Chapter 1
11 288 Wouchers
My husband Antonio Kaufman told me he was poor.
As a considerate wife, I’d been covering all the expenses at home since I married him three years ago.
Once, we went shopping together, and he wouldn’t even let me buy a bag worth 30 dollars.
Life went on until I stumbled upon his secret.
Antonio had bought his first love a diamond necklace worth more than 650,000 dollars on her birthday.
Turned out he wasn’t the debt–ridden poor guy but a wealthy billionaire.
He just didn’t wanna spend money on me.
***
After I came home late from work, I took a shower. While I was scrolling through my phone on my bed, a notification popped
- up.
“Famous actress Tessa Farrell received a 650–thousand–dollar diamond necklace from a mysterious tycoon for her birthday.”
I rubbed my eyes and zoomed in on the photo, my hands shaking.
Only a silhouette was captured, but after three years of marriage, I recognized who he was right away. That was my
0.00%
||| O <
Chapter 1
288 Vouchers
husband, Antonio Kaufman. He got a distinctive mole behind his ear.
650,000 dollars felt like an astronomical sum to me.
When I went shopping with him a few days ago, a 30–dollar bag caught my eye. But he wouldn’t let me buy it, saying it was too pricey.
I did some maths. After realizing how many daily necessities 30 dollars could buy, I gave up on it.
The stark contrast left me breathless.
‘Antonio and I met online.
After chatting for over two months, we met in person and instantly fell in love. Later, on Valentine’s Day, he proposed with a ring made from a soda can, swearing he’d buy me a big diamond ring once he made it big.
I said yes out of love.
He was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage, and his failure in business left him heavily in debt, so we kept our wedding simple.
We were living in a rental, and I was the one paying for it every month. All the daily living expenses were on me, too.
白:
To make ends meet, I worked during the day and served as a part–time waitress at night.
He spent all his salary paying off his debts.
He once told me, “Honey, thank you for giving me a home. Without you, I wouldn’t be this happy.
16.23%
111
O
<
Chapter 1
288 Vouchers
“Once I pay off the debts, I’ll work my ass off to earn money and give you a better life.”
He couldn’t help bursting into tears as he added, “If it weren’t for my failed business, you wouldn’t have to suffer with me. I’m so sorry.”
I pecked a kiss on his cheek and comforted him, “Honey, it’s okay. I’m happy as long as I’m with you.”
Back then, I thought I was the happiest woman in the world.
Antonio was handsome. He didn’t smoke or drink, and he loved me wholeheartedly. Except for being broke, he was the perfect husband.
I thought as long as we worked hard, we’d pay off the debts in no time.
But now, I realized he’d been feeding me with his lies.
I couldn’t help biting my lip, sobbing.
Just then, I received a message from Antonio.
“Honey, there are more customers tonight, so I’ll be working overtime to repay the debts. No need to wait for me. Just sleep when you feel tired.”
Antonio worked as a courier during the day and drove as a designated driver at night sometimes.
If I hadn’t seen that photo, I would’ve bought that bullshit.
I didn’t understand why he had to lie to me.
I stayed up all night, and Antonio didn’t come home even until
35.86%
Chapter 1
morning.
788 75chers
After washing up, I left the house without having breakfast. Walking out in a daze, I saw a familiar figure across the street.
I quickly hid behind a tree.
Antonio got out of a Bentley. The expensive suit I saw in the photo last night had been changed into the cheap T–shirt and jeans I’d bought him.
A middle–aged man respectfully handed him a bag of my favorite breakfast.
As soon as Antonio took the bag, another car pulled up in front of him.
The man getting out was my friend’s boss–the CEO of a tech
company.
He approached Antonio and bowed, but Antonio just ignored him.
I heard from my friend that her boss was a big shot, yet in front of Antonio, he acted so humble.
When Antonio returned home, he called me.
I stared at the caller ID “honey” on the screen, tears welling up
in my eyes.
After taking a deep breath, I answered the phone.
“Honey, I’m home. I bought your favorite breakfast.
“Something came up at work, so I had to come to the office ahead of time. Sorry you’ll have to eat alone.”
55.72%
Chapter 1
288 Vouchers
Antonio’s voice sounded downcast. “I’ll make you something delicious when I get back, I promise.”
I said okay and hung up.
Then I texted my boss, asking for a day off. I gotta figure out where Antonio was “working.”
I saw down at a café across the street, waiting.
Around noon, Antonio finally came out.
Seeing him get into his Bentley, I put on a mask and hailed a cab to follow him.
We arrived at a high–end restaurant. As the Bentley stopped, the doorman hurriedly opened the door. Antonio got out and tossed the keys to the doorman. Apparently, he frequented this place.
I carefully followed him and watched as he entered a private
room.
There were several young men inside, all wearing suits, looking like some rich boys.
To avoid arousing suspicion, I pretended to be on a call in the hallway.
They ordered a lot of expensive cuisines, something I had only seen on variety shows.
But when Antonio was with me, he wouldn’t even throw away leftovers, saying he’d save them for the next meal.
Soon, I heard laughter coming from the room.
73.22%
Chapter 1
19 288 Vouchers
“Antonio, it’s hilarious seeing you in these shabby clothes. I mean, you’re a billionaire!
“How long do you plan to keep up this act? Don’t tell me you actually fell for that rube.”
Antonio countered, “Stop kidding! She’s just a pastime, not good enough for me at all.
“I told her I owed debts, and she said she’d pay them off with me. I’ve never met a more foolish and love–sick woman like
her.”
Laughter echoed in the private room, mocking my stupidity.
I felt.heartbroken, like someone had stabbed my heart.
Chapter 2
288 Vouchers
1