Chapter 1: The Watch
I married my childhood best friend—but just before our fifth wedding anniversary, I overheard him say:
“She walked straight into my trap. My plan is finally about to work.”
Matthew and I had always seemed destined to be together.
Our families lived next door to each other. We attended preschool together, grew up in the same neighborhood, and later went to the same school. We were practically inseparable. Whenever someone teased me, Matthew defended me. When exams approached, we studied side by side. And when prom arrived, he was the one who asked me to go with him.
Everyone constantly joked that we would eventually get married. We laughed whenever they said it. But by high school, friendship had already turned into love.
After college graduation, Matthew got down on one knee and asked:
“Will you marry me?”
I answered before he could even finish.
“Yes.”
At that moment, I truly believed I was the luckiest woman alive.
Our relationship felt perfect. We married, bought a house in the same neighborhood where we had grown up, and created the peaceful life we had always imagined.
As our fifth anniversary approached, I decided Matthew deserved an unforgettable gift. Months earlier, he had admired an expensive watch in a store across town. I secretly saved enough money and ordered it for him.
On the day it was ready, I told Matthew I was going to work. In reality, I had taken the day off. After collecting the watch, I drove home with the gift beside me, unable to stop imagining his reaction.
I thought Matthew would still be at work.
But when I pulled into the driveway, his car was already there.
Confused, I quietly unlocked the front door.
Then I heard his voice coming from the living room.
May you like
He was speaking to someone on the phone.
The moment I heard him mention my name, I stopped.
