Chapter 1 A Marriage In Crisis

• Diana Campbell woke up earlier than usual, her thoughts still tangled in the events of the previous night.
• Glancing down at her chest, she noticed faint marks, a blush creeping steadily across her face.
• For someone who'd been somewhat restrained since their marriage, Richard Miller had seemed completely out of control recently.
• She chided him silently, her lips curling in a smile she couldn't suppress. Beneath her small complaint was a warm, secret joy.
• Because no one else knew the truth—Diana Campbell had always harbored feelings for Richard Miller.
• To him, theirs was merely a contractual marriage that began two years ago. In his eyes, Diana played the role of an agreeable and gentle wife out of obligation, not affection. Once the three-year term of their agreement was up, it was assumed she'd gladly reclaim her freedom and return to whoever it was that held her heart.
• But the reality was far from Richard's assumptions. A short while ago, Diana had done something bold—blurred the lines of their arrangement and crossed into uncharted emotional territory. She had initiated intimacy, breaking through his aloof exterior... and drawing out traces of passion that lingered on her body to this day.
• To her confusion, Richard hadn't seemed to hold that night in any particular regard. At least, not outwardly. But there was no denying that he wasn't as indifferent to her as he pretended to be.
• Three days ago, Diana's best friend had called with a warning: Richard's first love, his "white moonlight," was back in town. "You need to prepare yourself," her friend had said worriedly.
• Diana, however, was unfazed—or, at least, she feigned composure. She responded lightly, "The marriage contract isn’t over. We still have another year."
• Her friend scolded her for being so nonchalant, but Diana saw no reason to argue or explain herself further.
• Today marked a significant milestone: their second wedding anniversary. Diana had planned everything meticulously to give Richard a surprise—a dual celebration for their time together and the news she carried within her heart.
• She worked tirelessly all morning, preparing his favorite dishes and decorating the table with loving care. Among the food was a labor-intensive dish he especially loved: candied sweet potatoes. She hadn’t made it in ages but decided today was worth the effort.
• In her other hand, she clutched the pregnancy test report that confirmed something miraculous—she was two months pregnant.
• The excitement coursing through her brought light to her eyes and hope to her heart. Surely this news would make Richard happy... perhaps even reconsider his indifferent attitude? Deep down, Diana clung to the belief that his devotion during their intimate moments hinted at some hidden affection for her.
• From the bathroom came the sound of running water. Moments later, Richard emerged, still drying his hair as he bent slightly toward her. His tone was calm but distant.
• "Diana, can we talk after breakfast? I have something important to say."
• Diana nodded nervously, a bright smile playing on her lips. "I have something to tell you too," she replied cheerfully, hiding the anxiety swelling inside her chest.
• Both of them sat at the dining table soon after. Diana's nerves grew sharper as she watched him adjust the sleeves of his tailored royal-blue suit—every detail of which spoke of elegance and precision that matched his composed demeanor. The diamond cufflinks he wore were ones she'd chosen for him early in their marriage; seeing them stirred bittersweet emotions within her heart.
• Breaking the silence first, Richard finally spoke with his measured tone: "Diana, Freya is back."
• His words sent an invisible blade slicing through her chest before she could react further. Without pause, he slid a document across the table toward her—a divorce agreement written in stark black ink.
• Diana felt her breath catch as if all air had been stolen from the room. Her heart twisted painfully before she found herself spiraling into a haze of disbelief, blood rushing to her head until her vision blurred for several seconds.
• "It's earlier than expected," Richard continued without emotion. "I originally planned the full three years... but given the circumstances, it seems best to conclude things now."
• He lifted his gaze and fixed her with an unreadable expression, as though searching for a response in her face.
• Still gripping the edge of the table for balance, Diana willed herself to stay upright even as every fiber of her being threatened collapse. Summoning all her strength, she forced a tremulous question from her lips: "You... want a divorce?"
• Richard nodded calmly, his tone neutral as he replied, "Yeah."
• Diana inhaled deeply, willing away the mist clouding her vision, forcing it back into herself.
• Like Richard, she responded with practiced composure, "Okay."
• The test report she clutched was already crumpled in her grip. Was there truly no way out of this situation? Did this child really come at the wrong time?
• After a brief silence, Richard spoke again. "Take your time to review the divorce agreement. If you find the terms unsatisfactory, feel free to make adjustments. I’ll do my best to provide fair compensation."
• His words were concise yet deliberate, each one steady and certain, as though rehearsed. It was clear he had everything planned out beforehand.
• Diana worked to soften her expression, forcing a smile that felt hollow. The effort pulled the corners of her mouth too wide, making it almost unnatural. "Alright, I’ll review it."
• The test report in her hand had become damp and flimsy from sweat. It was clear there was no need to show it to him—Richard Miller had made up his mind.
• Using the table for support, Diana rose and prepared to leave.
• "One more thing," Richard’s voice came from behind, calm and gentle like a ripple disturbing still water.
• Pushing back the tears that teetered on the edge of spilling over, she steadied herself before glancing back and asking, "What is it?"
• "Don’t tell Grandpa about the divorce just yet."
• "Alright."
• In the Miller family, Grandpa held special affection for Diana—it was she whom he cherished the most.
• Years before, Grandpa had narrowly escaped from danger but collapsed in Diana’s yard due to a sudden heart attack. At just ten years old, Diana had displayed remarkable quick thinking, covering him with straw to hide him from his pursuers. Rummaging through the emergency medicine her mother had prepared, she managed to save his life.
• Moved by her bravery and resourcefulness, Grandpa remained deeply grateful. Aware of Diana’s impoverished circumstances, he often extended help to her family.
• Diana’s situation was far from easy. Her mother battled heart disease while her father squandered his days in drunken neglect, offering no stable support. In desperation, Diana’s mother had pleaded with Grandpa Miller to take the young girl under his wing. He agreed, eventually taking Diana in as his goddaughter.
• As Diana grew older, heartbreak followed. Her mother succumbed to her illness, leaving her orphaned. Before passing, her mother entrusted Grandpa Miller with Diana’s care once more.
• Grandpa admired her gentle demeanor—the strength hidden beneath her delicate exterior—and did everything to nurture her. When she graduated, he arranged for her to marry Richard, convinced it was in her best interest.
• Richard had been unwilling but felt obliged to obey his grandfather’s wishes. "Diana," he confessed on their wedding day, "I have no choice but to marry you. But I don’t want to upset Grandpa either. Three years from now, when the time is right, ask him for a divorce. I’ll let you go then."
• For Diana Campbell, who had quietly nursed unspoken feelings for Richard Miller, those words stung deeply. Yet she was proud—and too proud to accept love borne out of obligation.
• "Don’t worry," she had replied evenly. "I have someone else in my heart anyway. When the time comes, I’ll leave, just as promised."
• After their marriage, the two maintained a respectful relationship. To outsiders, they seemed like the perfect couple—admirable and enviable.
• In public, Richard fulfilled the role of an ideal husband.
• He was attentive, thoughtful, and aware of his wife's preferences, down to her favorite foods and jewelry.
• Diana's friends often exclaimed how lucky she was to have such a caring husband.
• But only Diana knew the truth. Behind closed doors, Richard's politeness masked a distant indifference. His frequent excuses of work-related social engagements left her alone in a cold, empty house.
• If it weren’t for a night when he came home drunk and she had taken the initiative to bridge the gap, she might still have remained untouched even as their marriage edged toward dissolution.
• Once intimacy was established, Richard seemed infatuated with her. He reveled in her presence and couldn’t get enough. Diana believed they would live out their years together, quietly navigating life three years at a time until old age caught up with them.
• But fate had other plans. His long-lost first love returned, shattering the fragile balance of their days. Forced to step aside for his "white moonlight," Diana felt her heart splinter in two as if struck by a heavy axe.
• Her legs trembled with weakness as she staggered towards the bedroom. She nearly collapsed but was caught just in time by Richard. Clutching the medical report tightly in her hand, she concealed it from view, clinging desperately to the last shreds of her pride.
• If she used this as leverage to keep him tied to her, only to face his disdain, she would be utterly humiliated.
• "What's wrong?" Richard leaned closer, his voice soft as he whispered near her ear. "You look unwell. Are you sick?"
• "I'm fine." Diana pulled her hand away from his grasp.
• He was preparing to leave her behind, yet here he was, showing concern. There was no one else around—who would he need to put on an act for?
• "You're lying. You always try to act strong." Before Richard could finish, Diana suddenly felt her feet leave the ground as he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
• "Put me down! It's just a little dizziness before my period. I'm fine," she protested.
• Even as she rested in his firm hold, Diana firmly resisted showing weakness to solicit pity.
• Richard said nothing, silently taking her into the bedroom. Gently, he placed her on the bed and, in an unhurried tone, asked, "Who is he?"
• "What?" Diana stared at him, confused.
• "The man," he clarified. "The one you've been thinking of so much. The one who made you so excited at the thought of our divorce."