Chapter 3

The private room was left with only her.

She sat in a daze at the table, absentmindedly lifting her utensils. The moment the food touched her throat, a fiery sting spread, making her cough uncontrollably until tears pricked her eyes.

When she regained her senses, she realized the entire table was filled with spicy dishes she could never eat.

Perhaps it was Juliette’s taste again.

Her lips curved into a self-mocking smile. A sharp spasm twisted her stomach, and she could no longer hold it back. She hurried toward the restroom.

Just as she stepped out, ambiguous voices drifted from the next room.

Juliette, her cheeks flushed, pushed Valerian away, ripples still trembling on her lips.

“President Montero, you were the one who told me to leave. What are you doing now?”

“Darling, I had no choice then. Don’t make it harder for me,” Valerian murmured, holding her hand firmly against his chest. “Don’t you already know where you are in my heart?”

“Hmm. So what if I do, so what if I don’t? I may be poor, but I would never ruin another woman’s marriage.”

“We shouldn’t see each other again.”

Juliette had just finished speaking and was about to jump down from the washstand when Valerian’s arm tightened firmly around her waist, his voice urgent and domineering.

“Whoever dares to say anything about you must be tired of living!”

From his inner pocket, he drew something out and placed it in her hand.

“This is?” Juliette gasped in surprise.

“Darling, this is the Montero family’s heirloom diamond bracelet. Only Mrs. Montero is meant to have it. Now, are you satisfied?” He gently brushed the tip of her nose.

“Then… what about the one on her wrist?”

“Don’t worry. Yours is the real one. The one on her hand, I had replaced with a flawless copy.”

At his words, Juliette’s eyes lit with joy, and she clung to him tightly.

Quinn stared at the diamond bracelet on her own wrist, tears spilling down her face.

She remembered the time when Valerian had pursued her, how he had fastened the bracelet onto her wrist with forceful tenderness, confessing with deep affection that even if she was uncertain, it didn’t matter, Montero men only ever lost their wives to death, never to divorce, and that his wife, in this lifetime, would only ever be her.

But now, that same bracelet was in his hand as he whispered promises to another woman.

Through the doorway, Quinn watched as the two of them kissed again.

Without hesitation, she slipped the bracelet from her wrist and tossed it into the trash. Then she turned and left.

She sat alone in the villa until two in the morning, when Valerian finally returned.

“Baby, why are you still awake?” Valerian set down his coat and sat beside her.

“Just thinking about some things,” Quinn answered evenly.

“Whatever it is, think about it tomorrow. It’s too late, staying up will ruin your health.” Valerian pulled her into his arms, attempting to guide her toward the bedroom.

“Valerian, do you still love me?” Quinn brushed him off, her gaze fixed firmly on his.

Valerian froze, his gaze locked on her calm eyes, and his heart tightened. He dropped to one knee, urgently circling her waist with his arms.

“Baby, what are you saying? Of course, I love you.”

“Was it tonight that upset you? If you’re unhappy, hit me.” He seized her hand and pressed it against his face.

“I swear, I truly didn’t know Juliette would be there. That gift was nothing more than gratitude for saving me. The one I love most is you. There’s nothing between her and me, believe me.”

Quinn’s eyes flickered toward the lipstick stain on his collar. She quietly straightened it, her expression unreadable.

“Hmm, I believe you.”

“Just repaying a debt.” She pulled at the corner of her lips in a faint smile.

“Baby, don’t scare me. Why is your face so pale…” Valerian’s chest tightened the instant he noticed her bare wrist. His voice trembled. “Baby, where’s the bracelet I gave you? Why aren’t you wearing it? Do you… not love me anymore?”

“I just didn’t feel like wearing it these days, so I put it away.” Quinn met his eyes with a soft smile. “Why would you even ask that? Could it be… You did something to betray me?”

Hearing the first part, Valerian’s heart eased, yet the latter words instantly tightened his chest.

“How could that be? I love you so much, how would I ever dare betray you?” Valerian’s gaze locked firmly on her.

Quinn sank into those seemingly tender eyes, yet she still caught the faint trace of guilt hidden within. She pressed her lips together and said nothing.

“Alright, don’t overthink it. Don’t you love photography the most? Tomorrow, I’ll take you to a photo exhibition, let you unwind.” Valerian drew her tightly into his arms.

At the photo exhibition.

Midway through, Valerian answered a call and hurried away.

Quinn wandered past landscapes from across the country, her eyes dull with disinterest. She had two boxes full of similar shots, many of which had even won National Geographic awards.

Just as she was about to leave, her steps faltered.

There, at the corner, stood Valerian, the man who had just claimed something urgent. And beside him was Juliette.