Third Person's POV
In the elite circles of Manchester, United Kingdom, everyone knew Edmond Warner, the tech mogul, adored his wife, Haven Curtis, with a passion that bordered on obsession. To outsiders, their marriage seemed perfect, but there was an unspoken rule in Edmond's world: no matter how much he sought thrills with other women, none of them were ever allowed to cross paths with Haven.
Edmond lived a double life, which the public didn't know much of. He spent the nights for indulgence, filled with fleeting affairs, but always returned home to Haven, whispering sweet promises of eternal love. In his mind, he had it all under control. He believed his charm and careful planning would keep Haven blissfully unaware of his betrayals.
But he was wrong.
On their wedding anniversary, a young apprentice arrived at his door with devastating news: Haven’s ashes.
Unbeknownst to Edmond, Haven had faked her death to escape his world entirely. And to twist the knife deeper, she had already remarried—the crown prince of the United Kingdom. The revelation left Edmond pale, shattered, and facing the wreckage of his so-called perfect life.
——
“Miss Curtis, the arrangements for your staged death are finalized. The official date is set for next month—exactly on your wedding anniversary with Mr. Warner. The cause of death will be reported as a car fire, with both you and your daughter, Leigh Curtis, listed as casualties. Once the contract takes effect, all traces of your lives will be erased. If you’re certain, please sign here.”
Without hesitation, Haven picked up the pen and signed. “Thank you,” she said, her voice calm but resolute.
Curiosity getting the best out of her, the female junior apprentice asked, “Miss Curtis, if you don’t mind me asking… what pushed you to do this?”
Haven looked at her, the faintest flicker of emotion crossing her face. “Edmond and I… we truly loved each other once. Deeply, for many years. We even have a daughter—a smart, well-behaved little girl.”
The junior apprentice, who had heard countless stories about their romance during her training, felt indignation swell in her chest on Haven’s behalf. “And what happened next?”
Haven paused, her hand faltering as memories resurfaced.
The world had once known Edmond Warner as a man completely devoted to his wife. At 17, he began pursuing Haven with unwavering determination, a chase that lasted seven years. By the time he was 27, he had won her heart, and the two married. This year marked their fourth wedding anniversary.
Edmond was a rising star in the tech world, and his love for Haven wasn’t just personal—it was public. He’d even named a newly discovered asteroid after her: Haven’s Serenity. It was his poetic way of wishing her peace and tranquility for the rest of her life.
The world ate it up. His grand declaration of love, published in a prestigious scientific journal, sparked international headlines. Domestic and foreign media hailed their story as the epitome of romance, and Edmond became a symbol of love-struck genius.
The junior apprentice sighed frustratingly as she recalled, “I heard that when you were pregnant, Mr. Warner stayed up all night to make sure you didn’t get leg cramps. They say you didn’t even have morning sickness, but he was the one throwing up every day. Everyone believed back then that it happened because he loves you so bad.”
Listening to the latter, Haven suddenly remembered what the junior apprentice's boyfriend, a doctor at the hospital where she gave birth, had once told her. “I still can't believe that the man who never showed a flicker of emotion in public would cry like a helpless child while listening to your painful screams.”
As the two women spoke, Haven’s eyes turned red. After all, these weren’t just stories to her—they were memories.
She had truly felt Edmond's fiery, passionate love.
When he pursued her, it was earth-shattering. He sat with her through classes, stood by her at her mother’s funeral, and supported her as she confronted her father, who had abandoned his first wife to remarry. After their wedding, Edmond even treated Haven like a queen, and no matter how many women tried to seduce him, he remained indifferent.
Even so, Haven had still given their daughter her own surname, Curtis, as a quiet safeguard.
Third Person's POV
Everyone believed Edmond Warner’s love for Haven was unshakable.
Their relationship was a gold standard for romance, inspiring countless admirers who saw their bond as proof that true love still existed. If Edmond and Haven weren’t in love anymore, many thought, then maybe love itself was a lie.
But even the strongest love could falter.
The female junior apprentice sighed as she reminisced. “When I started school, you two were already in your third year. I remember the day you had acute appendicitis. Mr. Warner thought it was terminal and was ready to donate his organs to save you. Then, at your wedding four years ago, I saw him cry like a child, saying he’d finally married the girl of his dreams.”
Haven’s eyes glistened with sorrow. Those memories, once beautiful, were now too painful to bear.
Having experienced Edmond’s all-consuming love, it was harder to forgive his betrayal.
Her mind then drifted back to four months ago, the day she discovered she was pregnant. What should have been a joyous moment turned into a nightmare when she saw Edmond checking into a hotel with Hattie Mann, a female student they had both sponsored.
It wasn’t an isolated incident, though. Edmond often claimed he was away on business trips, but Hattie always sent Haven their intimate photos and videos as taunts. The betrayal cut deep, but last week, it reached an unbearable breaking point. Haven, overwhelmed by grief, lost the baby.
That night, alone in her hospital bed, Haven cried until dawn.
“Maybe... he doesn’t love me anymore,” she whispered to herself.
She then forced a faint smile at the junior apprentice and left with a heavy heart.
Back home, Haven placed her miscarriage report and their torn marriage certificate into a small, ornate box.
Edmond arrived not long after, holding their daughter, Leigh, in his arms. His face lit up when he saw Haven. “I came straight home after my trip and picked up Leigh on the way." He then noticed the box, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "What’s in the box? An early anniversary gift?”
Haven stared at him, searching his face for a shred of guilt. But Edmond’s eyes brimmed with warmth and love as if he truly believed in his devotion to her. Then she noticed it—a faint lipstick stain on the collar of his crisp white shirt—whether it was carelessness or a deliberate provocation, she didn’t know.
Her chest tightened as if someone had carved out her heart, and she instinctively clutched at it in pain.
Seeing her discomfort, Edmond panicked and held her tightly. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Haven took a deep breath, willing herself to remain composed, and handed him the box.
Seeing the box again, his eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning. “Is this really an anniversary gift for me?”
But as he reached to open the box, Haven pressed her hand on his. “Our fourth anniversary is still in next month. Open it then.”
Edmond smiled and kissed the corner of her lips. “Alright,” he said softly, placing the box on a nearby shelf with care, as if it were the most precious gift in the world.
Watching him do it, her thoughts run wild. 'Edmond, are you just that good at pretending, or do you truly believe you can love two people at once?'
She swallowed the ache in her throat as her thoughts continued, 'This will be the last thing I ever give you. I hope it brings you the happiness I can’t anymore.'
The next morning, Haven woke to Edmond’s kisses. His touch was urgent and his desire was palpable. After weeks of being “away on business,” his restraint had finally snapped.
But as his lips traced her skin, all Haven could think about was Hattie. The same fiery passion Edmond now showed her, she knew he had likely shared with someone else. The thought turned her stomach, and a wave of nausea rolled through her.
Third Person's POV
Haven pushed Edmond away and rushed into the bathroom, covering her mouth as she retched.
She ended up throwing up, her face pale as paper.
Edmond followed her in, patting her back gently with concern. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Handing her some water to rinse her mouth, Edmond looked remorseful. “It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been taking good care of you. From now on, I’ll stay by your side and help you take better care of your health. You probably haven’t been eating properly again. You only listen when I’m watching over you.”
His voice was full of tenderness, every word laced with care and affection.
After rinsing her mouth, Haven replied, “I’m fine. My stomach has just been a little upset lately.”
Hearing that, Edmond stepped out and returned with a card. “This is for a new restaurant that just opened. It’s very clean, and I know you’ll like the flavors. This is a lifetime membership card. When I’m not home, you can take Leigh there to eat.”
Haven stared at the card in her hand, puzzled. What kind of restaurant gives out lifetime memberships to its customers?
Edmond thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I don’t have any plans today. Why don’t I take both of you there? We can try the food, and I can ask the chef to remember your preferences.”
As he spoke, Edmond had already picked out an outfit for Haven and was crouched down helping her put on her shoes.
Even though he had achieved great success, Edmond never acted superior around her. He treated her with the same tenderness and care as always. If Haven hadn’t seen the truth with her own eyes, she would never have doubted him in this lifetime.
But Edmond, why did you have to change?
When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, looking every bit the picture of a happy family, a couple preparing for their wedding was there to finalize their reservation. The bride-to-be immediately recognized Edmond and Haven and ran over, visibly excited.
“Are you Mr. and Mrs. Warner? This is amazing! I never imagined I’d meet you here. I’ve memorized your love story by heart. I used to be against marriage, but your story inspired me to believe in love and take this step.”
The bride-to-be pulled her fiancé over. “Look, this is the kind of love I want us to have.”
Her fiancé extended a friendly hand to Edmond. “Mr. Warner, it’s an honor to meet you. You’re a role model for marriage. I’ll make sure to treat my wife with the same devotion after we’re married.”
Listening to their words, Haven felt sadness well up inside her.
She wanted to tell the bride-to-be that their love wasn’t worth emulating.
But seeing the happiness and anticipation in her eyes as she looked forward to married life, Haven could only offer her blessings. “I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.”
In her heart, she silently added, 'Don’t end up like me.'
After the couple left, Haven took her daughter’s hand and sat down. However, Edmond, who had promised to enjoy the meal with them, was instead engrossed with his phone.
Their daughter, Leigh, tilted her head and asked in her sweet voice, “Daddy, what are you doing?”
Edmond froze for a moment at her question. He glanced at Haven, then gently reassured them, “Haven, the company is working on a new project right now. You and Leigh should eat more.”
'A new project?' Haven doubted inwardly then her gaze fell on the reflection of his phone screen in the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses. It was showing a girl in a sexy black outfit dancing provocatively.
That girl was none other than Hattie, the student she and Edmond had sponsored together for university.
It turned out Hattie had become an influencer.
Just a second before Edmond looked up to reassure her and their daughter, pretending to be busy with work, he had sent Hattie two lavish virtual gifts—the “Tiktok Universe.”
As Haven nodded and picked up some food for her daughter, Edmond bowed his head again, continuing to flood Hattie’s livestream with more Tiktok Universe.
