Heart in Ashes

Luna ignored Simon's faraway high-profile public love declaration.

She got up, grabbed her bag, and went home. Once back in the bedroom, she asked the maid for a pair of scissors.

Luna took out her custom-made women's version of their matching shirts and cut it into strips. Then, she shredded their marriage certificate into pieces as well.

She packed everything into a gift box and wrote "Second Wedding Gift" on it.

Just as Luna finished, she turned around and ran into Simon, who had just returned.

Simon's handsome face was filled with tenderness as he took her hand and led her downstairs.

"Honey, I prepared a surprise for you. Come see."

When they got downstairs, Luna saw a large box truck parked outside.

On the truck was an enormous pink gift box.

As Simon clapped his hands, the gift box automatically opened. Balloons and confetti rose into the air, revealing a blush-pink Maybach.

Two staff members quickly raised a banner that read, "A Gift for Princess Lulu."

The scene instantly drew admiration and envy from the surrounding crowd.

Simon took out the Maybach's key and handed it to Luna before he said affectionately, "Lulu, I remembered you mentioning wanting a new car last time. As your husband, it's my duty to buy you everything you want."

When Luna reached out to take the car key, her sharp eyes caught a detail.

Around Simon's left wrist was a bracelet made from a bra strap.

A wave of disgust surged through her as she frowned deeply.

"What's wrong? Did you not want a Maybach? Or do you not like the color?"

Simon's dark eyes were full of concern when he noticed Luna's reaction.

Luna shook her head and fixated her reddened eyes on him. "It's a nice car," she said.

What she didn't want wasn't the Maybach—it was Simon.

Hearing this, Simon let out a sigh of relief.

When they returned to the bedroom, Simon's sharp eyes noticed a gift box on the vanity. Just as he was about to take a closer look, Luna stepped in, covering the writing on the box.

"Lulu, is this a surprise you got me?" Simon's dark eyes lit up with excitement.

Luna forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, but you can't see it yet. I'm still working on a second gift. I'll give you both gifts in seven days. Knowing you, I think you'll really like them."

"Two surprises in seven days?" Simon murmured, visibly intrigued. But as he pondered aloud, he started trying to recall what special occasion it was in seven days.

Suddenly, realization dawned on him. Stepping out of the bedroom, he called his assistant, Luke Newman.

"I almost forgot that Lulu's birthday is in seven days. Start planning a grand birthday party for her right away. Yes, the bigger, the better. I can't let her down."

While Simon was on the phone, he didn't notice Luna standing silently at the bedroom door, her expression as cold as ice.

In the seven years they had been together, Simon had never once forgotten her birthday. This year, with Sophie back in town, he had completely erased Luna's birthday from his mind.

Fine by her. She was curious to see how he'd react if the birthday girl didn't show up to the extravagant birthday party he was preparing.

Luna took out her phone and sent a message to Susanna.

"Find out where Simon is hosting my birthday party. Book the wedding venue one floor above it."

"Yes, Mrs. Fulmer," Susanna replied promptly.

Luna turned to head to the bathroom when Simon, just about to re-enter the bedroom, received another call from Luke.

"By the way, Mr. Fulmer, please don't forget that you're supposed to take Mrs. Fulmer to the cake shop near her college today. If she doesn't get her cake, she'll probably be upset tonight."

"Ah, right, I almost forgot. Order a cake Lulu likes in advance. I'll take her there myself," Simon instructed before hurriedly pushing open the bedroom door.

Luna heard every word loud and clear.

Seeing her, Simon took the bathrobe from her hands and set it aside.

"Lulu, let's go to the cake shop near the college. I've already had the owner prepare your favorite cake. It'll be ready when we get there."

The cake shop near the college entrance was one Luna loved during her college years. It was there, in front of the shop, that she and Simon had their first encounter due to a small incident.

Two years into their relationship, they got married, and every year on their wedding anniversary, Simon would go there with her for cake.

In the past, Simon would always prepare ahead of time, but now he needed Luke's reminder to remember the occasion.

An hour later, a sleek black Bentley pulled up outside the quaint, small cake shop, instantly drawing attention.

When a small-time influencer doing a live stream spotted Simon and Luna, she excitedly held up her phone and approached them.

"Oh my gosh, it's the husband of the year, Mr. Fulmer!"

"Everyone in the live stream, look! The couple I ship so hard is so perfect together! There's a rumor that Mr. Fulmer brings Mrs. Fulmer here every year on their wedding anniversary. It's true after all!"

After stepping out of the car, Simon held Luna's hand as they walked toward the shop. He keenly noticed her right shoelace had come undone.

Amidst the stares of onlookers, Simon stopped in his tracks and respectfully bent down to tie her shoelace.

This act made the surrounding female college students envious, and one bold young woman stepped forward to offer her blessings.

"An ultra-rich CEO bending down to tie his wife's shoelace! I wouldn't even dare dream of such a thing. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!"

Luna stared blankly at the man crouching before her, her expression devoid of warmth. She looked up and responded with a polite yet distant smile.

Simon held Luna's hand as they entered the cake shop and headed straight to their usual spot by the window.

He turned to the shopkeeper behind the counter and asked, "Is the cake ready? The filling should be mango-flavored, and the cream should be strawberry-flavored. Lulu loves that combination. And make sure it says 'Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary' on top."

"Here's your freshly made cake!"

The shopkeeper had a deep impression of the Fulmers. Just earlier, she had told her husband, "Even though it's past nine, with how close they are, they'll definitely come in to celebrate their anniversary."

And sure enough, the Fulmers did come.

As the shopkeeper brought the cake over, her kind face glowed with a warm smile.

"Five years in, and you are still as devoted to Ms. Baxter as ever, Mr. Fulmer. When are you planning to have a baby?"