The morning sunlight spilled onto the bed through the gap in the curtains. Sebastian habitually reached out to hold the person beside him, but his hand found only empty space. "Elena?" He sat up and found Elena already fully dressed, sitting on the single sofa by the window, holding an art book. "Why are you up so early today?" Sebastian walked over and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I was too tired last night to keep you company properly. I've cancelled all my meetings today. I'll take you to the beach house in Long Island to relax, how about that?" That was the first vacation home they had designed together many years ago. Elena closed the art book and nodded faintly. "Alright." On the way to Long Island, Sebastian behaved like the impeccable, perfect husband. He carefully adjusted the car's temperature, played the classical music she liked, and even remembered to buy her an iced oat milk latte—no ice—when they passed a service area. If his phone screen hadn't lit up every five minutes, Elena might have truly fallen into the illusion that life was peaceful and good. Every time the phone vibrated, Sebastian would glance at it quickly, then nonchalantly turn off the screen, yet the corners of his mouth would always uncontrollably tilt upward. Arriving at the beach house, the two walked along the sand. "Look, Elena, that's the oak tree we planted together. It's grown so tall," Sebastian said, pointing into the distance with a nostalgic tone. "You said we would grow old together here." Just then, a few young tourists recognized Sebastian. "Oh my god! It's Sebastian Winters!" "Mr. Winters, can we get an autograph? We're architecture students; you're our idol!" "Mrs. Winters is here too! You two are truly a perfect match, simply the model couple of the industry!" Faced with the fans' enthusiasm, Sebastian skillfully displayed a decorous smile, wrapped his arm around Elena's waist, and posed for photos. "Thank you for your blessings. Half of my achievements belong to my wife," he said affectionately. Amidst the sound of shutters clicking, Elena forced the corners of her mouth into a stiff smile. Just then, Sebastian's phone suddenly rang with a piercing, special-priority ringtone. His expression shifted slightly. He quickly released his hold on Elena and pulled out his phone. Seeing the content on the screen, his brow instantly furrowed, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes. "Apologies, everyone. There's a problem with an urgent project at the company; I have to handle it." He hurriedly dismissed the fans and turned to Elena. "Elena, there's a serious structural hazard at the construction site. I have to rush over there immediately. I'll have the driver take you home first, okay? Next time... next time I'll definitely make it up to you." "Next time" again. Elena looked at his anxious expression and sneered internally. Structural hazard? Just a moment ago, out of the corner of her eye, she had glimpsed the message popping up on his screen—an image sent by a contact named "Little Fox." The image was of a cut finger, captioned: "It hurts so much. I miss you." This was his so-called "urgent project." "Go ahead. Work is important," Elena said calmly. Sebastian looked relieved. He hastily pecked her on the cheek and, without even waiting for the driver to come over, jumped directly into the car and sped away in a cloud of dust. Watching the Aston Martin race away, Elena took out her own phone. She opened a livestreaming app and searched for an ID—"MIA_Design." Sure enough, the livestream was on. In the frame, Mia was sitting in a premium ward of a private hospital, holding up a finger adorned with a cartoon band-aid, whining to the camera. "Babies, I accidentally cut myself with a utility knife. It hurts so bad. But it's okay, my knight is on his way. He said that as long as I call, he'll appear by my side like Superman." The barrage of comments was filled with envy. "Is this what it feels like to be pampered?" "That knight must really love you!" "What a divine romance!" Elena watched expressionlessly until, twenty minutes later, the door to the ward was pushed open. Although the camera didn't capture his face, Elena knew that familiar figure, that bespoke grey suit, and that anxious voice all too well. "Mia! What happened? Is the cut deep?" Sebastian rushed into the frame, kneeling on one knee by the bed, cradling Mia's hand, his eyes full of distress. "What did the doctor say? Do you need stitches?" Mia giggled and threw herself into his arms. "I tricked you! It's just a little scratch. I just wanted to see you." Sebastian froze for a moment, then helplessly and dotingly tapped her nose. "You mischievous little fox, you scared me to death. For you, I dumped my wife in Long Island." "Hmph, that's what you get for being mine." Mia lifted her chin triumphantly and pecked him on the lips. The livestream chat exploded. "Omg! His voice is so swoon-worthy!" "Dumped his wife? What kind of domineering CEO plot is this?" "A bit toxic, but so sweet!" Elena turned off the livestream. The sea breeze was a bit cold, making her eyes sting. She said to the arriving driver, "Don't take me home. Go to the auction house." "Ma'am, what are you going to the auction house for?" the driver asked, surprised. "To dispose of some trash," Elena said faintly. At the auction house, Elena dumped all the jewelry and designer bags Sebastian had given her, along with the diamond engagement ring that symbolized their marriage, onto the appraiser's table. "Auction everything. Donate the proceeds to the Women's Legal Aid Foundation." The appraiser looked at the famous "Winters Star" diamond ring in shock. "Mrs. Winters, are you sure? This is..." "I am sure." Elena interrupted him. "These things no longer have any value to me." After handling all this, Elena returned home and began to pack. She didn't need to take much. A few changes of clothes, a few sketchbooks—nothing more. Everything in this mansion was a shackle Sebastian had bestowed upon the identity of "Mrs. Winters." Since she was leaving, she would leave cleanly. Just as she closed her suitcase, the sound of an engine drifted up from downstairs. Sebastian was back. Earlier than expected. He pushed open the bedroom door, saw the suitcase on the floor, and his face changed instantly. "Elena, where are you going?" He strode over, a trace of imperceptible tension in his voice. "Why did you sell the 'Winters Star'? The people from the auction house just called me."