From a campus romance to marriage, Dominic Fleming had always believed he led a perfect life. His wife, Isabella Sinclair, was dazzlingly beautiful. Their daughter, Lilith, was sweet and obedient.

Dominic sometimes told himself he must have been a saint in a past life to deserve such happiness. Everything began to change the moment Isabella's so-called "sworn brother," Alexander Grant, entered their lives. Alex's name appeared more and more often, and it crept into every corner of their marriage.

For Lilith's sake, Dominic endured the strain again and again until the day of the accident. As he lay on the operating table with his life hanging by a thread, Isabella was not at his side—she was with Alexander instead. That was the moment Dominic's heart finally turned cold.

So why did Isabella regret it?

She knelt with Alexander, who likewise barely clung to life, and wept as she begged Dominic for forgiveness.

"Dom, I know I was wrong. Let's get married again. I will make him kneel and beg you for forgiveness," Isabella said.

"Scram," Dominic replied.

Isabella nodded eagerly. "Fine. I will throw him out right now!"

"Get the fuck out too!" Dominic barked.

At Riverside Residence in Skyline City…

Dominic Fleming dialed his wife while his daughter watched him with eager eyes. He smiled as he spoke. "Bella, are you off work yet? Lily and I are waiting for you at home!"

It was his 30th birthday, and a large cake already sat on the table.

"Honey…" Isabella Sinclair hesitated before finally saying, "I'll be late. The company just wrapped up a major project, and we're holding a celebration dinner."

Dominic's smile stiffened. Unwilling to let it go, he said, "Bella, can't the dinner wait until tomorrow? It's… my birthday today."

Silence pressed against his ear, sinking his heart.

At last Isabella spoke again, guilt lacing her voice. "Honey, the celebration's already set. I can't dampen everyone's spirits. I'll come back later and celebrate with you then, okay?"

The last trace of Dominic's smile vanished, and his tone grew heavy. "The dinner… it's for him, isn't it?"

"You've got it wrong," Isabella rushed to explain. "Yes, Alex led this project, but the dinner is for the whole company."

Dominic let out a cold laugh. "Keep telling yourself that."

His tone made Isabella bristle. "Must you always spin these meaningless suspicions in your head? How many times do I have to tell you? There's nothing between Alex and me! It's just a birthday. I'm still coming home."

Dominic sneered quietly. "Just a birthday?"

He held back harsher words for his daughter's sake and ended the call.

Lilith Fleming was six years old. When she saw her father put the phone down, disappointment clouded her eyes. "Mom's not coming home?"

Dominic forced a smile. "She'll be back later, Lily. Why don't you watch some TV for now?"

Lilith nodded reluctantly.

After settling her on the sofa, Dominic stepped onto the balcony, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.

He wore casual clothes, standing tall with a strikingly handsome face. Every detail of his appearance was impeccable. Otherwise, how could he have won Isabella, the untouchable campus belle, back in university?

And Isabella had only grown more dazzling. At 28, her beauty seemed almost unreal, her figure fuller now, ripened with allure, like wheat heavy on the stalk. With such looks, paired with her role as CEO, she had become a name everyone in Skyline City knew.

As her image rose in his mind, Dominic smiled bitterly.

Back in university, before graduation, Isabella had fallen unexpectedly pregnant. Against her family's fierce objections, she had married him, a man with nothing to his name. That defiance moved him deeply. He had believed the universe favored him with such a woman, so he cherished her even more after marriage.

She built her company while he stayed home to raise their daughter, leaving her with nothing to worry about. One worked outside, the other inside, and together they lived in steady harmony. That balance held until this year—more precisely, three months ago, when Isabella's company welcomed an intern.

At first, Dominic had thought little of it. But she began mentioning the young man more frequently, and a creeping unease gnawed at him. Soon, she declared the intern her "sworn brother" and elevated him to personal assistant.

Dominic protested fiercely, insisting he wanted no part in that fabricated brotherhood. He could barely tolerate hearing the man's name.

Isabella always brushed off his concerns as overreaction. They had argued over it more than once, yet she pressed on.

Now, because this "brother" had completed a project, Isabella was hosting a dinner in his honor—even if it meant skipping her husband's birthday.

Dominic's chest tightened. Something in their marriage was quietly unraveling.

He sighed. "Isabella… what are you thinking?"

When his cigarette burned down, he went back inside. Isabella still hadn't called. The silence was hollow, leaving him helpless.

He checked his watch. It was 6:00 p.m.

"Lily, let's eat cake," he said.

"Yay!" She hopped off the sofa, her earlier disappointment swept away by the promise of sugar.

She clutched her slice and shouted brightly, "Happy birthday, Daddy!"

Dominic's eyes stung. He held her small hand. "Daddy just wants you to be happy every single day, Lily."

After the cake, he tidied the house, bathed her, and tucked her into bed. Only then did relief ease him, if only slightly.

Later, seated on the sofa, he scrolled through short videos on his phone, until one stopped him cold. The image on the screen clamped around his chest like a vise, and pain stole his breath.

His trembling fingers zoomed in. There was no mistake. The stunning woman raising her glass was his wife. A man's arm curved through hers in a crossed-arm toast.

The caption read: [Wishing Ms. Sinclair and Alex a lifetime of happiness together.]

Alexander Grant was Isabella's so-called sworn brother.

At that moment, Dominic's entire body went cold. He clutched his chest, the ache in his heart nearly unbearable.

He laughed bitterly. "So this is the sworn brother. So this is the celebration dinner."

His expression darkened, yet he forced a cold smile as he saved the screenshot, his hands trembling. Then he rose. Through the pain, a sharp, decisive light ignited in his eyes.

He had never been one to suffer in silence. He wasn't one to hide from confrontation. Now that he had seen this, he could and would not tolerate it. He would attend that dinner himself.

Dominic pulled out his phone and called his sister-in-law, Katherine Sinclair. She lived alone, one floor below.

Five minutes later, a woman who could have been Isabella's twin stepped into the apartment, clearly annoyed. "I was about to shower and sleep. Why did you drag me up here?"

Katherine had never thought much of Dominic, always seeing him as nothing more than a pretty face.

"Katherine, something urgent came up. Please watch Lily for me tonight," Dominic said calmly.

Katherine frowned. There was something different about him tonight. Still, she cared deeply for Lilith. With a resigned sigh, she said, "Fine. I'll stay with her."

Dominic exhaled, gave a slight nod, and was about to step out the door.

"Wait a second," Katherine said suddenly.

He stopped and turned. "What is it?"

Katherine was a year older than Isabella but younger than Dominic. As his sister-in-law, he always addressed her formally, never by her family's endearments.

The Sinclair sisters were both striking. Katherine resembled Isabella enough that people often noticed it—about 80% alike, though Katherine carried her own radiant beauty. Tonight she wore a silk camisole nightdress, the fabric clinging in a way designed to catch attention.

Dominic barely registered it. His mind was too heavy.

Katherine frowned. "Where are you going in the middle of the night? And where's Bella?"

"She's out having dinner. I'm going to bring her home." Dominic's tone was calm, but his expression gave no hint of a husband simply going to fetch his wife.

Katherine studied him for a moment before stepping aside. "Fine. Go then."

Dominic stepped outside. As he drove out of the garage, his expression hardened. A fire burned within him. The image of his wife linking arms with another man for a toast refused to leave his mind. Suspicion was solidifying into a grim certainty: Isabella was having an affair.

His cheek twitched, and his knuckles turned white around the steering wheel.

The short video had revealed the dinner's location. Almost before he realized it, he had arrived.

The Grand Skyline Hotel loomed ahead, one of the city's most luxurious venues. A single dinner there could cost up to 9,000 dollars.

Lighting a cigarette, Dominic walked in with heavy, deliberate steps. Hesitation had no place now. Whatever the truth, he had to face it.

He asked a server, who told him all the banquet rooms were on the second floor. Dominic went up, and as soon as he reached the first private room, he heard Isabella's voice.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without all of you. I'll drink to your tireless efforts!" Her voice was bright and charming. It was hard to believe that she was the mother of a six-year-old.

"You've worked the hardest, Ms. Sinclair!"

"We should all toast to you!"

"And besides Ms. Sinclair, let's not forget Mr. Grant. Without him, there wouldn't even be a celebration tonight, haha!"

The lively, cheerful atmosphere was clear. Dominic took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Silence fell instantly, and every guest turned toward him.

His eyes locked on Isabella. She wore a black dress that revealed her smooth, pale shoulders. Her collarbone rose elegantly above her full curves, and her narrow waist accentuated the lift of her hips.

She held a wine glass and froze at the sight of him. Shock flashed across her face, but as a CEO, she quickly restored a composed smile. "Honey, did you come to pick me up? Have you eaten? Do you want to sit down and have something to eat?"

Her cheeks were flushed from drink, giving her an alluring glow.

'So this was Ms. Sinclair's husband.' Several people in the room recognized him at once. Some eyes drifted to the young man seated beside Isabella, their expressions knowing.

The man was handsome, nearly matching Dominic. He sat close to Isabella, and for an instant, his smile stiffened before he masked it with a warm grin.

"Ah, this must be Dominic. Come on over! Sit here next to me!" He began to rise.

Isabella waved him back casually. "Just stay seated, Alex. My husband can sit anywhere he wants. We're almost done anyway. No need to make a fuss."

Alexander sat down again, laughing. "Alright, thank you, Bella."

He glanced at Dominic, and his eyes betrayed a hint of challenge.

Dominic laughed coldly. "Fine. I'll sit for a while."

He pulled out a chair, lit a cigarette, and sat without touching the cutlery. He watched quietly, his calm yet sharp gaze charging the room with subtle tension.

Isabella frowned, cast him a disapproving look, then smiled at the others. "Alright, everyone, carry on! Eat and drink as you like."

Dominic's mood was heavy. Through the haze of smoke, his gaze remained sharp.

Alexander broke the silence. "Bella, the foie gras is really good. You should have more!"

He maintained his smile and placed some on her plate with the communal spoon.

Isabella hesitated, then returned his smile. "Thanks, Alex."

She took a bite and said with admiration, "You've worked hard these past weeks with no days off, helping the company land two major projects. Tell me, what kind of reward do you want? Should I give you a long vacation?"

Alexander shook his head and looked at her warmly. "I don't want time off, Bella. You've treated me so well. Of course I need to work harder to repay your trust."

Isabella laughed. "I knew I wasn't wrong about you, Alex. Whatever you want, just say it. I'll take care of it."

Alexander's gaze deepened. "What I want is to always stay by your side. To see you rise to the very top—"

Suddenly, applause broke out.

Everyone turned toward Dominic, who clapped with a calm expression.

Isabella frowned.

Dominic's eyes moved between her and Alexander, and he smirked faintly. "Such a touching scene. Since you've both said so much, shouldn't you seal it with a hug?"

Isabella's face darkened, and she snapped, "What are you saying, Dominic? What's with the sarcasm?"

Dominic sneered, "Sarcasm? Why don't we let everyone here judge just how disgusting you two looked just now?"

Isabella stared at him in disbelief. "Disgusting?"

Was this the same gentle husband she knew? How could his words be so cutting?

Dominic's tone sharpened. "Heh. I've got harsher things to say, if you'd like to hear them."

Isabella's pupils contracted as her anger flared. 'So what if I didn't spend your birthday with you?'

She drew a cold breath. "Stop making a scene. Whatever it is, we'll talk at home. If you don't want to wait for me, then go home first. Staying here is only ruining the celebration for everyone."

Dominic's smirk turned cold. "Ruining it?"

He stood, gripped the edge of the table, and with a sharp heave, overturned it. "Then nobody eats!"

Gasps filled the room as the table overturned, food and wine spilling across the floor. Plates shattered, dishes clattered, and several guests were left soaked and disheveled.

Isabella staggered back and collapsed onto the floor, trembling as she shouted, "What's gotten into you, Dominic? So what if I didn't come home for your birthday? You're a grown man. When did you become so petty?"

Alexander had been splashed as well, his suit stained with soup and wine. He hurried to Isabella's side, his voice full of concern. "Bella, are you alright?"

Bracing herself against a nearby cabinet, Isabella steadied her breathing and rose to her feet. She ignored Alexander completely, her gaze locked on Dominic.

Alexander turned on Dominic, his expression hardening. "You scared her half to death. Apologize to her right now!"

Dominic laughed coldly. "What, does it hurt to see her upset?"

Alexander snorted. "Of course it hurts. She's my sister. Why wouldn't I care? You're the one with the filthy mind. You twist everything into something dirty."

"Filthy?" Dominic's pupils narrowed. Without another word, he strode forward and slapped Alexander's face.

The sound echoed.

Alexander was stunned. He couldn't believe that Dominic had dared to hit him.

The rest of the guests stared in silence.

Dominic's fury flared, his eyes blazing red. That single slap was only the beginning. He lunged at Alexander with fists and kicks, each blow fueled by rage.

The memory of the crossed-arm toast, the moment Alexander placed food on Isabella's plate, the way they spoke to each other—it was intimate, ambiguous. Every detail fanned the flames consuming him.

"Ahh!" Alexander screamed.

Dominic's tall, broad frame and raw strength left the delicate young man defenseless. Alexander curled on the floor and cried out in pain, powerless to resist.

The room erupted with shouts.

Isabella stood frozen for a few seconds before rushing forward. She wrapped her arms around Dominic's waist and pulled with all her strength. "Stop it! Please, stop!"

Only after a long struggle did Dominic finally relent. Alexander lay bloodied and groaning.

Isabella flung herself between them and shielded Alexander with her body as she glared at her husband and growled, "Are you insane? Haven't you made enough of a spectacle?"

She could not fathom it. How could he explode like this, just because she hadn't come home for his birthday?

Dominic gritted his teeth. "Who's making a spectacle, Isabella? If you don't want this marriage, say it. Stop parading this filth around. What's the matter? You can't breathe unless you humiliate me and cheat behind my back?"

His words stunned her. It took a moment before she screamed in return, "Dominic! You bastard! What are you saying? When have I ever betrayed you? Alex is like a brother to me. Brother! You'd better apologize, or I'll never forgive you!"

"Brother?" Dominic sneered. He pulled out his phone, opened a photo, and tossed it at her feet.

"Sworn brother, right? Stop kidding yourself." His voice dropped low, thick with contempt.

A jolt shot through Isabella. She bent down, picked up the phone, and her face went pale. A startled cry left her lips as the phone slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor.

Dominic's cold laugh sliced through the silence. "What now? Drinking crossed-arm toasts with your sworn brother? If I hadn't shown up tonight, what would've come next? Would you be in bed with him?"

Isabella's face drained of color, her lips trembling. "Dom… this isn't what it looks like. Please, let me explain—"

"Explain, my ass!" Dominic jabbed a finger at Alexander. "If you want to keep up this little charade of pretend siblings, fine. But don't take me for a fool."

"I-I didn't!" Isabella clutched at his shirt, desperate to explain.

But Dominic no longer cared to listen. Every moment from the evening—the toast, the glances, the twisting pain in his chest—fed his anger. He scoffed, shook off her hand, and stormed out.

Isabella panicked and moved to follow him.

Then Alexander's broken voice rose from the floor. "Bella… it hurts. I… I can't see. I can't see anything…"

She froze. Blood smeared his eyes, and his face was twisted in agony.

Isabella's expression wavered. At last she bit her lip and said, "I'll take you to the hospital."

She ordered two male employees to lift him up. Just as they were about to leave, Isabella remembered the phone. She stooped to retrieve it, then fixed her gaze on a petite young woman in the crowd.

Her voice turned cold. "Did you post this video, Vivian?"

Vivian Hale jolted, panic flooding her face. She was new to the company and hadn't realized Isabella had a husband. "Ms. Sinclair, I didn't know you were married—"

Isabella cut her off, "No need to explain. You're fired. Report to HR tomorrow and sign your termination papers."

Vivian's face collapsed in despair. "Ms. Sinclair, please…"

Isabella ignored her. She gave one last indifferent glance before walking out with Alexander.

…

Dominic sat in his car downstairs, smoking in silence. When Isabella never appeared, he shook his head, started the engine, and drove home.

'She has chosen Alexander again. No, even that isn't right. If a choice between me and another man exists at all, then I've already lost.' A bitter smile tugged at his lips. 'Seven years of marriage—is it truly ending?'

He had never imagined divorce with Isabella, but it seemed inevitable now. The only question was Lilith. He was a man and could walk away. But for the girl, what kind of scar would a divorce leave?

He let out a long, weary sigh.

…

Dominic could not remember how he made it home. When he opened the door, the apartment lay in silence. He pushed open the door to Lilith's room and saw Katherine curled on the bed, holding Lilith as they slept. Their breathing was soft and even.

Half the blanket had slipped to the floor, leaving most of Katherine's body uncovered. Her silk camisole had ridden up, the pale curve of her hip catching the dim light.

Dominic hesitated, then crossed the room quietly. He lifted the blanket and drew it over her before stepping out and closing the door.

…

Past midnight, the front door opened. Isabella slipped inside, her face drawn with exhaustion. The sharp stench of smoke hit her nose and sent her into a coughing fit.

The lights were off, but she could just make out a man's silhouette on the sofa.

Her chest tightened, yet she drew a steady breath and said softly, "Honey… happy birthday."

She flicked on the light and saw the coffee table's ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts.

"Save it. My birthday's already over." Dominic's voice was low, his expression unreadable.