Chapter 1The Day Before He Vanished

While organizing the walk-in closet, I realized something strange. My husband, Harrison’s, designer suits were gone.

I found them all packed neatly into a suitcase hidden in the storage room.

Tucked inside was a one-way ticket to Europe for this weekend, along with documents for liquidating his assets and disappearing under a new identity.

That night, Harrison carried a life-sized cardboard cutout of himself into our bedroom, wearing a strange, unreadable expression.

"Honey, if I ever disappear one day, don't come looking for me."

"If you miss me, just look at this standee."

I smiled and agreed. "Okay."

I watched him secretly pack his bags and plan his escape route with his young, bright-eyed assistant.

Then, I turned around and bought a plane ticket for myself—departing exactly one day before him.

* * *

Harrison stayed in the storage room until past midnight before finally creeping into the bedroom, covered in dust.

Seeing me lying in bed, he shifted the cardboard cutout aside and climbed in, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Chloe, are you in a bad mood today?"

In the past, I would have clung to him, pestering him to cuddle or complaining that he was up too late.

But now, I couldn't summon the energy to care.

"No," I replied flatly, trying to turn away.

He pulled me back, stuffing a custom pillow printed with his face into my arms. A flash of guilt crossed his eyes as he kissed my forehead.

"Babe, if I'm not by your side in the future, just hug this when you sleep."

The synthetic fabric scratched against my skin. It smelled like cheap plastic.

I moved it to the nightstand, keeping my expression blank.

"Okay."

My voice choked up, and my heart gave a painful squeeze.

The man I had shared my life with for ten years was plotting to abandon me. He was willing to give up his status as a CEO just to run away with his assistant, Lily.

And he was doing it all just to get away from me.

I didn't dream that night.

I was woken up by the sound of crashing dishes in the kitchen. The sky was barely gray.

Harrison cherished his sleep. Usually, I was the one up at this hour, happily making him coffee and eggs.

Today, he was wearing an apron, humming a tune, frying eggs.

On the table sat a perfectly wrapped gourmet sandwich and a travel mug of oat milk latte.

A wave of bitterness hit me, and my vision blurred.

He was always like this—warm, healing, perfect in the small moments. If I hadn't seen those documents...

"Chloe, why are you up so early?"

Harrison smiled gently, his eyes full of what looked like love.

I composed myself and sat down. I reached for the latte.

Slap.

He swatted my hand away.

Harrison frowned, grabbing the travel mug. He poured the good latte into a pink Stanley cup and wrapped the sandwich in foil.

"That's for Lily."

"Don't overthink it. I lost a bet at work. My punishment is bringing breakfast for a colleague for a week."

Perhaps sensing the shift in my mood, he quickly poured me a cup of the dregs—mostly coffee grounds—and slid a plate of burnt scrambled eggs toward me.

"Eat this. I made it especially for you."

I lowered my eyes and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Harrison’s face darkened. He looked at me, confused.

"It's just breakfast, Chloe. Is it that serious?"

"Why the attitude this early in the morning? Don't you know today is the company gala? I'm going to be busy all day."

Ignoring his gaze, I said calmly, "Sorry."

The air grew heavy.

Harrison grabbed the pink cup and headed for the door. Then, he doubled back, hugging me from behind. His voice was coaxing.

"I don't blame you. Wait for me tonight. I'll take you to the riverfront to watch the fireworks."

I knew what he was doing. He was paving the way for his disappearance this weekend. Alleviating his guilt.

Watching the door slam shut, I pulled out my phone.

I booked a flight to Portugal. Departing one day before him.

Since you want freedom so badly, I’ll give it all back to you.