Chapter 3

On the day of their anniversary, Cassian posted a heartfelt message on social media at midnight, expressing his deep love and gratitude for Naomi. Within just a few hours, the post had garnered over ten million likes and shares. Across the city, massive digital billboards played the romantic video he had personally created, letting the world witness just how much he loved her. At some point, a crowd had gathered outside their villa. They had covered the road with 1,825 roses, one for every day of their five years together. At the center stood a massive, hollow crystal ring filled with a collection of the latest designer clothes and handbags from top brands. A small music box rested on top, playing Cassian's warm voice on a loop. "Honey, happy anniversary. I love you forever." Naomi's face remained expressionless. She closed the door and buried herself under the covers as if everything happening outside had nothing to do with her. A moment later, Cassian called. He apologized guiltily, "Honey, something came up with the deal. I won't be able to come home for our anniversary tonight. But I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back." Hearing his poor excuse, Naomi suddenly let out a trembling laugh. "It's fine. You go handle your work." "Honey, are you upset? I planned a lot of surprises for you. I hope you like them. I'll make it up to you in a few days," Cassian explained after picking up on the change in her tone. "No, I'm fine. Work comes first. I'm not feeling well. I'm going to sleep." Naomi hung up coldly. Then, she curled up, trying to suppress the pain coursing through her. The commotion outside the villa continued. Drones arranged by Cassian lit up the night sky, forming intricate shapes and messages of love meant for Naomi. Reporters had arrived, eager to capture her reaction, to feed the narrative of their perfect romance. Naomi ignored it all. Her phone buzzed again and again. Cassian's name flashed on the screen, and her eyes blurred once again. She wanted to answer. She wanted to ask him why he'd broken his promise and why he had fallen in love with someone else. But in the end, she simply turned off her phone and buried her head under the covers. Naomi lost track of time until the blanket was suddenly lifted, and a harsh light flooded in, stinging her eyes. Blinking against the glare, she saw Cassian standing there. He was disheveled and pale, his face sunken with exhaustion. His eyes were filled with worry and panic. The moment he sensed Naomi was unhappy, he rushed back without hesitation. He had called her nonstop on the way, and when she didn't answer, he was terrified. The second he saw her, he pulled her tightly into his arms, his voice hoarse and choked. "Thank God you're home… Honey, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." His eyes turned red, and his body trembled uncontrollably. "I'll never leave you alone at home again. When you didn't pick up, it felt like my whole world was falling apart. Nothing matters more than you. I came back to celebrate our anniversary with you." Nami remained silent. Cassian assumed she was still angry. He dropped to one knee, coaxing her softly. "Honey, promise me... Don't ignore my calls again, and don't shut me out. It would kill me." His fear and anxiety didn't seem fake. He did love her, but not only her. "You got back pretty fast." Naomi sneered. Cassian's expression shifted, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "You haven't eaten all day, have you? Let me take you to the revolving restaurant," he said quickly, trying to change the subject as he gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "No." Naomi shook her head. Panic flickered in Cassian's eyes. "Then rest for a bit. I'll cook something downstairs for you." "Okay," Naomi replied indifferently, turning away from him to face the other side. He assumed she was still furious, took a deep breath, and left the room. About ten minutes later, the sound of commotion drifted up from downstairs. Naomi came down to find the living room filled with Cassian's friends. They were helping to put up freshly reprinted photos on the walls. When they saw her, they all started speaking up for Cassian. "Naomi, you scared the hell out of him. I've never seen him this on edge." "If you're ever mad again, just tell us. We'll back you up. But don't throw the photos away, and definitely don't turn off your phone. Cassian nearly lost it." "If we hadn't found you, I think he would've gone crazy." "Seriously. He saw those bare walls and nearly passed out. He even started digging through the trash looking for the photos." ... "All of you, shut up! It's my fault. I made her upset. If she wants to punish me, she has every right to," Cassian exclaimed, exiting the kitchen in an apron, clearly annoyed. "Cassian really is the ultimate wife guy. He'd throw his pride out the window just to make Naomi smile. Naomi is so lucky." Rayna stepped out from the crowd, her expression full of envy. Cassian's face remained calm as he gave a gentle smile. "Of course, I'll spoil her. She's my wife." A chill ran down Naomi's spine. She found him utterly fake. However, she had no intention of exposing him. With a calm expression, she remarked lightly, "No need to put the photos back. I'm thinking of repainting the wall." Cassian walked over to Naomi and slipped an arm around her waist. "Alright, don't hang anything. We do whatever she wants." "Whipped," someone teased, but Cassian didn't seem to mind at all. He gently helped Naomi to the couch before heading back into the kitchen. Everything he cooked was what Naomi used to love. But now, every bite felt tasteless. He gently served food onto Naomi's plate with one hand while holding Rayna's hand under the table with the other. Naomi suddenly felt that everything was meaningless. She wanted to leave, not just the table but everything related to Cassian. After dinner, Cassian didn't give her a chance to say no. He knelt to help her put on her shoes and socks, then scooped her into his arms and carried her out the door, all while his friends cheered and whistled behind him. Rayna joined in the teasing with a bright smile, but Naomi noticed a hint of hatred and jealousy deep in her eyes. Cassian had arranged a private fireworks show at sea just for Naomi and even hired her favorite band to perform live. Halfway through the performance, he excused himself, saying he needed to use the restroom. And without quite knowing why, Naomi found herself quietly following after him.