Samuel thought for a moment, then nodded with a patient smile. "Okay, let's open our surprises together. It'll be more meaningful that way."

Isabella suddenly had the urge to see Samuel's reaction when he found out she had passed away and when he saw the divorce papers after.

Would he be shocked, confused, or... surprised?

Samuel, ever the charmer, tried to cheer her up. "I heard there's a good movie out. How about I take you to see it?"

Isabella wasn't interested, but the theater he mentioned was right next to their old high school. It was the place where he had confessed his love to her for the first time.

Back in their school days, they spent countless romantic, sweet moments on the street behind the school. It was a place that witnessed the happiest days of their love.

Since that was where it all began, it might as well be where it ended.

When they arrived at the theater, it was a little crowded.

Samuel wrapped his arm around her protectively, pulling her close to shield her from the pressing crowd.

Among the crowd, a few young women recognized them.

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Grant? The woman he's holding is his wife, right? She's so beautiful!"

"How does someone like Mr. Grant even exist? He's so handsome and devoted."

"They're such a perfect match. They really do look amazing together."

Samuel continued to protectively lead her to their seats. Then, he carefully helped her out of her jacket and held it for her.

The theater manager, Isaac Smith, approached them with a wide grin, carrying a hand warmer and a cup of ginger tea with honey.

"Mr. Grant, we heard that Mrs. Grant is going through a special time right now. We've prepared these just as you asked. Please let us know if you need anything else."

Samuel took the items from him.

He placed the hand warmer on her belly, and then handed her the tea. "The temperature's just right. Would you like a sip, Bella?"

Isabella mechanically accepted his care, remaining silent the entire time.

Samuel frowned slightly, then turned to Isaac. "Go and get some snacks, but nothing too greasy, spicy, or sweet. Bella doesn't like those."

"Of course, Mr. Grant, I'll be right back."

Isaac hurried off.

The movie's opening credits began on the big screen.

Just then, a woman approached Isabella's side and quietly said, "Excuse me, my seat is inside. Could you please let me through?"

The lights in the theater had already dimmed, and Isabella didn't immediately realize what was happening. She quickly moved aside, letting the woman pass.

It wasn't until the woman walked past her and then Samuel, finally settling in the seat next to him, that Isabella understood. She suddenly realized that the voice she had just heard was so familiar—it was the same voice from the video.

The woman was Jennifer, the same girl who had been tangled up with Samuel in the video.

At the next moment, the cup in Jennifer's hand tilted. The entire drink spilled across Samuel's stomach.

"Oh, sorry... I'm so sorry!" Jennifer apologized, fumbling for a napkin from her bag to help him wipe it off.

The dampness was on his stomach, but her hands kept sliding down, pressing in places that made Isabella's stomach churn.

At the same time, Isabella could clearly feel the arm around her shoulders suddenly tighten. Along with that, his whole body tensed up.

Out of the corner of her eye, Isabella glanced at Samuel's lower part. Jennifer's hand was underneath, with Samuel's hand firmly pressing down on hers, his gaze seeming to warn her not to cause trouble.

But Jennifer continued to act as though nothing was wrong. She continued smiling and wiping. "Sir, how about I just buy you a new pair of pants?"

"No need," Samuel's voice had turned rough and strained.

The movie started. It was an animated film—the animals were cute, and the plot was funny.

But Isabella couldn't focus on it at all.

Ten minutes into the movie, Samuel suddenly stood up. "Bella, Isaac doesn't know what snacks you like. I'll go check."

He still held her coat in his hand, draped over his forearm, covering the obvious state on the lower half of his body.

As he walked away, Jennifer stood up as well and followed him.

When she passed by Isabella, she flashed a disdainful smirk and shot her a quick glance.

The look seemed to say: See? He chose me.

Five minutes later, Isabella received a text: [Women's restroom.]

She quickly left the theater and headed to the restroom at the end of the hallway.

From the first stall in the women's restroom, she could hear muffled groans and faint pleas—no doubt Jennifer's voice.

And the man's voice... Isabella knew it all too well.

She stood frozen, rooted to the spot, unable to move.

The noise from the stall grew louder, and the woman let out a sharp cry.

Then, Samuel's mocking voice came, "Is that all you can handle? You chased after me to the theater, and this is how you perform?"

Jennifer whimpered, and it was hard to tell if she was crying or laughing. "I miss you... I just can't stand seeing you with her."

Samuel's tone cooled slightly. "I can give you everything else, but our affair can't be dragged in front of Bella. You've crossed the line tonight."

"Okay, I get it. But don't you think it's exciting to be in a dark theater like this? It's a thrill."

He chuckled softly. "It is a bit."

"Then… should we continue tonight?"

His voice was hoarse and strained. "I'll buy tickets in a bit for the midnight show."

"Make sure it's the last row, okay? That way we won't have to hide in the bathroom... We can just be in our seats…"

Not far off, Isaac hurried over. But he wasn't holding snacks—he had a small square box in his hands.

He quietly called out near the women's restroom door, "Mr. Grant, I've bought the thing you asked for."

The noise inside finally quieted for a moment, and Samuel appeared at the door.

Isabella quickly stepped behind a pillar, her heart racing.

Samuel chuckled lightly. "That was fast."

"Of course, the movie's short—only three hours. Can't waste a moment of your special time," Isaac replied.

Samuel sounded pleased. "Take good care of Bella. Don't let her notice anything unusual, understood?"

"You can count on me, Mr. Grant. Mrs. Grant is so innocent. Women like her are easy to please—she'll believe anything you tell her."

Isabella fled as if running for her life.

Back in her seat, she let herself cry for a few minutes. But then, she forced herself to stop.

This was the last time.

This was the last time she would cry for Samuel.

But it wasn't really for him. It was for the pure-hearted boy in her memories, the one who had only eyes for her.

The man with her now was nothing like that boy anymore.

And since he wasn't, she wouldn't hold onto him anymore.

Samuel didn't return until the movie was almost over.

He still smelled of that sickly-sweet, pungent scent.

In addition to that, he brought a box of popcorn.

"Bella, I'm sorry I'm late. The popcorn machine broke down at the theater, and they spent forever fixing it. It's freshly made, though. Eat it while it's warm."

Isabella waved her hand. "I don't want any."

"Not even the ginger tea with honey?"

"I don't want it."

"Alright, no food, no drink, then. Let's just watch the movie."

Isabella scoffed. "The movie's almost over."

"It's all that technician's fault. He took so long to fix the machine."

"So, for the last three hours, you've just been waiting for him to fix it?"

Samuel nodded earnestly. "Yes. Isaac can vouch for me. If you don't believe me, you can ask him."

"No need," Isabella said, grabbing her bag and walking away.

Samuel hurried after her, holding her coat and the popcorn. "Bella, just tell me what I did wrong. I'll change, okay? Don't ignore me. I'm scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Scared that you don't love me anymore."

Isabella stopped and turned to face him, looking straight into his eyes.

It was he who had betrayed their relationship first.

It was he who said one thing and did another.

It was he who stopped cherishing her.

Since that was the case, she decided to take back everything—her heart, her trust, her love…

And her body.

She had given a piece of her clothing to Fauxlife Solutions, the agency that was faking her death. She had torn it up, then bit her finger and smeared the blood on it.

A week later, he would receive that bloody shirt.

And she? She would be gone from his life forever.

"Bella, why aren't you saying anything?"

Isabella exhaled deeply, her voice flat. "It's just my period. I'm a little tired."

"Let me take you home to rest."

"Okay."

On the way home, Samuel kept trying to talk to her, telling her jokes.

But Isabella only responded with, "I'm a bit tired. I want to rest."

With that, Samuel fell silent.

When they arrived home, he walked her to the bedroom.

Isabella asked, "Are you still going to the office tonight to handle work?"

Samuel hummed in acknowledgment. "There are a few things left to do. I didn't finish them yesterday, so I'll need to work late tonight."

"Then you should go."

Isabella turned her back to him as she lay down, sending a silent signal for him to leave.

Samuel stood still, not moving.

He seemed to sense that something was off, but couldn't quite figure out what was wrong.

Isabella suddenly had the urge to play a little prank.

She turned to him and said, "Can you not go tonight?"

Samuel visibly relaxed.

She still depended on him, still acted a little spoiled, and still wanted him close. That meant she hadn't discovered anything.

He smiled gently. "Sweetheart, I've already made plans. The executives are all waiting for me. But next week—next week, I'll make time to spend with you, okay?"

"Next week?"

"Yeah. Isn't next weekend our five-year anniversary? I'm planning a grand ceremony to let everyone in Herswick City know that you're the woman I love most in this life."

A grand ceremony?

Isabella smiled.

That made it all the more exciting.

"Alright, then. Go ahead."

"You're such a good girl, Bella. I'm leaving, then. It's about time for the meeting, and I can't keep them waiting."

Was he in a rush to not keep "them" waiting, or to not keep "her" waiting?

Samuel hurried out.

The tablet on the couch began vibrating again. They were in touch once more.

Samuel: Are you ready?

Jennifer sent a picture. This time, she was in a nurse's uniform.

Of course, not the proper kind—what should be exposed was, and what shouldn't was also exposed.

Samuel: I'll make sure you scream tonight.

Isabella turned off the tablet and began gathering her things. Her clothes, her purse, her shoes—everything Samuel had ever given her over the years.

Then, she went into the closet and continued pulling things out.

Her hand paused for a moment when she touched a metal box.

Inside the box were the letters Samuel had written to her—there was a thick stack of them.

When they first got together, he wrote, [From today, Bella is my one true love.]

On his birthday, he wrote, [My birthday wish is to spend a lifetime loving Bella and growing old together.]

For Isabella's 20th birthday, he wrote, [My darling Bella is of legal age now, I can't wait to marry you.]

On their wedding day, he wrote, [To the most beautiful and lovable Princess Bella, welcome to my world.]

Isabella didn't care to look at the rest. She took all the letters outside and burned them, letting the fire consume them completely.

The next morning, she was woken by the sound of Samuel entering the room.

He sounded angry.

"Bella, our wedding ring was stolen by a beggar, and he sold it at a pawn shop!"

Isabella felt a pang of disappointment.

How did he find it?

"And he sold it for only 10,000! It's such an insult to our ring!"

He came over, took her hand, and tried to put the ring back on her finger. "Now, let's return it to its rightful owner…"

Isabella pulled her hand back, refusing to wear the ring again.

Samuel seemed confused. "Bella, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just... I've gained a bit of weight recently, and the ring doesn't fit anymore."

Samuel laughed. "That's okay. I'll take it to the jeweler to resize it for you."

"Whatever," Isabella replied, then asked, "You didn't do anything to that beggar, did you?"

Samuel came closer and hugged her. "Don't worry. I know how kind-hearted you are, Bella. You wouldn't want to see the beggar suffer. I didn't hold him accountable."

"Maybe we should give him some more money. He's pitiful."

"Alright, I'll give him another 10,000 later."

Just then, Isabella's phone rang, and she answered it.

"Hello, Ms. Jones, this is Fauxlife Solutions. We've completed the new identification documents as per your request. Are you available to pick them up?"

"Sure, send me the address."

"I'll send the location to your phone shortly."

"By the way, will the new documents allow me to purchase flight tickets?"

"Don't worry, they will be fully valid for that."

"Okay, thank you."

After Isabella hung up the call, Samuel suddenly seemed anxious and wrapped his arms around her. "Bella, what's this about new documents? Flight tickets? Are you leaving? Where are you going?"

Being held by Samuel used to feel like happiness. But now, Isabella only felt discomfort.

She broke free from his embrace and stepped away from him, putting a few paces between them.

Samuel seemed even more panicked and rushed after her. "Bella, do you want to go on a trip? Next week, I promise I'll clear my schedule and spend all my time with you. Don't be mad. Don't leave me, okay?"

Isabella only felt a cold emptiness inside.

The man who was begging her not to leave, pleading like this—was he the real Samuel? Or was it the man she had seen on the video, tangled up with Jennifer?

Isabella couldn't tell anymore.

But it didn't matter. Soon, she would leave him forever. Whether she knew which version of him was real, it wouldn't make any difference.

She spoke flatly, "You're overthinking. Didn't you say we're having a ceremony for our anniversary?"

Samuel still didn't believe it and continued to pester her. "But what about the new documents you mentioned? What documents did you get? You even asked about flight tickets."

"It's for a classmate of mine. She lost her documents and couldn't buy a ticket. She needs to get new ones."

"Which classmate?"

"…You don't know her."

"I know all your classmates."

Isabella changed the subject. "Enough about me. What about you? Did you finish everything at work last night?"

"Almost."

Before he could finish, his phone rang again.

Isabella was already used to Jennifer calling him and dragging him away.

No matter what, Samuel was going to leave.

So, she walked away and sat on the couch to wait.

She heard Samuel's quiet reprimand. "I've told you already, don't call me when I'm at home!"

On the other end of the phone, she could hear a woman crying softly.

Then, Samuel sneaked a peak at Isabella guiltily.

"…Fine. I'll come over now."

After hanging up, Samuel hesitated before speaking again. "Bella, there's a small issue at the company that is leftover from last night... I have to take care of it."

Isabella nodded immediately. "Go ahead. Work's been busy lately. I understand."

Samuel hurriedly left once again.

Isabella held her phone. She was waiting to see what shocking video Jennifer would send her next.

As expected, Jennifer's message came quickly.

This time, it was a photo—a hospital checkup form.

[Jennifer Lewis, four weeks pregnant, threatened miscarriage]

Jennifer: Last night at the theater was too much fun, and the baby's showing signs of miscarriage. The hospital says the baby's father needs to be there to sign the forms. Sorry, Mrs. Grant, but your husband belongs to me again today!

Jennifer was pregnant?!

Isabella held the phone tightly, staring at the pregnancy test results. She couldn't snap out of it.

Jennifer: I forgot to tell you, for the next week, he'll still be mine. He promised to go to Hawaii with me to celebrate our little baby.

Jennifer: He's leaving the room to give you a call. Be prepared, Mrs. Grant.

The way she said "Mrs. Grant" was filled with a hint of provocation.

Almost immediately, Isabella's phone rang.

The screen displayed the word [Honey].

She took a deep breath and answered.

"Bella, I'm sorry. Something came up at work, and I need to go on a business trip-"

Before he could finish, Isabella interrupted him directly. "Go ahead."

Samuel continued apologizing, "Bella, don't worry. I'll be back for our anniversary. And the wedding ring—the symbol of our love—I'll put it back on you during the ceremony."

"Samuel, do you love me?"

"Of course! You're the only woman I've ever loved in this life."

Isabella replied, "If one day, you betray our love, I will leave you. Forever."

Samuel laughed like he had just heard a joke. He chuckled and said, "I won't ever give you that chance."

"I'm serious. I'm not joking. If I ever find out, you'll never find me again."

"As long as you're Isabella Jones, it doesn't matter where you go. Even if you run to the end of the world, I'll always find you."

"Really? What if I'm not Isabella Jones anymore?"

Samuel's smile widened, and his voice was lazy and indulgent. "How could you not be Isabella? Alright, Bella, don't overthink things. I'll only ever love you. One week from now, I'll be back to spend time with you."

Ten minutes later, the staff from Fauxlife Solutions sent her an address.

When Isabella arrived, the staff handed her a stack of documents. "Ms. Jones, from today on, this is your new identity."

She flipped through the papers.

Her new name was Elysia Farrow.

Elysia was a beautiful name associated with "parting"—she was about to leave Samuel forever.

She had chosen this name for herself.

From now on, there would be no more Isabella Jones. There would only be Elysia Farrow.

"Ms. Jones… I mean, Ms. Farrow, we've also booked your ticket. It's for next Saturday at 10 a.m. to Frosthaven."

Isabella gathered the documents and nodded, thanking the staff. "Thank you. I'll transfer the full commission to your company's account later."

"Ms. Farrow, you still have a week to reconsider. If you change your mind, we won't charge you any fees."

"No," Isabella stood up, her tone firm. "I won't change my mind."