Chapter 1

I used to think Oliver’s "baby syndrome" was just his way of showing how deeply he loved me.

We sent over two hundred SnapChat messages a day, and he insisted on eating my home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

He would FaceTime me for a kiss whenever he was exhausted from working overtime, and he’d act clingy at parties, begging me to feed him fruit.

I got used to this for three years.

But right before our wedding, his childhood friend Vivian found me.

She looked at me with a patronizing, pitying smile.

"Do you honestly believe a CEO actually has 'baby syndrome'?"

"I came up with that for him. It was just a test to see if you were suitable to be his wife."

"But you two can’t get married. Because the spot next to him belongs to me in the end."

As it turned out, it was all just a test he set up for me.

I sat frozen for a long time, then called my best friend, Chloe.

"Chloe, I don’t want to get married anymore."

"Well, thank God you finally woke up. Stop talking nonsense and get back to your bed. Your IV drip is almost done," Chloe grumbled over the phone.

I looked down at the cold food container in my lap, my eyes stinging.

Half an hour ago, Oliver had texted saying he wanted my homemade lasagna.

At the time, I had fainted from low blood sugar while planning the wedding and was rushed to Urgent Care for an IV drip.

Afraid I wouldn't make it in time, I begged the doctor to let me go home to cook.

Chloe had scolded me furiously for being a doormat, staying at the clinic just to make sure I didn't sneak out.

Just as I was about to speak, Oliver's notification popped up.

【Hey baby, who are you on the phone with? I’m meeting an old friend for lunch today, so don’t wait up for me.】

My throat tightened.

Before leaving, Vivian had glanced at the container in my bag.

She raised an eyebrow and said, "I haven't told Oliver I'm back yet. I want to surprise him. Sorry about your food."

My nails dug into my palms, my body trembling with rage.

I wanted to scream at her, to tell her she knew nothing about our relationship.

Oliver never missed a meal with me. He used to say these cozy moments were too precious to lose.

Even after late-night business dinners, we’d sit at the table to share a mug of sweet hot cocoa.

But now, his text felt like a slap in the face.

Leaving me utterly speechless.

After giving Chloe a vague reply, I texted Oliver back: 【Is the old friend Vivian?】

Oliver didn’t reply. He probably hadn't seen it.

I was on his "favorites" list; he used to reply to me within seconds.

And normally, he would have asked me in shock how I knew.

After all, for the past three years, he had never once mentioned Vivian’s existence.

Unable to bear the thoughts, I grabbed my bag and caught a cab back to the clinic.

When I pushed open the door, I saw my mom and Chloe surrounding a pile of cardboard boxes.

I looked around, and seeing my expression, my mom sighed.

"Don't bother looking. Your dad was so furious with you that he refused to come."

My dad had never liked Oliver. He always said, "Are you dating a man, or are you raising a son?"

But I had stubbornly believed that since Oliver was a high-powered CEO at work, his child-like dependence on me at home was just his unique way of showing love.

My dad had ignored me for a long time, but a few days ago, he suddenly brought a long list of wedding demands for Oliver.

Oliver had just nodded agreeably. "Just discuss this with Stella, Dad. Don't worry about the money."

My dad’s face had darkened instantly, and he walked out.

Oliver had wrapped his arms around me, his eyes red with grievance. "Does your dad hate me? Will I still be able to marry you?"

My heart had ached for him, and I even called my dad afterward, accusing him of being unreasonable.

My mom set down some wedding favor boxes and pulled my hand. "Your dad was just worried you’d be exhausted. He’s just bad with words."

Now that I had calmed down, I finally understood.

I was the one handling the catering, the venue, and even the guest favors. Oliver only had to deal with the invitations.

My mom had come to celebrate, but she ended up doing all the heavy lifting for me.

How could my dad not be angry?

Chloe tried to change the subject, pulling over an insulated bag. "Stella, you’re so lucky. This smells amazing. Your dad’s cooking gets better and better."

My eyes welled up as I smiled, tossing my cold container into the trash.

Once I was back on the IV and eating, I finally asked,

"How did we get this private room anyway?"

Chloe coughed guiltily, her tone annoyed.

"Oliver arranged it. He said he was busy and asked me to take care of you. Honestly, why are you the one stressing over everything? It’s not like you’re the only one getting married..."

I interrupted her sharply. "When did you call him?"

"About half an hour ago."

I froze. My heart sank into an icy abyss.

Oliver knew I was sick, yet he still chose to have lunch with Vivian.

He even took Chloe's call but ignored my text.

My mom’s smile faded at Chloe's words, but she patted my shoulder gently.

"A one-sided relationship doesn't last, sweetie. Marriage requires communication. We just want you and Oliver to be happy."

I nodded bitterly.

At the very least, I needed to hear Oliver's explanation with my own ears.