. I'll try my best to make it, but go ahead and eat without me. Don't wait up."

And I, like a fool, replied, "It's okay. Work comes first. I'll wait for you until nine."

At 9:00 PM, I drove to our second home—the new apartment we bought.

And there, through the bedroom door, I heard Chloe Miller’s giggles and Ethan Sterling’s deep, breathless voice.

I heard the words that carved themselves into my bones: "She’s got nothing on you. You're so much better in bed."

I couldn't even remember how I rushed out of the building. I only remembered the screeching of tires on the asphalt.

And the memory of the text message I saw on Ethan’s phone later.

It read: "Babe, our usual spot tonight. Miss you."

The timestamp was 4:20 PM.

Right after I told him, "See you at our usual spot at 7:00 PM," he turned around and invited his "babe" to another "usual spot."

Chloe Miller was Ethan’s college junior.

She used to chase him back in school, then moved abroad. Last year, she returned and immediately joined Ethan’s company as his personal assistant.

During a company party, Ethan brought me along, and Chloe was there too.

She smiled sweetly, calling me "Clara" with false intimacy, but the look in her eyes whenever she watched Ethan was dripping with undisguised lust.

At the time, I brushed it off as innocent admiration. I didn't think twice.

But then, Ethan started bringing her up more and more.

"Chloe is really capable. She took a lot off my plate."

"Chloe stayed up all night helping me prep this report. I should take her out for dinner to thank her."

And back then, I foolishly chimed in, "Oh, you definitely should. Make sure to thank her properly."

Looking back, it was all just a cheap affair hidden behind the excuse of work.

I opened my contacts and called Harper Davis.

She was my best friend and ran a highly successful digital media company focusing on women's lifestyle and relationship content.

"Hello? Clara? Why are you up so early? Did the sun rise in the west today?" Harper teased over the phone. "Doesn't my favorite stay-at-home wife usually sleep in?"

"Harper," I said, my voice hoarse. "I need a favor."

Harper immediately picked up on my tone.

"What's wrong? Did Ethan screw up again?"

"Worse than that." I took a deep breath. "I want to do a livestream."

"But you hate being on camera! You wouldn't even show up for my company's annual gala last month," Harper said, confused.

"I'm livestreaming a cheating husband," I said flatly.

A few seconds of dead silence followed. Then, Harper’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper.

"Clara, what the hell did you just say? Say that again. Ethan... is cheating?"

"Yes." I walked to my vanity and sat down. "And today is our wedding anniversary. He booked a date with Chloe at their little love nest tonight."

"Holy shit!" Harper cursed. "Chloe? That thirsty college junior of his?"

"That absolute dog! Where are you? I'm coming over right now!"

"Don't come over," I interrupted. "I need you to set up a livestream for me.

"The equipment needs to be discreet, the video quality has to be crystal clear, and the audio needs to be perfect. Multiple angles, if possible.

"I also need a reliable tech team to manage the stream in real-time. Make sure it doesn't get shut down.

"And most importantly, I need clout.

"I want this stream to hit number one on trending."

A cold smile crept onto my lips.

"The title will be... 'Anniversary Surprise: Let's see what my husband got me today.'"

"Clara..." Harper’s voice cracked slightly. "Are you sure about this? Blowing this up in public won't do you any favors.

"We can find another way. Collect evidence, hire a lawyer, clean him out in the divorce..."

"Clean him out?" I laughed. "Harper, I don't just want his money.

"I want him ruined. I want both of them to never be able to hold their heads up in public again.

"I can make my own money. But this rage? I have to let it out.

"Fine. My tech team has the gear. We can handle it."

"Wait for me. I'll bring the team and the gear to your place in two hours."

"No," I refused. "Don't come to my house. Let's meet somewhere else."

"Alright. 9:00 AM at the coffee shop downstairs from my office."

"Deal."

I hung up. The plan was in motion.

Ethan, you like playing time manager? Let's play.