The Three-Hour Mirage

My relationship with Raymond Gable had just reached its sixth month. That evening, he took me to the most exclusive custom jewelry workshop in the city center. The diamonds in the glass cases glittered brilliantly, but none of it matched the intensity in his eyes. The designer stepped forward holding the blueprint, every detail personally decided by Raymond Gable. "This ring belongs only to you." He held my hand, his fingertips gently stroking mine. I could clearly feel the warmth of his palm, and the deep affection that seemed ready to overflow. "The custom fee of one million is nothing." He signed the order casually, his gaze fixed entirely on me. "What matters is, I want to give you a certain future." When the designer showed us the initial 3D model, Raymond Gable knelt down on one knee. He didn't take out a ring, but in the most solemn tone said, "Nora, marry me." My name is Nora Salk, and he always liked to call me that so intimately. Tears instantly blurred my vision. I nodded hard, my voice choking with sobs: "I do." He stood up and held me tightly in his arms. "I will love you forever, Nora." He whispered in my ear, his breath warm, "In this life, I'll only be good to you." That night, I fell asleep resting on his promise, my dreams filled with sweetness—images of the warm family we would build together. Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, I woke with no trace of sleepiness, my mind flooded with the memory of Raymond Gable's proposal. I rolled over and quietly slipped into the kitchen, wanting to make him a heartfelt breakfast to take to his company. Lately, he's been tied up with a big project, often working late into the night, and surely hasn't been eating properly. I toasted his favorite bread, fried a soft-boiled egg, and squeezed a fresh glass of orange juice. Carefully packing the breakfast into an insulated box, I changed into the dress he gave me, looked in the mirror, and couldn't hide the smile on my face. With the insulated box in hand, I hailed a cab and headed straight to Raymond Gable's company. The receptionist recognized me and smiled warmly, greeting me, "Miss Salk." "I'm bringing him some breakfast," I said. I smiled in reply. "You can go straight up. Mr. Gable said there's no need to notify anyone when you arrive." The receptionist handed me a temporary access card. I thanked her and stepped into the elevator. The elevator ascended slowly, and my heart began to race. Imagining Raymond Gable's surprised expression when he saw the breakfast, I couldn't help but smile. The elevator doors slid open to the quiet, spotless office on the top floor. Raymond Gable's office was at the very back, and I crept over quietly. The office door wasn't fully closed; it was left ajar. I was about to push the door open when I overheard a strange woman's voice from inside. "Raymond!" The woman's voice sounded teasing. My steps faltered, and an inexplicable tightening gripped my heart. I couldn't help but push the door open and step inside. Inside the office, Raymond Gable sat behind his desk, a woman in a white dress nestled against him. When the woman saw me, she lifted her head, a flicker of challenge in her eyes. Raymond Gable's brows immediately furrowed when he saw me. There wasn't a trace of surprise in his eyes—only disgust and coldness. "What are you doing here?" His tone was stiff, like he was shooing away someone irrelevant. I froze on the spot, nearly dropping the insulated box in my hand. "I... I brought you breakfast." My voice trembled a little. "No need." Raymond Gable cut me off coldly, "Who told you to come here? Get out." "Raymond, what do you mean by that?" I finally came to my senses, tears welling up, "Last night you still proposed to me, said you'd love me forever. Have you forgotten?" "Proposed?" Raymond Gable sneered, eyes full of mockery, "Nora, are you out of your mind? When did I ever propose to you?" His words were like a sharp knife, stabbing mercilessly into my heart.