Faking Death To Leave the CEO

"Want to know where your husband is?"

"Go to Crystal Waves, and you'll see what you're looking for."

The voice on the phone belonged to a young woman who's somewhat familiar.

Gloria Seymour frowned, staring at the disconnected screen, a sense of unease rising in her chest.

Today was her third wedding anniversary with Henry Tudor, and also the day she found out she was pregnant.

She had been waiting at home full of joy for Henry to come back, wanting to tell him the news right away.

After three years of marriage, they finally had a child of their own.

But instead, she got an apologetic call from Henry, saying the company had a last-minute international meeting and he'd be home late tonight.

Suppressing the coldness in her eyes, Gloria touched her still-flat belly.

This wasn't the first time Henry had come home late.

For the past three months, he had been staying out for various reasons, and Gloria’s gut is telling her something was wrong.

But she still chose to trust him.

After all, in three years of marriage, everyone knew how much Henry loved his wife.

When Gloria had a craving, he'd cross the entire city just to buy her the freshest croissants even at dawn.

He treasured Gloria so much that he always ensures nothing disturbed her peace.

How could a Henry who loved her like that cheat on her?

Crystal Waves, Emerald City's top private club.

In a luxury suite on the top floor, the air was thick with decadence.

Outside a suite, Gloria stood still as laughter drifted from within..

"Henry, you're really going all out for this little starlet. I heard you pulled some major strings for her. You've been spending a lot of time with her these past three months, haven't you?"

Henry's low voice carried a lazy laugh: "Not bad. After all, she's Gloria's good friend."

"Oh, Gloria's good friend! So she's been taking care of you for Gloria."

"Henry, you're so lucky!"

A burst of suggestive laughter erupted from the suite.

Gloria clenched her fingers as her beautiful eyes frozen in shock.

Little starlet, good friend... the only person who fit that description was her best friend from college, Bianca Collins.

Just two days ago, Bianca had come to her with a cheerful face, venting that her new boyfriend’s excessive affection left obvious marks on her skin and made social appearances difficult.

At the time, Gloria said clingy men were good, it was a sign of love.

After all, when she and Henry were madly in love, her body was covered with his kiss marks too.

Gloria had been so happy thinking Bianca had found someone good, completely missing the flash of smugness and contempt in her eyes.

Turns out those kiss marks were left by her beloved husband.

How ironic!

"She'll be here soon, so you better watch how loud you are!"

Hearing the familiar laughter, Gloria dug her nails into her palm and held her breath to keep listening.

"Being loud here doesn't matter, just don't be loud enough for Gloria to hear!"

After all, everyone knew how much Henry cared about Gloria.

As for Bianca... well, men will be men. They all cheat. Just to have some fun.

Through the gap of the door, Gloria watched the man who once made promises to her, sipping his red wine with a relaxed expression.

"True, but keep your mouths shut."

"Besides, Gloria's very understanding. She always trusts me, and never asks questions."

He crossed his legs, looking casual and at ease.

In his eyes, women fell into two categories: Gloria, and other women to fool around with.

As long as Gloria remained unaware, the other women were nothing more than a source of excitement or release.

"But Henry, fool around all you want, just don't get anyone pregnant," someone half-joked. "That would be hard to deal with."

Henry chuckled: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Besides," his voice lowered, carrying a condescending tolerance, "Gloria's not in good health. If I really want a kid, I can just have someone else have one."

Hearing this, Gloria stood frozen as if she was struck by lightning.

Yes, her health wasn't great, but because Henry wanted children, she'd made so many efforts.

Adjusting her schedule, eating fertility foods, even hurting her body with ovulation shots, all because he'd said a child born from their love would be the sweetest in the world.

Gloria tried to force a smile but found she couldn't smile or cry.

Her eyes were dry, but the pain made her whole body tremble.

Gloria didn't even know how she got home.

She sat in the darkness with her arms wrapped around her knees and her face buried between them.

She didn't even dare think about how they got together.

Was it when she saw Bianca's career struggling and asked Henry to help her? Or even earlier?

Gloria couldn't figure it out. Her head was throbbing.

Suddenly, the door opened.

She looked up and saw that Henry was back.

"Honey, why didn't you turn on the light?"

Henry carefully turned on the bedside lamp.

As Gloria’s eyes adjusted to the light, she saw a faint kiss mark on Henry’s neck and picked up the lingering scent of women’s perfume on him.

She had trusted her husband and her best friend too much which was why she had never noticed these things.

And that made them bold enough not to even bother covering up.

Seeing her expression, Henry thought Gloria was upset about the anniversary so he coaxed her gently.

"It's my fault. I should have canceled the meeting earlier to be with you. Don't be mad anymore, please?"

Watching Henry's act of devotion, Gloria suddenly felt it was all so boring.

Just like the tears she couldn't cry.

She shook her head and pouted like usual.

"Then you better remember next time. I won't be mad this time!"

Her cute manner was just like always. Henry didn't notice anything wrong and felt relieved.

"Okay, let me take a shower first, then I'll come keep you company."

He ruffled her hair and headed into the bathroom.

After he went in, Gloria's eyes suddenly turned ice cold.

She took out her phone and dialed a number she hadn't called in a long time.

"Hello, I need records of an abortion appointment, and a car accident."

Gloria looked at the bathroom where water sounds came from, her voice is so soft that it could be blown away by the wind.

"Since they chose to betray me, I won't let them have it easy either."

Yes, Henry had taken good care of her that she didn't have to do housework or deal with any business troubles.

So much so that everyone forgot that Henry's current position of power hadn't been smooth sailing from the start.

She had been with him for five years.

Building influence, winning people over, seizing power... every step of the way, she was there.

It's just that Henry had pampered her for so long that everyone only knew her as Mrs. Tudor, treasured and protected, not as Gloria.

The water in the bathroom was still running when Gloria's phone buzzed.

It was a text from the number that had tipped her off earlier.

[Gloria, Henry said tonight was your wedding anniversary, so he was extra rough with me. He said he wants me to have a baby. Do you think I might be pregnant already?]