In December, just before Oliver's company went public, he took me away.
Our plane arrived in A cith in the evening. Amidst the bustling streets, he held my hand, parading me around openly.
I didn't understand why he wanted to buy me so many things. Hats, clothes, bags. The best ones were worn by me, while the extras were carried in his hands.
"Don't look so glum, smile a little."
Oliver seemed genuinely happy as he pinched my cheek and placed a fluffy hat on my head. "You look adorable."
Back when he was starting his business, I once accompanied Oliver to A city. We didn't have much money back then, unable to afford a hotel room and meal costing three figures per night.
Once, Oliver led me along the mainstreet in the downtown, staring at the cruise ship entirely booked by the wealthy for a long while in silence.
Now, he said to me, "Charlotte, I've chartered the entire cruise ship. Do you want to see the night view?"
I stood at the pier with my hands in my pockets, wearing a cute fox-eared woolen hat, and said indifferently, "Whatever."
Oliver chuckled. "Alright, consider it as accompanying me."
Tomorrow his company would be listed, and tonight he must be in high spirits.
The street at night was grand and resplendent. Standing on the deck of the cruise ship, I enjoyed the breeze as the music played by the band echoed under the night sky.
Oliver handed me a cup of hot milk. "Go inside. It's cold outside."
I didn't move. "Charlotte, don't stand too close to the railing. It's not safe."
Oliver pulled me over, tied my wind-tangled hair, and tucked it into the warm woolen hat.
Staring at the dark sea, I suddenly asked him, "What if I jump from here?"
"Your company's listing ceremony would be interrupted in such case, right?"
Oliver paused, then hugged me. "Charlotte," his scent enveloped me along with the wind. "If that's the case, I'll die with you."
I laughed. "What are you talking about? Tomorrow is your big day. I won't jump."
Oliver was amused too. "Then let's go in. There's your favorite piano performance inside."
I let him hold my hand as we walked under the spotlight in the center, watched by many people.
Smooth piano music played. Oliver was as elegant as he was.
He kissed my forehead. "Charlotte, happy tenth anniversary." So we had been together for ten years already.
"Is there any gift for me?"
Oliver held my hand. "Yes, but I can't give to you until tomorrow night."
I said, "Oliver, I have a gift for you too."
Oliver's black eyes locked onto me.
"Really?"
"Mm-hmm." Sometimes I found Oliver amusing.
So much had changed since our youth; why insist on being a couple in appearance only?
Oliver's phone rang. I didn't need to guess who it was.
I smiled. "Go ahead and answer. Don't missed anything important."
Oliver kissed my forehead and picked up the phone, walking away.
The moment he turned, the smile on my face vanished, and I turned to walk towards the deck exit.
The chilly wind swept through the extravagant harbour. Arriving at the railing, I took off the heels he gave me and placed them neatly beside.
Chills crept from my soles. Not far away, Oliver's voice sounded, "Relax, once I'm back, we'll get married."
See, he had been planning his future with Eleanor all along. It had started raining at some point. I removed my hat, touched it, and threw it into the darkness.
Watching it hook onto the ship and drift with the waves, I walked to the side of the cabin window, bundling up in my down jacket.
On my phone screen was a text message I had sent to the police. Oliver had kidnapped me. Tonight, his reputation would be ruined.
A few minutes later, Oliver suddenly rushed to the deck. "Has anyone seen my wife?" He grabbed a crew member passing by, his voice turning panicked.
A large group followed, speaking:"She came out…"
I stayed seated, huddled in a corner, watching them search fervently.
Seeing the shoes I left on the deck, Oliver's face instantly paled.
Someone pointed at the sea. "I saw her hat below."
Oliver started to strip his cloth off, stopped by the people around him.
"Mr. Grant, let's leave it to the professionals."
Oliver began to roar, "She's my wife! Who else besides me would sincerely save her!"
"Let go of me! I'll go find her!"
They hugged his waist and dragged him back.
"Stay calm! Stay calm. It's too dark to find her if you jump."
Oliver's eyes reddened, almost begging. "I can, I can find her, I beg you to let me go…"
I laughed mockingly watching Oliver put on a show in front of everyone.
How had I never realized Oliver was such a good actor?
"Mr. Grant, please calm down. We'll call the police for you."
Oliver collapsed to the ground, silent. Seeing him stop struggling, the man loosened his grip and took out his phone to call the police.
The next second, Oliver flipped over the railing. The sound of his plunge broke through the thick night.
I rose to my feet, the smile on my face vanishing. The wind swept through the empty deck. Oliver was nowhere to be seen.
