A Love Without Anchor

Connor's eyes were red. He nodded eagerly, his voice trembling with excitement. "I do! I swear, I'd marry you a hundred times over!"

The film crew erupted in cheers. "Congratulations!"

Inside a car parked nearby, Xavier watched the scene unfold, his face frozen in an expressionless mask. A chill spread through his body.

Five years ago, Elizabeth had proposed to him with the same deep affection. She had worn a beautiful white wedding dress, held a bouquet of bright red roses, and carried a meticulously prepared engagement ring.

That day, she had choked on her own words, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Xavier, I love you. You are the only man for me in this lifetime. No other man will ever enter my heart. Please, marry me. I'm begging you. I swear, if I ever betray you, I'll die."

Xavier let out a hollow laugh. It started as a chuckle, but before he knew it, tears were rolling down his face.

Everything had been a lie. The vows, the tears, even the so-called sincerity. In the end, everything changed so easily.

Beside him, Vincent watched him with quiet sympathy. "They've left. Do you want to follow?"

"Follow them."

Xavier lowered his gaze, then slowly turned to look out the window. He wanted to see where Elizabeth was going.

An hour later, the Bentley stopped in front of a restaurant. The place was in the busiest part of town, and the window seats were notoriously difficult to reserve. It wasn't peak dining hours, so only a few tables were occupied. Each seat was separated by a screen, offering ample privacy.

Clearly, Elizabeth had taken precautions.

Xavier watched as the two stepped inside. Then, he walked into a nearby store, bought a more mature-looking outfit, put on a mask and a hat, and sauntered into the restaurant.

Vincent had already made arrangements. He had thrown money at the problem and secured the table right behind Elizabeth's.

Just as they sat down, a middle-aged couple arrived, guided by a waiter to Elizabeth's table. They looked to be in their fifties, ordinary in every way. But if one looked closely, the man bore a striking resemblance to Connor.

"No way… Is she meeting his parents?" Vincent whispered in shock.

Xavier remained silent. He took out his phone, found the perfect angle, and snapped a few quick photos through the narrow gap in the screen.

The timing was perfect. He captured the exact moment Elizabeth handed a black card to Connor's mother.

"Damn, she sure is generous." Vincent cursed under his breath.

Xavier lowered his gaze, setting his phone down slowly. "Let's go."

He had no desire to stay a second longer.

Back on the street, Vincent offered to drive him home, but Xavier shook his head. "Vincent, my mind's a mess right now. I need some time alone."

Vincent didn't press him, only reminding him repeatedly to stay safe.

Once Vincent was gone, Xavier wandered aimlessly. The night was bitterly cold, the temperature already below freezing. His coat was thin, offering little protection against the chill.

But none of that mattered. The cold outside was nothing compared to the cold seeping into his heart.

He didn't know how long he had been walking when his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Elizabeth.

He opened it. Three wedding photos filled the screen.

In the first, Elizabeth leaned against Connor, looking delicate and affectionate. In the second, the two of them kissed passionately. In the last, she knelt on one knee, holding up a bouquet, while Connor smiled triumphantly.

Then, a message followed.

[We took wedding photos today. She proposed to me in front of everyone. I was really moved.]

[She even insisted on meeting my parents. Other than registering our marriage, we've gone through all the steps.]

[Who says sharing a wife is a bad thing? I'm fine with it. The question is, are you? After all, it's not like I'm losing anything.]

Xavier stared at the arrogant words, his expression unreadable. He didn't reply. Instead, he forwarded the wedding photos to his secretary, along with the pictures he had taken of their dinner. Then, he screenshotted the entire conversation and sent it over.

"Make sure these are displayed at the wedding."

With that, he slid his phone back into his pocket.

He kept walking, step after step, his mind blank. He didn't notice the black car speeding toward him until it was too late.

Bang!

The impact sent him flying two meters through the air.

He didn't know how long he had been unconscious. When he finally opened his eyes, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled his nose. A white hospital room came into view.

Elizabeth stood by his bedside, her dark eyes filled with worry and fear. "You're awake! Do you feel any pain? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

Xavier slowly turned his gaze toward her.

Her eyes were red. She looked anxious, distressed, as if she wished she could take his place in suffering.

Disgust churned in his stomach. The images of her in a wedding dress, clinging to Connor, flashed through his mind. He felt like throwing up.

Elizabeth, oh Elizabeth. Which version of you is real?

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you feel unwell? I'll call the doctor."

She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist before she could take a step.

His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Why are you here?"