Mrs. Without a License

Once I regained my composure, I noticed that Lucas had called and messaged me about 99 times. He had even ordered his men to look for me.

Since it was our third wedding anniversary, I had planned out everything ahead of time so that I would be able to return home earlier and prepare a candlelight dinner for us. Lucas must have truly panicked when he got home and didn't see any signs of me.

Yet, if he were truly that scared of losing me, then why would he allow another woman to become his wife?

He must have simply gotten used to my presence. This was just like how an owner would panic if their dog or cat went missing.

I called him back. "Sorry, my phone ran out of battery just now."

Worry and fear were thick in Lucas' voice as he replied, "You scared me half to death! Do you know that we're having a power struggle with Black Widow right now? I thought you'd been kidnapped! I was even about to take 100 million dollars there to get you back!"

I couldn't help but laugh, even as my eyes slowly reddened. He sure did know how to put on an act. He had already married Yelena, yet he still pretended to be so concerned over me.

"Come back here immediately. I want to see you right now." The words sounded like an order, yet his next sentence was almost a whine. "I was so terrified that my heart is still aching. It should feel better once I get to hug you."

"Alright." I tried my best to sound calm. Since he wanted me to be his fake wife, I would oblige him for the next three days. This would be the last time.

However, when I returned home, Lucas was already gone. There was even a half-cooked steak in the kitchen, which made it clear that he had left in a hurry.

Just what could have made him leave in such a panic on our wedding anniversary?

Even as I wondered that, I received a message from Lucas explaining the situation. "Sorry, there was an emergency—Black Widow ambushed us."

"Okay. Be careful." After sending that reply, I couldn't help but smile bitterly. I was also a high-ranking member of Devil's Advocate, so if there really had been an ambush, I would have definitely received the news.

I thought over it for a moment, then checked the mysterious message I had received this morning on Instagram. When I tapped on the profile photo, I couldn't stop my body from trembling.

It was Yelena.

Her newest post came with the caption, "Specifically came back to celebrate my third wedding anniversary with my husband. He set aside so many matters just to come pick me up. I love him!"

I could read between the lines. She was trying to tell me that I was one of the unimportant matters Lucas had set aside.

In the photo, she had her arm hooked through a man's, and on that man's wrist was none other than the Patek Philippe watch I had gifted Lucas.

How ironic.

Browsing through some of Yelena's earlier posts, I discovered that she had already woken up from her coma half a year ago, though she had some lasting damage to her leg.

Yet, I had been completely oblivious to all of that.

I liked her post before turning to head back to the master bedroom and packing my luggage.

At midnight, I received a text from Lucas. "Sorry, the situation is complicated, so I might not be able to return tonight. I've left the gift I prepared for you under the bed."

I dug out the gift, only to see a bouquet of roses and a ruby. The card attached read, "Dear Yelena, happy third wedding anniversary."

Lucas must have grabbed the wrong gift.

I placed the box on the dressing table. Perhaps Yelena would move in after I was gone, and she would surely love the gift Lucas had so thoughtfully prepared for her.

…

The next day arrived, meaning there were only 48 hours left before I departed. Lucas hadn't returned the entire night, but I no longer cared. After all, I wasn't his legal wife.

I invited my friends out for one last farewell, but as I got to the bar, I ran into Lucas.

And by his side was none other than Yelena.

When Lucas and I locked gazes, he anxiously tried to explain. "I'm so sorry, Lucille. Yelena suddenly woke up and stealthily flew back here. Since she only got injured because of me, I had no choice but to rush over and pick her up last night.

"I know I missed our wedding anniversary, but could you please not be mad? I'll make it up to you another day, okay?"

Yelena shot me a jealous look. Yet, her expression turned provocative as she said in a pitiful tone, "I'm sorry, Lucille. Last night, we got caught in an ambush by Black Widow.

"After getting shot last time, I've developed an intense fear of guns. When I heard the gunshots, I nearly fainted in terror. Thankfully, Lucas kept me company the entire night. Please don't be angry at him."

I shook my head. "I'm not angry. I can understand. After all, you did save his life back then. It's only right that he keep you company."

What was there not to understand? There was nothing wrong with Lucas spending time with his wife. What right did I have to get upset?

Lucas stared at me in surprise, clearly not expecting me to be so understanding.

Nonetheless, he continued to explain, saying, "Yelena's finally recovered and returned from overseas, so we're throwing her a welcome home party here."

I nodded, though I didn't bother telling him why I was also here.

Now that Yelena had returned, it was time for me to go. In contrast to Lucas, my friends were throwing me a farewell party. Since my friends also knew Lucas' friends, we ended up drinking together.

Every time Yelena couldn't drink, she whined sweetly for Lucas to drink on her behalf. Lucas glanced at me, but when I didn't seem bothered, he continued to take the drinks for her.

With the two of them sitting close together, Lucas' friends started to tease him, saying he truly spoiled Yelena. Meanwhile, I sat off to the side, chugging down glass after glass like an unwanted, resentful woman.

His friends threw me a mix of looks, ranging from pitying to mocking and provocative. Yet, Lucas was too busy looking after Yelena to even notice what an awkward and humiliating position I was in.

Thankfully, I couldn't care less. I simply focused on drinking with my friends.

After all, I was leaving.