A Love Without Anchor

Xavier ignored Elizabeth's grand declaration of love from afar.

He stood up, grabbed his bag, and headed home.

Once inside his bedroom, he asked a servant for a pair of scissors.

He took out the custom-made men's couple's shirt, sliced it into thin strips, then did the same to the marriage certificate, reducing it to a pile of shredded paper.

He placed the scraps into a gift box and neatly wrote on the lid: "Second Marriage Gift."

Just as he finished, he turned and saw Elizabeth stepping into the room.

Her delicate face carried a gentle smile as she took his hand and led him downstairs. "I have a surprise for you. Come and see."

Outside, a large moving truck was parked in front of the house. On its platform sat an enormous deep blue gift box. As Elizabeth clapped her hands, the box automatically unfolded. Balloons and confetti floated into the air, revealing a sleek, ash-gray Maybach.

Two staff members quickly lifted a banner that said "Happy Anniversary, Xavier."

The sight drew envious gasps from the onlookers.

Elizabeth held out the car keys, her voice tender. "Honey, you casually mentioned wanting a new car, and I remembered. As your wife, it's only natural for me to buy you everything you desire."

Xavier reached out to take the keys, his gaze sharp. He noticed it immediately—the faint mark on the right side of her neck. A kiss. It had been covered with concealer, but up close, it was unmistakable.

A wave of nausea churned inside him. His brows furrowed tightly.

"What's wrong? You don't like the Maybach? Or is it the color?" Elizabeth, sensing his shift in mood, looked at him with worried eyes.

Xavier shook his head, his gaze reddening as he fixed it on her. "The car is fine."

It wasn't the Maybach he didn't want. It was her.

Hearing his response, Elizabeth let out a relieved breath.

As they returned to the bedroom, Elizabeth's sharp eyes landed on a gift box sitting on the dressing table. Just as she was about to check it, Xavier moved first, covering the words on top with his hand.

"Honey, is this a surprise for me?" A flicker of delight surfaced in her eyes.

Xavier's smile was cold and empty. "Yes, but not yet. I'm preparing a second gift as well. In seven days, I'll give them to you together."

"Two surprises in seven days?" Elizabeth's anticipation grew. She tilted her head, mumbling to herself, trying to recall what special occasion was coming up.

Suddenly, it hit her. She stepped out of the room and called her assistant. "I almost forgot, seven days from now is Xavier's birthday.

"Start preparing a grand birthday banquet. Make it as extravagant as possible. Every year, he throws me a huge celebration. I can't treat his birthday lightly."

As she spoke, she didn't notice Xavier standing at the bedroom door, his face terrifyingly cold.

Seven years together, and Elizabeth had never once forgotten his birthday. But this year, with Connor's return, she had completely erased it from her memory.

Fine. He was curious to see how she would react when the birthday celebration she so painstakingly arranged was missing its birthday star.

Xavier took out his phone and sent a message to his secretary: [Find out which hotel Elizabeth booked for my birthday celebration. Set up the wedding ceremony one floor above it.]

The reply came swiftly. [Yes, sir.]

Xavier turned, heading for the bathroom. Just as Elizabeth was about to re-enter the bedroom, her assistant called again.

"By the way, Ms. Eaton, don't forget—you promised to take your husband to the university barbecue stall tonight. If he doesn't get to eat there, he'll be really disappointed."

"Right, I almost forgot. Order the barbecue to match Xavier's usual taste, and I'll take him there."

Hanging up, she hurried back into the room.

Xavier had heard every word.

She took the bathrobe from his hands and placed it aside. "Xavier, let's go eat barbecue at the university. I already asked the owner to prepare it, so it'll be ready when we arrive."

That little stall outside the university—it had been his favorite place during their university years. A minor incident there had led to his first encounter with Elizabeth. Two years later, they married, and every anniversary, she would take him back to that same barbecue stall.

She used to plan ahead. Now, she needed a reminder.

An hour later, a black Bentley pulled up in front of the tiny stall, drawing everyone's attention.

A small-time influencer doing a livestream spotted them and rushed forward, phone in hand. "Oh my god, it's Elizabeth Eaton, the ultimate wife who spoils her husband!

"Look, everyone! My favorite couple! It's true—rumors say Elizabeth brings her husband here every anniversary, and now I've seen it with my own eyes!"

Elizabeth stepped out of the car and instinctively reached for Xavier's hand. As they walked toward the stall, she noticed his collar was slightly out of place. In front of the watching crowd, she tiptoed to fix it for him.

A group of female university students watching the scene squealed in delight. One bold girl stepped forward and called out, "A billionaire CEO fixing her husband's collar—so sweet! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!"

Xavier remained expressionless as he gazed down at the woman on tiptoe. Then, he turned away and offered her a polite yet distant smile.

They entered the barbecue stall and sat at their usual window-side table. Elizabeth turned to the owner. "Is the food ready? Grilled chives, chicken wings, oysters, and roasted buns. Medium spice, with a bit of numbing heat. My husband likes it that way. Also, two bottles of room-temperature cola."

"Just finished grilling," the owner responded, beaming.

She had watched this couple over the years. Just earlier, she had told her husband, "It's past nine, but those two lovebirds will show up. They always do on their anniversary."

And here they were.

As she placed the food on the table, her face warmed with a kind smile. "It's been five years now. You two are still as in love as ever. So, Elizabeth, when are you planning to have a child?"