The bright lights of the Grand Hayes Hotel lit up the entire street.

Luxury cars filled the parking lot one after another.

Tonight was supposed to be a happy day.

It was the third wedding anniversary of Ethan Hayes and Emma Carter.

Emma stood in front of the hotel entrance, holding a small gift bag tightly.

Inside was a limited-edition wristwatch.

She had spent almost a year saving money to buy it.

Every time Ethan worked late, she secretly took extra freelance translation jobs online just to afford it. She wanted to surprise him.

She smiled to herself.

"Maybe this year will be different."

For three years, Ethan had always been cold toward her.

He rarely came home.

He never remembered her birthday.

He had never bought her flowers.

But Emma never complained.

She believed that one day, he would finally see how much she loved him.

Taking a deep breath, she walked into the ballroom.

The room was beautifully decorated with white roses and crystal lights.

Business partners, celebrities, and wealthy families filled the hall.

Everyone greeted her politely.

"Good evening, Mrs. Hayes."

"You look beautiful tonight."

Emma smiled and thanked them.

Her eyes searched the crowd.

She couldn't find Ethan.

Just then, the entrance became noisy.

"Mr. Hayes is here!"

Everyone turned around.

Emma's face immediately lit up.

But the smile slowly disappeared from her lips.

Ethan wasn't alone.

A beautiful woman in a long red dress was holding his arm.

Sophia Blake.

His first love.

The woman everyone believed Ethan should have married.

The guests immediately began whispering.

"Miss Blake is finally back."

"They look so perfect together."

"I heard they never stopped loving each other."

"Poor Mrs. Hayes..."

Emma felt her heart sink.

She stared at Ethan, hoping he would explain.

Instead, he calmly walked into the ballroom with Sophia beside him.

He didn't even look at his wife.

Sophia smiled proudly as if she had already won.

Emma forced herself to stay calm.

Maybe Ethan had a reason.

Maybe Sophia was just a business guest.

She walked toward them with a gentle smile.

"Ethan."

"Happy anniversary."

She held out the gift bag.

"I bought something for you."

Ethan glanced at the bag but didn't take it.

His expression remained cold.

"There'll be time for that later."

His voice was distant.

Like he was speaking to a stranger.

Emma quietly lowered her hand.

Before she could say another word, the host walked onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please."

The music stopped.

Everyone looked toward the stage.

The host smiled brightly.

"Mr. Ethan Hayes has an important announcement."

The guests began clapping.

Emma smiled again.

She thought Ethan had prepared a surprise for their anniversary.

Maybe she had misunderstood everything.

Ethan took the microphone.

His handsome face showed no emotion.

He looked across the crowd before his eyes finally landed on Emma.

"I appreciate everyone for coming tonight."

"I didn't invite you here to celebrate my anniversary."

The ballroom suddenly became quiet.

"I invited you here because I have something important to end."

Emma's smile slowly faded.

Ethan reached into his suit pocket.

He pulled out a document.

The bold words on the first page were impossible to miss.

DIVORCE AGREEMENT.

Emma's fingers tightened around the gift bag.

Her breathing became uneven.

"No..."

she whispered.

Ethan walked toward her.

Every step felt heavy.

When he stopped in front of her, he handed her the papers.

"I've already signed."

"You only need to sign yours."

Emma stared at him in disbelief.

"Ethan..."

Her voice trembled.

"Today is our anniversary."

He looked into her tearful eyes without the slightest warmth.

"Our marriage was a mistake."

"I only married you because my grandfather forced me."

"Now the woman I truly love is back."

He gently reached for Sophia's hand.

"I don't want Sophia to wait any longer."

The room fell into complete silence.

Emma felt as though someone had ripped her heart out.

Three years.

Three years of loving him.

Three years of waiting for him.

Three years of hoping he would one day love her back.

Yet tonight...

He had chosen to humiliate her in front of everyone.

Her hands became weak.

The gift bag slipped from her fingers.

Crash!

The expensive watch hit the marble floor and shattered into pieces.

Just like the dreams she had held onto for three long years.

Emma slowly lifted her head.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

She looked at the man she had loved with all her heart.

"Tell me one thing."

"Were those three years... meaningless to you?"

Ethan didn't hesitate.

"Yes."

That single word broke her completely.