Love Burns Without a Trace

Isobel had been discharged when Anthony came home. She was reading a book by the window.

"I'm sorry, Belle! It was such a busy business trip. I didn't manage to make it back in time for your birthday and our anniversary…"

While speaking, he took off his suit jacket and walked over to give her a hug. "I promise this will be the last time. I'll be there for important occasions.

"Sweetheart, don't be mad at me. Okay?"

She sneered and closed her eyes. She was nauseated by the faint whiff of Sasha Green's perfume on him. Indeed, he was probably "occupied" on his business trip with Sasha. But none of that mattered anymore.

Isobel pushed him away. She stared directly at him and said calmly, "It's fine."

Visibly relieved, he pulled out a black velvet box and handed it to her. "Belle, I bought you a gift. I hope you like it."

He opened the box to reveal a watch. It was worth 31 million dollars. There were only seven of those in the whole world.

"These watches are the epitome of precision. Each and every single cog works harmoniously—just like my love for you."

He carefully put the watch on Isobel's wrist as she listened to his empty promises, her expression blank. Then, she turned around and took the gift box containing the surgery receipt and the break-up letter she had written.

She handed it to Anthony. "This is my birthday gift for you."

He took the gift box with delight and was eager to open it, but she stopped him.

The sunlight that dappled across her thin face made her appear fragile yet beautiful.

"Save it for your birthday next month."

He caressed her hair, a doting look in his eyes. "Sure. I'll listen to you and unbox it on my birthday. Thanks, sweetheart!"

Isobel took in his delighted expression with a fake smile. She thought, "Anthony Johnson, I hope by then, you'll still remember what you have done to me that night. Will you still be as happy when you recall it?"

…

The next day, the Johnsons invited all the prominent figures of Halthorne City to Isobel's belated birthday party, which was held at the largest manor in the city.

The manor was filled with her favorite red roses. Rose petals were scattered all across the event hall. The guests couldn't help but gush at Anthony's level of attentiveness and care for Isobel.

"Even if the Johnsons had taken in Isobel because of their friendship with the Suttons, they wouldn't have treated her like a princess. She must owe her comfortable life under their roof to Anthony."

"Ain't that right? He still looks at her the same way. It was the same as when he confessed his love at 18 years old!"

"My ship is still sailing after seven years!"

The jealous chatter reached Isobel's ears, but she said nothing. She simply smiled politely out of respect for the Johnson family.

Her love story with Anthony was akin to the rose petals scattered across the floor. It was gorgeous but would eventually wilt over time.

During the party, Anthony had taken many drinks on Isobel's behalf as he didn't want her to feel unwell from too much drinking. When someone approached her to talk, he would stand beside her and listen, occasionally chiming in.

His gaze never left Isobel, and he was more than willing to let her shine. Like a gentleman, he held her bag for her and helped her to cut her steak, among many other loving gestures.

She thought he was a natural actor, as his performance nearly confused her. For a second, she even wondered if his infidelity was merely an illusion.

"You are such a match made in heaven! What a great couple. When are you getting married?"

"That's true! Remember to invite us to the wedding! We watched you and Belle grow up, after all!"

Anthony held Isobel's hand. "We will invite you guys for sure. But before that, I will carry out the grandest wedding proposal ever for Belle."

Isobel stood beside him, smiling. But she was tired of it all. Suddenly, she recalled her first time attending an event as Anthony's girlfriend. It was hosted by the Johnsons. Everyone heaped praises on them, calling them a perfect couple.

Back then, Anthony smiled and put a hand around her shoulder. He proudly said, "Of course we are! How lucky am I to have Belle as my girlfriend? I'll marry no one but her."

She blushed and hid her face in his arms. She often fantasized about the moment he proposed. She was confident that she would say yes. But she decided not to wait for Anthony anymore.

At the end of the party, he led her onto the stage, produced a jewelry box, and opened it to reveal a luxurious and opulent necklace. He wore it around her neck for her.

"Happy birthday, Belle." With that, he kissed her forehead as applause erupted around them.

When Isobel checked out the necklace, she noticed Sasha sitting on one of the seats, looking grim and resentful. It was a stark contrast to everyone else.

Isobel smirked.

Sasha's face fell even more when she caught Isobel's mocking expression. She gritted her teeth and left the hall. No one had noticed the subtle exchange. They were busy singing praises.

Only Isobel was aware that her love for Anthony had come to an end.