Affair

In front of an office building engaged in property, Edward, who looked like an ordinary staff with a simple appearance, was talking to a middle-aged man wearing a luxurious suit. Around them, several well-built men in black suits stood guard—they were personal bodyguards. Not far away, a luxury car with the Martian royal logo was parked, indicating they were from the kingdom that ruled the region.

As if keeping a big secret, the middle-aged man stood respectfully as he spoke: "Prince, I hope you return soon. The Queen Mother misses you, and her health is declining. It is time for you to return to the kingdom and become the successor to the throne."

Edward, who looked unassuming, was no ordinary person. He was the crown prince of the Martian kingdom and also the youngest general in the Eastern region. A few years ago, Edward defeated the Jupy Nation, an immigrant nation initially well-received by the Martians. However, over time, the country showed ambition to control all of Mars. Thanks to Edward's persistence in leading the resistance, the Jupy were finally forced to stop their attacks and admit defeat.

Now, after bringing glory back to his people, Edward hid himself by living as a commoner. He worked as a staff member at a property company owned by a girl named Kyla from the Vijaya family and lived a domestic life with Elizabeth, the woman he loved and had been married to for almost a year. His whereabouts were completely unknown to anyone, including his wife. He took this decision to test the true love of Elizabeth, the woman he had saved from war years ago. However, a royal messenger now came to request his return.

"I understand, Uncle. But now is not the right time for me to return. I have important matters to settle here," Edward said firmly.

"What if His Majesty gets angry and insists on fetching you?"

"I will return, but not now. Tell Queen Mother to take care of her health. When the time comes, I will return and accept my destiny as the royal successor."

"But..."

"Trust me, Uncle. As for Father, I will talk about it later when the time is right."

"Very well, Prince. In that case, I will excuse myself. Good night."

After sending off the royal envoy, Edward drove his old car and arrived at the house he shared with his wife. His face looked tired, but happiness was evident. Today was his wife's 28th birthday. He had prepared a special gift, a luxurious sapphire bracelet, an ancestral royal family legacy. The gift was a symbol of love and a sign that Elizabeth would soon officially become his consort when Edward ascended the throne to succeed his father.

However, his steps suddenly halted on the stairs when he heard a man's laughter coming from the direction of his wife's room. His heart began to race with unease. The voice came again, this time more clearly.

"You're getting more beautiful every day. No wonder I'm crazy about you, dear."

Then Elizabeth's voice softly replied, "You are also handsome, kind, caring, and romantic. I am happy with you."

Edward's heart was in turmoil. His memory drifted to the past when he risked his life to save Elizabeth from being a prisoner of war. He remembered the loud explosion in a building where she was held captive, the dust scattering everywhere, making it difficult to recognize anyone. Yet, amidst the chaos, he had saved her. And now, hearing these words, his reality began to shatter.

"Don't you love your husband?" the man asked.

Elizabeth replied in a cold tone, "What nonsense is that? I don't love him. I married him because I thought he could fulfil my needs and make me happy. But it turns out I'm just suffering with him."

The words hit Edward like a thunderbolt in broad daylight. His hands clenched into tight fists, trying to contain the anger that was beginning to burn. However, he stood his ground, choosing to listen further, even though every word broke his heart more and more.

"Why don't you divorce him and marry me? That way, you can be happy with me," the man's voice sounded confident.

"That's not a bad idea," Elizabeth replied casually. "But it's not that easy. I want to get this house and the car he used to have. I'll give them to my mother."

"That's it?" The man chuckled. "That's a small matter. I can give it all to you. Please tell me what kind of house you want—in the city centre or elsewhere. Whatever, I'll give you the best."

"Really? Then, I'll divorce him as soon as possible."

Edward stood frozen, his body trembling with emotion. Every word he heard pierced his heart, shattering the trust and love he had placed in his wife. The woman he thought was faithful was cheating on him. Even more painful, the man was Steven, the manager of the company Edward worked for.

Just as Edward was about to stop everything and enter the room, his steps were halted again when he heard the continuation of their conversation.

"I heard he's getting promoted. Really?" Elizabeth's voice sounded full of a mocking tone.

"That's not possible. He will remain a lowly employee. I guarantee he'll never get it," Steven replied confidently.

Elizabeth chuckled. "Really? Then what about Miss Kyla? She seems to be interested in that stupid guy."

"Are you jealous?" Steven teased.

"Jealous? Of course not," Elizabeth replied sarcastically. "How could Miss Kyla like a poor young man like him? Miss Kyla is a beautiful and highly educated woman. She must be looking for a man who is her equal."

Then, the next sentence shattered Edward completely.