Even Tina couldn't quite articulate the fleeting panic that, in that moment, became tangible.

She felt like a caged eagle, majestic and beautiful, with a free and unyielding spirit and a clear mind, seeing through the life she had no choice in.

She had convinced herself to spend a lifetime tied by convenience to a man devoid of love, indifferent to whomever he might emotionally cherish or physically be with. That was why she laid out those clear-cut terms at their first meeting.

She wasn't looking for love in this marriage but to safeguard the Watson family's interests and her dignity.

But if she fell in love with her husband, her desires would change inevitably.

She could tolerate a husband who shared her bed but not her heart, where there was no affection, only mutual benefits, but not one who couldn't reciprocate her feelings. She could no longer calmly accept the idea of Phillip having affairs.

In truth, she harbored an extreme purity of spirit and body, wishing he would remain faithful. If other women appeared in his life, she'd lose her mind, becoming a hysterical, jealous wife.

She didn't want to be like that, too ugly and sad.

remained silent, standing quietly before

her coat, chilling her to the bone, though the cashmere scarf around her neck

that minute, she envisioned the sad trajectory of her future

had been upon their first meeting, looking casually proud in a

with it," she said,

acted normal but never spoke another word

her room. The following morning when Phillip was leaving

he glanced at her door, instructing the housekeeper not to disturb her sleep. She usually woke up around ten, just in

wondered if he should have checked

Tina's favorite cake. He noticed she was down, even

told him that Tina

over the past months, not a piece missing. She arrived with just one suitcase and left just as lightly packed. From that day, Phillip lost contact with her. Her phone was

active, showing her in Tanzania, capturing

to drink by the river during Tanzania's short

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