Chapter 1
AL—6:00 PM. Dylan Cloud began preparing Violet Packen’s favorite dishes for dinner. At 3:00 PM, he ran her bath and set aside her favorite lavender bath salts. At 8:00 PM, he placed her indoor slippers by the door.
At 9:00 PM, Violet opened the door. Dylan met her, took her mat, and placed her slippers before her. He put her mat away in the front wardrobe before asking if she preferred a shower or dinner first.
Violet’s attention was wholly on her phone as she casually replied, “Shower first.”
Half an hour later, Violet emerged from the bathroom wrapped in her bathrobe. Dylan immediately handed her fresh pajamas. While she changed, he warmed the dishes and set the table.
Violet had long been accustomed to Dylan’s attentiveness. She was in a particularly good mood today, seemingly engrossed in her phone. While setting the table, Dylan glanced at Violet’s lit screen. He saw the name “Archer” in the top left corner of her chat window.
Dylan shifted his gaze and turned toward the kitchen. His phone rang. He answered and saw that Violet’s mother, Mandy Lamont, was calling.
Mandy’s voice filled the phone as soon as he answered. “Dylan, are you really going to divorce Violet?”
Dylan stared out the window. The Queen of the Night flowers under the streetlamp were in bloom.
After a long while, Dylan finally answered in a light voice, “Mia Paden, you know perfectly well that I’m only with her because of the contract. But the contract has already ended, and Archer is also returning. Violet’s been very happy lately. She doesn’t need me anymore.”
He let out a long sigh. His voice was full of weariness. “It’s been hard on you for all these years. I know you’ve been through a hard time. Initially, I thought she would eventually fall in love with me after all I’ve done for her, but…”
“Whatever. Since Archer is also coming back, I won’t have to worry about her anymore. You said five years ago that you dreamed of studying abroad. If you’re still interested in going, I can help you pull some strings.”
Dylan stared at the white flowers; the light in his eyes dimmed. He had put his life on hold for five years for Violet. It was time to move on. He nodded. “I would be very grateful if you could help me with the arrangements. I want to leave as soon as possible.”