After nine years together, Caesar Wallace, usually lost in his work, surprised me by taking me shopping for the first time. With a dramatic gesture, he booked out the entire luxury wing of the mall.
“Zelia, happy birthday!”
The smile on my face faltered as I realized he’d gotten my birthday wrong. His lavish gesture was all over the internet, with everyone admiring my luck.
But his secretary's voice cut through, laced with sarcasm. “These are all for me! Some poor fool is just soaking up my spotlight!”
That’s when I realized, it was her birthday, not mine. Caesar had even gifted her a seaside villa as an apology.
I didn’t break down or create a scene; instead, I gathered up every gift and sent it to her.
But when I arrived, I found Caesar holding her, both barely clothed.
His voice filled with irritation as he snapped, “Can you stop reading too much into this? What’s wrong with celebrating an employee’s birthday?”
“Only someone with a filthy mind sees filth everywhere. Stop being so dramatic!”
For the first time, I didn’t cry or raise my voice.
With determination, I tossed the gifts at them, saying, “Perfect. Here’s wishing you two a lifetime together.”
——
Caesar stepped protectively in front of her, the luxury bags and clothes spilling across the floor.
His eyes darkened with anger, and he glared, gritting his teeth. “Still playing hard-to-get? Don’t think I’m falling for it this time!”
He stomped over the gifts without a second thought, as if he were grinding my love for him into dust beneath his feet.
Even the report I had poured my heart into was torn to shreds without a hint of regret. My heart twisted in pain, but I fought back the tears, turning away to project an air of strength.
When I got home, I began packing, realizing that most of my belongings were nothing more than kitchen utensils.
For eight years, I had morphed from a culinary beginner into a dedicated caregiver, all to ensure Caesar’s happiness.
As I rifled through a collection of worn-out clothes, it dawned on me that I had forsaken my own life in those years; every ounce of energy had been devoted to him while my dreams faded like the fabric before me.
I uploaded the undeniable proof of his betrayal to the family group chat, firmly stating my intent to walk away. The chat ignited instantly, with his mother leading the attack.
[What do you mean? How dare you even think of breaking up with my son?]
[You’ve enjoyed eight years of luxury, and now you think you’re a high-society lady? Getting a bit too full of yourself, aren’t you?]
[If you’re not keen on being part of the Wallace family, trust me, countless others would jump at the chance!]
Other voices joined the fray, each more critical than the last.
[Exactly! Don’t be so ungrateful!]
[Eight years with him? You’re just used goods that no one else would want!]
After everyone had their say, Caesar finally stepped in. As always, he offered no defense for me.
Over the past eight years, his silence had only fueled the Wallace family's contempt.
He chatted, [There’s nothing between Gaia; it was just a birthday celebration for an employee.]
[But what about you, Zelia? What were you doing at the hospital with that man? Were you sneaking around for a check-up?]
He displayed a photo of me with another man at the hospital.
A wave of bitterness surged in my throat, not just because he had me followed but because he could easily twist the truth.
My heart's obsession shattered, leaving only a deep sense of humiliation.
[Don’t think accusing me will cover up what you’ve done,] I retorted.
The family erupted in chaos, his mother shouting curses. [Look at you, Zelia. After all the support our family gave you over the years, this is how you repay us. Tomorrow, pack your things. I never want to see you again!]
I was abruptly kicked out of the group chat before I could defend myself.
A cold laugh escaped my lips as I surveyed the vast expanse of the house, realizing that none truly belonged to me.
Caesar’s mother had a point.
I had been orphaned at a young age, and it was only through the Wallace family’s support that I had been able to attend Willow Creek and Silverwood University and study abroad.
Eventually, I joined the family’s company, falling for Caesar at first sight during a meeting.
I had always felt my background fell short of the Wallace family’s standards, yet to my surprise, he chose me.
With unwavering conviction, he clasped my hand and boldly proclaimed in front of his family, “I’ll marry Zelia and no one else; I’m certain of her.”
Their acceptance came with reluctance, convinced that my status as an orphan made me easily controllable.
I had once believed I had found true love, only to discover I had stumbled into a dark pit of despair.
Caesar reserved his affection and warmth solely for Gaia, while I faced nothing but his wrath and unending deceit.
Time and again, he publicly humiliated me, taunted my tears, and dismissed my pleas, leaving me alone with my reflections.
This time, he intended to wield his silent treatment, expecting me to grovel for his return.
But this time, I was resolute, I would never look back.
Just as I was about to step out with my suitcase in hand, he swung open the door, the scent of alcohol wafting around him.
“Where do you think you’re going? Still sulking like a child?”
Chapter 2As his words lingered in the air, he presented me with a captivating necklace. Its radiant beauty was unmistakable and clearly worth a fortune.
My heart raced with anticipation; today marked our ninth anniversary.
I had subtly hinted at wanting a dazzling necklace many times. Still, he would always reprimand me for being materialistic, accusing me of being with him for his riches. “Don’t think being with me will come with rewards. Remember, my family has supported you all these years, so don’t get any lofty ideas!”
From that moment on, I vowed never to ask for anything again.
He placed the necklace gently in my palm, a hint of anxiety in his voice. “I remember you’re great at fixing things. Can you see if you can repair this? I need it urgently.”
So this was the reason behind his gesture.
I scoffed at my own naivety, turning away from him and heading toward the door.
He frowned, stepping closer to grasp my arm, disbelief etched on his face. “Didn’t you hear me? Fix it for me; I have something important to do!”
In the past, I had rushed to fulfill his every request, fearing that even a moment's delay could spark his displeasure.
But now, I coolly pushed his hand away and replied with a hint of sarcasm, “Hire a maid for that. I’ve been one for eight long years, but not anymore. And don’t present me with something that belongs to another woman; it makes my skin crawl.”
Caesar’s expression clouded over, his unsaid words heavy in the air.
Just as he looked ready to respond, a knock came at the door. “Ms. Reeves, your luxury cake is here. Please confirm the receipt.”
Caesar’s gaze drifted to the label: Eighth Anniversary.
His reaction, a brief, unsettled look, betrayed him.
"Zelia… today is our anniversary? And you didn’t remind me?"
A faint smile flickered on my lips as I accepted the cake in silence.
I had intended to part ways with civility, but seeing his indifferent surprise now made that feel pointless.
I turned to dispose of it, only for his hand to reach out, stopping me gently. “Don’t. Let’s enjoy it together.”
Reluctantly, I took a seat across from him as he struck a match, lighting a single candle that danced with a flicker of warmth.
His gaze softened, almost as if in some nostalgic reverie. "Zelia, let’s put these misunderstandings to rest. After all, a wife should trust her husband and not meddle too deeply in his affairs."
His solemn yet helpless words stirred a bitter laugh within me. Perhaps, after all these years, it was my fault for letting him feel so entitled.
Seeing my silence, he grew irritated and drew a ring from his pocket. The diamond was rare, a natural pink, but I felt no thrill.
“I never forgot our anniversary; I wanted to surprise you! Stop sulking like that; you look worse than when you cry,” he said.
I met his gaze with a cold stare. That ring wasn’t chosen for me; I’d seen it before. Gaia had posted not long ago: [My boyfriend is so clueless, thinking I’d actually love a giant pink ring. He doesn’t know me.]
The ring he held now was unmistakable, the faint scratch on its surface was proof enough.
To him, I was nothing more than a backup, deserving only of Gaia’s castoffs.
With a scowl, he pressed the ring into my palm, irritation flickering in his gaze. “Zelia, I’m offering you a chance. Please don’t make me regret it.”
I was about to turn him down when a playful ringtone shattered the moment.
His expression turned guilty for a moment, yet he answered the call without hesitation.
A syrupy voice trembled through the phone, nearly breaking into tears.
Concern filled Caesar’s eyes as he turned to leave in a hurry, inadvertently knocking over the cake.
The candle’s flame brushed against the back of my hand, searing my skin.
I cried out in pain, but he didn’t notice.
“Gaia, don’t worry. I’ll take you to the hospital right away!” he insisted.
I could only grit my teeth and tend to my burn.
After I cleaned up the mess, I opened my phone to find Gaia’s latest post appearing on my feed, captioned: [Little clumsy me. Only Mr. Wallace can protect me from harm. He’s my superhero!]
Caesar, who rarely bothered to reply to my calls, astonished me by liking and commenting right away: [Don’t worry, princess. Rest up, and there’ll be a little cake as a reward tomorrow!]
I liked his post in return, then promptly blocked and deleted him.
But just as I hit confirm, my phone buzzed with a call from Gaia’s number, only to be met by Caesar’s furious voice on the other end.
Chapter 3“Zelia, why did you block me? Do you really think I want to contact you?” His voice dripped with annoyance.
“Listen, there’s something important I need you to do right now. Head to the convenience store and grab a few packs of extra-long, 100% cotton sanitary pads. Then, swing by the pharmacy for some painkillers. You’ve got ten minutes to make it here!”
I let out a weary sigh.
Once I completed this final task, I’d be free from any debts to the Wallace family.
With that thought in mind, I rushed out the door.
After navigating through a few frustrating traffic lights, Caesar’s voice thundered in my ear once again. “Zelia, if you’re not here soon, you’re dead! Don’t even think about pulling any stunts!”
I took a breath and replied patiently, “I’m on my way. The red lights have been relentless. I’ll be there soon.”
His frustration bubbled over as he snapped, “That’s no excuse! You’re just trying to make Gaia suffer, aren’t you?”
Just then, Gaia’s delicate voice broke through, tinged with distress. “Mr. Wallace, it really hurts. If I die from the pain, would you forget about me?”
Immediately, Caesar’s tone shifted to one of concern. “Of course not, Gaia. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”
I felt a wave of disgust wash over me as memories flooded back—like the time I had stained the sheets during my period.
Caesar had wrinkled his nose in horror, barking at me to clean it up and sleep on the couch. “So disgusting! On days like this, don’t even think about coming into the room!”
He had no clue about sanitary pads or pain relief; his indifference was obvious.
His voice sliced through the air once more, sharp and impatient. “Zelia, if you’re not here in five minutes, you can get lost. I don’t need a woman who doesn’t obey!”
With the call ended, I muttered to myself, “I don’t need a repulsive, disgusting man either.”
Upon arriving at the villa and handing over the items, I was struck by the sight of Caesar, his attire in disarray. At the same time, Gaia wrapped herself shyly in a blanket.
The air thick with unspoken tension revealed all that had transpired, and I was taken aback by his desperation.
“Mr. Wallace, please let me go; this is utterly embarrassing,” she implored.
Caesar fixed me with a frosty glare before gently gathering Gaia in his arms.
“Don’t worry, Gaia. I’ll take you to the bathroom,” he whispered soothingly, cradling her as if she were a rare treasure.
As they disappeared into the bathroom, I surveyed the lavish decor around me, a wave of sorrow washing over my heart.
The room was a haven of luxury, adorned with exquisite artworks and rare treasures, the kind you wouldn’t find in any ordinary store.
My own apartment, however, was a minimalist’s dream, stripped down to the essentials.
Caesar claimed it was eco-friendly, but it felt more like a blank canvas devoid of warmth or personality.
Just days ago, I had casually suggested a new sofa, only to be met with his annoyed glare, as if I had suggested we redecorate the entire universe.
“I didn’t make you my girlfriend so you could live in comfort. Be grateful you even have a sofa. Why are you being picky?” he snapped. “Stick to cooking and doing laundry. Don’t expect anything else until we’re married; that’s just not in the cards.”
His harsh words filled me with a wave of shame, leading me to question my worth. But the truth was becoming clear: I was merely a housekeeper in his eyes.
He had a slew of beautiful women at his fingertips, with Gaia reigning as his favorite.
With a soft sigh, I turned away and walked out, feeling like a shadow in my own life.
As I drove home, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind, and I found myself dialing a number I had been toying with for some time. “Mr. Collins, I’ve decided. I’m willing to help you.”
“Are you absolutely sure? There’s no going back once you commit,” he cautioned.
I nodded firmly.
Once I arrived home, I retrieved my suitcase and promptly booked a flight for two days later.
Chapter 4Caesar maintained his silence, expecting me to swallow my pride and make the first move. This tactic had been his game for eight long years.
As I set my keys down at the front desk, Caesar’s mother swept in like a whirlwind.
I opened my mouth to say hello, but she slapped me hard across the face before I could speak.
“Zelia, our family has nurtured an ungrateful snake! After eating and drinking at our table for over a decade, how could you turn on us? How heartless!”
I pressed my burning cheek, stunned, but the words caught in my throat.
She became increasingly aggressive, yanking my hair and delivering sharp slaps with a voice dripping with fury. “My son is perfect, looks, family status, everything. And you still turn him down?”
“You can leave if you want, but you’ll have to pay back every penny we’ve spent raising you!”
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. Over the years, the amount Caesar’s family had spent on me seemed almost a joke.
It wasn’t that I looked down on their support, but the meager fifty dollars they provided each month barely scratched the surface of my needs, leaving me to scrape by day after day.
Later, I discovered that the Wallace family offered support to students like me for the sake of publicity, inflating expenses to lure in more business partners.
When I failed to respond, Caesar’s mother dragged me outside and seized a nearby stun baton, striking me sharply across the head.
With each blow, warmth trickled down my face. Just as I was about to beg for mercy, a pair of strong arms enveloped me in a familiar embrace.
The scent of smoke surrounded me, and Caesar said, irritation lacing his voice, “Enough! She’s my woman!”
Then, unexpectedly tender, he lifted me and placed me gently in the passenger seat. “Zelia, don’t you see? No one will ever love or care for you the way I do.”
As he reached for some rubbing alcohol to disinfect my wounds, the sight of Gaia’s personal stickers adorning the dashboard made me recoil in disgust.
I instinctively shifted away, earning a warning look from him. “Go apologize to Gaia. Act like none of this ever happened, and you’ll remain the lady of the Wallace family.”
I let out a derisive snort; his so-called kindness was the very thing I longed to escape.
He fancied himself my savior, blind to the suffering he had caused.
Once, I had imagined a lifetime together, willing to manage every aspect of his life.
He had never been my hero; only I could rescue myself.
With steely determination, I replied, “Caesar, you’re fooling yourself. I won’t apologize, nor will I make amends with you.”
I flung open the car door and strode away, refusing to look back.
Behind me, Caesar’s furious voice erupted as he honked the horn frantically. “I’m warning you, Zelia! You’ll regret this!”
I didn’t glance over my shoulder, muttering under my breath, “You’re the one who’ll regret it.”
Exhaustion weighed heavily on me as I checked into a nearby hotel. After tending to my injuries, my phone buzzed with a call from Zephyr Collins.
“How’s the investigation progressing? There’s a banquet at the Wallace family tonight. Send me the address, and I’ll arrange for a dress to be delivered. Join me there.”
I nodded, signaling my agreement.
Zephyr’s voice brimmed with satisfaction as he hung up.
When the dress arrived, I took my time putting it on.
It was clear this was no ordinary garment—a striking contrast to Caesar, who had never offered me anything of such elegance.
Clothes had the uncanny ability to transform a person. Once I dressed and adorned myself, I marveled at how enchantingly different I appeared.
The moment I entered the banquet, all eyes gravitated toward me.
In the center of the room, Caesar and Gaia flirted openly, their playful banter making everyone around them squirm. “Mr. Wallace, stop tickling me! I don’t want to play anymore!”
“Oh, come on, Gaia. Stop acting coy. Isn’t this what you love most?”
Just then, Caesar's assistant broke in quietly. “Miss Reeves has arrived.”
Caesar turned to me, his eyes wide with disbelief.
For a moment, he seemed stunned, as if struggling to recognize the elegantly dressed woman before him. “Zelia? What are you doing here? Who invited you?”
His frown deepened, filled with disdain. “That dress, who bought it for you? Was it that guy from the last photo?”
I brushed him off, lifting my dress as I walked away.
Frustrated, Caesar clutched my wrist, ignoring Gaia’s irritation. “Didn’t you hear? Who bought that dress for you?”