My Husband’s Second Wedding

After signing the divorce papers, I pulled myself together and decided to return to my career in neuroscience.

Genevieve always had a way of winning everyone over—even our parents preferred her, though I was their biological daughter. Every time I came home on vacation, a flicker of strained discomfort would cross their faces when they saw me.

Over time, the house stopped feeling like a home.

Before Caspian, I had planned to pursue advanced studies in neuroscience. I gave up my ambitions for him.

Now, it was time to reclaim my life.

As fate would have it, my mentor was preparing a confidential neuro-technology project in the mountains of Colorado. I submitted my application and was quickly accepted.

In three days, I would be heading to a secure facility for a classified research project.

This was it. I would be leaving Caspian for good and starting a new chapter.

However, just two days before my departure, Caspian returned to the penthouse. He stared at my packed suitcases, his expression baffled.

"Scarlett, where are you going?" There was an unmistakable hint of panic in his voice.

I lowered my gaze, unable to meet his eyes. "I'm... going on a trip with some friends. I'll be back soon."

"No," he cut me off, his voice sharp as he rose from the sofa. "You're not going anywhere. The world outside is too dangerous. You'll stay here, where I can keep you safe."

I frowned, about to argue, but he had already seized my wrist and was dragging me toward the door.

"Don't you dare leave me again, Scarlett. Stay by my side. Come on, I have a surprise for you."

Before I could protest, he had bundled me into his sports car.

The entire way, he clutched my hand, his grip so tight it felt as if he feared I would vanish into thin air.

...

Half an hour later, the car purred to a stop in front of a private observatory.

This was the place we had once promised to build together. Back then, it was just a barren patch of mountain land. Now, Caspian had built a private observatory outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

"Scarlett, I know how much you've always wanted to see the Leonid meteor shower. I arranged all of this for you."

His gaze softened, brimming with the affection I remembered.

However, just then, a familiar figure caught my eye.

It was Genevieve. Clad in an elegant white Chanel dress and holding a camera, she was strolling toward us with a practiced smile.

"Scarlett, Caspian," she greeted us warmly.

It was only then that I realized Genevieve always used that sickeningly sweet tone when she said his name.

Caspian's expression darkened for a fraction of a second before he smoothed it over.

"Genevieve's just here to take some pictures. She won a photography award recently. I know you don't like her, but she'll leave as soon as she's done."

He tried to explain, but I had already caught the triumphant smirk on Genevieve's face.

...

Inside the observatory, she manufactured an excuse to get Caspian out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.

"Caspian, could you get some champagne for Scarlett and me?"

The moment he was gone, her innocent mask fell away. Her voice dripped with scorn. "Scarlett, you really are a coward. You flew all the way to Napa Valley but didn't even have the guts to show your face."

"Oh, by the way," she added with a sneer, "why don't we make a little bet? Growing up, Mom and Dad always loved me more. Now, let's see who Caspian loves more."