A Love Without Anchor

The next day marked the third day of the countdown.

Early in the morning, Elizabeth arrived at the hospital with a steaming bowl of soup. "I had our housekeeper make this just for you," she said, placing it on the bedside table. "It's your favorite. Try it."

Xavier didn't refuse. He took small sips.

After Elizabeth left, he waited another thirty minutes before switching on the surveillance footage.

In the living room, Connor was sitting beside Elizabeth, watching prenatal education videos with her. He rested his palm gently on her belly, his face soft with tenderness. "Babe, your big eyes are beautiful. Our baby should inherit them."

Elizabeth smiled, lips curling slightly. "But your facial structure is better. I hope the baby looks like you."

That evening, Attorney Harvey arrived at the hospital.

"Sir, your divorce agreement with Ms. Eaton is now in effect."

"Thank you." Xavier glanced at the papers, then turned to his secretary. "Make a copy and put it in the 'Second Marriage Gift' box."

Seven years of entanglement—it was finally coming to an end.

…

Two days left.

Morning arrived with Elizabeth stepping into the hospital room again. This time, she carried a bouquet of sunflowers and a protection charm necklace, one she had spent a fortune to obtain.

Seeing Xavier looking noticeably better, she smiled and carefully fastened the necklace around his neck. "You'll be discharged tomorrow. Last night, I got this for you. It's a protection charm."

Xavier touched the charm, his expression unreadable.

Last night, Connor had undergone a minor appendectomy. Worried, Elizabeth had taken him to the hospital and later sought a protective charm for him. This necklace for Xavier was just an afterthought, something she had picked up along the way.

The moment Elizabeth left, Xavier's secretary entered.

"Sir, the wedding invitations are ready. Once you board the plane, we'll send out the electronic invites."

His secretary hesitated before continuing, "Ms. Eaton just purchased the villa behind yours. She paid a high price and threw in a major contract to persuade the previous owners to leave."

Xavier frowned. "Wasn't that house occupied for years?"

The secretary nodded carefully. "Yes, sir. But she offered too much to refuse. Word is, the villa is registered solely under Connor's name—a gift for him, now that Ms. Eaton is pregnant."

Xavier pressed his lips together, dark eyes cold. So this was her plan—a private retreat for her lover.

That evening, the surveillance footage showed Connor reluctantly instructing the servants to pack his belongings and move them into the newly acquired villa.

…

Today was the day. Xavier was finally leaving.

Early morning, Elizabeth arrived to take Xavier home.

In the car, she leaned over, fastening his seatbelt with gentle care. "Xavier, today's your birthday. I've prepared a banquet for you. It starts at seven. Don't forget to invite your friends."

"Alright."

The black sedan pulled into the villa neighborhood.

It had been four days since he was last here. Everything remained unchanged, as if Connor had never set foot in this house.

Xavier stepped into the master bedroom.

On the vanity, a brand-new electric shaver rested neatly in place.

He glanced at it indifferently.

It was a luxury brand, costing nearly ten thousand dollars. Left there intentionally, no doubt—a silent provocation.

He didn't linger. A servant soon called him down for dinner.

At the table, Elizabeth peeled shrimp for him, placing them carefully by his lips.

Her gestures were intimate and considerate—the same way Connor had fed her just two days ago.

Xavier chewed slowly, watching the affectionate look in Elizabeth's eyes. Then, suddenly, he asked, "If—just hypothetically—you dreamt that I left you, would you be sad?"

Elizabeth's hands paused. Her expression tensed as she clutched his hand. "Xavier, I wouldn't just be sad—I'd go crazy. Please, don't leave me."

Xavier pressed his lips together as if about to say something else, but at that moment, Elizabeth's phone vibrated against the table.

His gaze shifted to the screen.

It was a message from Connor.

[The wound from my surgery is bleeding. It hurts so much. Do you think something's wrong?]

A flicker of panic crossed Elizabeth's eyes. She stood abruptly. "Xavier, there's been a minor issue with the banquet setup. I need to handle it. I'll pick you up later."

She turned to leave, but Xavier suddenly grabbed her wrist and smiled faintly. "Elizabeth, goodbye."

She froze, body stiffening. She looked back at him, her entire being trembling.

Once, his eyes had held nothing but her.

Now, there was only emptiness, a vast and desolate coldness.

"Xavier, you…"

Her phone vibrated again.

She hesitated for a moment before rushing out the door.

Xavier walked back to the master bedroom. He gathered his documents, tossed the charm necklace into the trash, and called his secretary.

"Elizabeth has gone to Connor. I'm heading to the airport. Once I board, proceed as planned."

A pause.

"And make sure Connor gets an invitation to his own wedding."

"Understood, sir."

…

An hour later, Xavier arrived at the airport.

After clearing security, he sent a final message to his parents—his flight would depart in thirty minutes.

Then, he opened his chat with Elizabeth.

[There are two surprises for you tonight. I hope you like them.]

She replied instantly.

[Honey, I can't wait! I'm still handling the banquet setup. I need to be on-site to make sure everything's perfect. I'll pick you up soon.]

Xavier's lips curled slightly.

[No need. I'll go to Jaewyn Hotel myself.]

He had no intention of going.

The birthday banquet was on the second floor of Jaewyn Hotel. The wedding would be on the third.

Elizabeth would wait for him downstairs. And once the invitations were sent out, the wedding ceremony upstairs would proceed as planned.

Half an hour later, the boarding announcement for the flight to Neirway echoed through the terminal.

Xavier removed his SIM card and flicked it into a nearby trash bin.

'Goodbye, Elizabeth. From now on, you will never see me again.'