Chapter 1
Chapter 1
At twenty, Phoenix Reed married Julian Blackwood, her father’s much younger friend.
Eight years her senior, Julian was known in business circles as the cold–hearted “King of Wall Street.” But with Phoenix, he was tenderness personified.
He’d notice her casually admiring a necklace and have a million–dollar piece delivered the next day.
When she doubled over with menstrual cramps, he’d drop multi–million–dollar meetings to make her ginger tea, coaxing her to sip it spoonful by spoonful.
In their intimate moments, he’d grip her waist, call her “baby” in that husky voice, saying she was addictive.
All his social media handles were “ForElise“-which Phoenix always assumed commemorated the day they met, when she played that piece on the piano.
Until one day, she found that old photo album in his study:
It was filled with pictures of one girl–a girl who looked strikingly similar to Phoenix, standing by a piano, smiling.
On the back of each photo was written: “For Elise, For my beloved Elise.”
After discovering the truth, Phoenix did only two things:
First, she terminated her five–month pregnancy. The baby had already started kicking inside her. On the operating table, she bit her lip to keep from crying, but when the nurse asked if she wanted to see the baby, she shook her head, breaking down completely.
Second, she drafted divorce papers.
Then she called Julian. Previously, he’d answer her calls instantly, his voice tender as he asked, “What’s it, baby?” But this time, it took twenty–three attempts before he picked up.
Through the noise in the background, she overheard his friend’s voice:
“Yo, you know how devastating first love can be? The moment Elise returns, Julian dumps his pregnant wife at home.”
“Well, what do you expect? That girl was just a stand–in. Julian was crazy about Elise–nearly drank himself to death when they broke up. He’s never forgotten her, just found himself a lookalike to marry.”
“That girl has no clue! She’s totally clingy with Julian. Last time I saw them kissing, she was so affectionate it made melt. If I had a cutie pie like that at home, I’d have forgotten Elise long ago.”
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“But man, Julian may seem cold, but he’s a romantic at heart–he only loves Elise. Just now when Elise complained her heels hurt, he immediately carried her to buy flats…”
Phoenix gripped the phone, tears silently streaming down her face.
17:17
T–
Chapter 1
Suddenly, the background fell silent.
“Who answered my phone?” Julian’s voice came through.
“Uh? Don’t know, might’ve been accidentally pressed…”
Footsteps sounded, and the background noise faded.
When Julian spoke again, his voice held that melting tenderness she’d grown addicted to: “What’s wrong, baby? Is the thunderstorm keeping you up?”
“I have a business dinner, but I’ll be back soon to keep you and our little one company, okay?”
Phoenix took a deep breath: “I was calling about signing the divorce…”
Just then, a woman’s voice interrupted her: “Julian, my feet hurt…”
After a brief silence, Julian hastily told Phoenix: “Go to sleep, baby. I’ll be home later.” Then he hung up.
Phoenix laughed bitterly, wiping away her tears as she looked at the table. Two “gifts” awaited Julian–divorce papers and a box containing their aborted child.
She might be young, but she wouldn’t tolerate such betrayal.
She wouldn’t keep someone who had deceived her. Phoenix Reed could love deeply, but she could let go just as completely.
After sitting motionless for hours, she finally stood and placed the box with the baby in the refrigerator.
Just then, the front door opened.
“Baby, why aren’t you asleep?” Julian removed his suit jacket, his tie hanging loosely around his neck. “What are you looking for in the fridge? Hungry?”
Phoenix didn’t answer, just silently watched him.
Unused to her coldness, he produced an elegant box from behind his back, his eyes tender. “I searched the whole city for these. Aren’t these your recent cravings?”
He arranged the snacks–all the things Phoenix craved during her morning sickness.
Previously, she would have jumped to kiss him. Now, she only found it ironic.
“Why so quiet? Is our little one bothering you?” His hand moved to touch her belly.
Phoenix blocked his hand and handed him a document. “Sign this.”
He frowned, about to open it when his phone rang.
She saw the caller ID: Elise.
After a brief conversation, his expression changed subtly. Without even looking at the document, he quickly signed it. Then he grabbed his car keys, ready to leave.
17:17
Chapter 1
“Baby, I have an emergency to handle. Sleep well”
At the doorway, he tenderly added: “Just buy whatever you want without asking me to sign. We’re married–what’s mine is yours.”
Phoenix dutched the now–signed divorce papers, a bitter smile ghosting her lips.
“Julian, very soon we won’t be married anymore.”
