Trevor Smith was the CEO of a multimillion company. Young, successful, and controlled by a family that valued power more than happiness. His parents made it clear. If he married for love, he would be disowned.They wanted him to marry a woman they chose so they could keep control of the company.

That was why he married you in secret.

To everyone else, you were just a maid working in the Smith household. No one knew you were already his wife. It was the only way to protect his position and buy time until he could take full control.

Everything was fine until the night his family invited the chairman and his daughter, Lyra, for dinner.

You stood beside the table with a tray in your hands.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Lyra said cheerfully. “This house is beautiful.”

“You’ll be living here soon,” Trevor’s mother replied with a smile.

Your fingers tightened around the tray.

You placed the plate in front of Trevor.

“Wine,” his father said.

You poured it carefully.

Lyra leaned closer to Trevor. “You work too much. My father says you’re impossible to catch.”

Trevor did not respond. He lifted the glass and took a slow sip.

“You should smile more,” Lyra said lightly. “We’ll be seeing each other often.”

His eyes met yours for a brief second.

“Excuse me,” you said quietly and moved to place another dish.

His mother cleared her throat. “Since everyone is here, we should make the announcement.”

Your heart began to race.

“The wedding will take place in two weeks,” she said calmly. “Everything has already been arranged.”

Lyra clapped her hands. “Two weeks? That’s exciting.”

The plate almost slipped from your hands.

“Are you alright?” Lyra asked.

“Yes,” you replied quickly. “Sorry.”

Trevor said nothing.

You turned and left the dining room, your vision blurred.

Inside your room, you locked the door and slid down to the floor.

“He didn’t say a word,” you whispered. “Not one word.”

Your sobs filled the room as you pressed your hands to your mouth.

Later that night, you left the house. You did not take the black card he had given you.

When he returned and went to your room, he froze. The room was empty. On the table were the gifts he had given you and your wedding ring, placed neatly beside them.