Chapter 2

Augustus's car disappeared at the end of the driveway. I held the newly bought pearl necklace in my hand.

The 99th one.

The centerpiece was a rare black pearl, just as he had promised when apologizing for yesterday's "misunderstanding."

I walked into the bedroom and opened the custom jewelry box. Inside were 98 pearl necklaces arranged neatly, each representing a betrayal and an "apology."

Two years ago, I first saw those photos. Augustus and a young girl at a bar, his arm around her waist, both smiling brightly. I cried all night.

The next day, he came home with a box.

"Camilla, I... that was just a misunderstanding."

A ten-thousand-dollar pearl necklace. I was deeply moved by it at the time.

Now it seems utterly absurd.

From initial surprise to final numbness, my emotional journey was like the price of these pearls—constantly escalating until it became a pathological anticipation.

Six months ago, on my 30th birthday, he gave me the 90th necklace. That's when I decided: when I received the 100th necklace, I would ask for a divorce.

Just one more to go.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

The wiretapping software I installed could transmit audio in real time. Augustus had just arrived at his destination.

"Baby, ah, I missed you so much." A woman's voice, weak and powerless, as if she was about to cry.

It was Evangeline.

"I'm here." Augustus's voice.

Evangeline's voice became somewhat impatient: "Did that bitch prevent you from coming out again?"

"How can you say that about her?" Augustus suddenly raised his voice.

"But Augustus, she really is a vicious woman."

"Don't say that about her, Evangeline. Camilla isn't what you think."

The recording captured rustling sounds, then embracing and kissing. Minutes later, footsteps headed toward the bedroom.

Half an hour later, the wiretap audio transmitted another clear conversation.

"Tomorrow I'll go with you to handle this matter, but keep it secret—don't let Camilla know." Augustus's voice said.

Evangeline's voice was somewhat nervous, "When you said you'd give me a home, were you serious?"

"Of course." Augustus comforted her.

"Are you sure? If she finds out..."

"She won't. She doesn't care about anything except those pearl necklaces."

They laughed.

It was complete contempt.

He was going to buy her a house, promise her a home.

What about our home?

My hands were shaking.

I listened to the recording until dawn. Every passionate moan from Evangeline stabbed into my heart like a knife.

When I met Augustus, he was going through a turbulent period—emotionally frustrated.

Later I learned that the source of his emotional turmoil was Evangeline. They had known each other since college and had been in a relationship for two full years.

Augustus loved her with intense and fervent passion, the kind of love that usually belongs only to first love. However, his mother didn't approve of her, thinking she wasn't worthy, and even had her investigated.

I didn't know the investigation results, only that Augustus's mother thought she wasn't suitable for the Williams family. Under pressure from both families, they broke up.

When Augustus told me all this, I naively thought I had healed his heartbreak.

I thought we married for love.

Now I understand I was wrong.

The next morning, Augustus came home, acting as if nothing had happened. As soon as he saw me, he immediately showed concern.

"Baby, you look tired. Didn't sleep well last night?" He approached me, wanting to hug me.

"Make me breakfast." I pushed him away.

He paused, then smiled gently: "Of course. Sit down and rest, I'll make you oatmeal."

He turned toward the kitchen. I listened to his bustling sounds and noticed he had left his phone on the sofa.

My chance.

All the chat records were there.

Evangeline: "After you handle her, come pick me up? I would like to accompany you to her mother's house for a visit."

Timestamp: ten minutes ago.

Augustus: "Yeah, don't tell anyone."

Evangeline: "Relax, baby. Love you~"

I find it rather unsettling; what do they intend to do at my mother's house?

"Breakfast is ready!" Augustus called from the kitchen.

I quickly put the phone back in its place.

Augustus left after breakfast. He kissed my forehead, said "I love you," and then left.

I immediately took action.

I pulled out the background investigation report on Evangeline that Augustus's mother had commissioned years ago.

I subsequently drove to my mother's house—where they were gathered.