**Reed's POV**
The bulge beneath the covers sat exactly where it had yesterday, unchanged in position and angle.
My heart plummeted at the sight. I rushed forward and ripped away the blanket, revealing nothing but empty sheets.
Jenifer had vanished.
Every nerve in my body went haywire.
Romano's shouting stopped abruptly. The silence pressed down like a weight, squeezing my chest until breathing became a struggle.
I swept my gaze across the room, focusing on the curtain that hid the walk-in closet. My throat constricted as I forced myself forward, each step heavier than the last.
I yanked the curtain back—nothing.
The suffocating atmosphere intensified, and panic crashed over me like a flood. My heart felt shackled, worry paralyzing my movements.
Standing frozen, Romano—still so young—began picking up on the tension. He wandered over, tilting his head up at me with bewildered eyes. "Dad, did Mom go away?"
Darkness clouded my vision.
Something blocked my throat, preventing words from forming despite my attempts.
That's when Romano's muffled whimpers reached me.
I shut my eyes and lifted the boy into my arms. "Everything's fine. She just stepped out and she'll return soon. I'll drive you to school today."
Romano wrapped his arms around my neck, pressing his face against my chest. His voice wavered with doubt and sorrow. "Did Mom leave because I was naughty?"
"I didn't mean to be bad." Being just a child, he couldn't contain his feelings. His words dissolved into sobs.
I clenched my jaw, rubbing his back in gentle circles.
After getting Romano settled at school, I raced back home, thoughts spinning wildly.
I bounded upstairs to Jenifer's bedroom. As expected, the wastebasket beside her bed overflowed with trash. I scowled, paused briefly, then grabbed a glove.
My expression darkened as I extracted a ring from the garbage.
Our wedding band.
Through all our years of marriage, Jenifer had never removed it. Yet here it lay, discarded and silent among the refuse.
What message was she sending?
I couldn't stop the thoughts from spiraling.
My mouth formed a hard line. Frustration exploded, and I kicked the nightstand, sending it crashing. After releasing that burst of rage, I drew a steadying breath, forced composure, and carefully returned the ring before dialing Jenifer's number once more.
Again, straight to voicemail.
I stared at the phone with an unreadable expression, my gaze icy and remote—emotionless as carved stone.
Turning deliberately, I headed toward the master bedroom.
From the closet's depths, I retrieved an old phone.
I dialed her number again.
The call connected quickly.
Jenifer's voice came through, bright as always. "Hello, who's calling?"
So she'd blocked me.
Understanding this, I couldn't suppress a bitter laugh.
Just one cold laugh.
Jenifer recognized me instantly.
"Beep, beep, beep..."
The line went dead.
I gripped the device so hard its edges carved grooves into my palm.
Through gritted teeth, I roared, "Jenifer!"
Oakwood stretched endlessly yet felt tiny. Despite every effort, I still couldn't track down Jenifer face-to-face.
"Whatever it costs, locate Jenifer!"
I focused on the upcoming Oakwood Fireworks Design Contest, "Illusion," which was set to launch in early January. It was a major event, a precursor to an international exchange happening in the summer, and the top three winners would get a rare opportunity to design for the evening gala.
I wasn't about to let this slip by. The fireworks company bearing my name meant everything, so when word of the contest reached me, I chose to captain the team myself.
The event commanded respect, drawing local dignitaries.
The competition took place at Oakwood Sports Center, where participants would craft fireworks designs on the field while simulations played on massive screens behind them.
Time permitting, they could also produce actual firework samples in controlled conditions, offering judges and spectators a richer experience.
Beyond the official panel, other industry experts attended as observers. The front two rows packed with VIPs, while media crews claimed prime filming positions.
In the preparation area backstage.
Wearing a black T-shirt, I stood with my phone pressed to my ear, expression grim.
"Beep, beep, beep..."
No connection again.
Since that last successful call using a borrowed number, I'd tried countless times without getting through.
I exhaled heavily, passing the phone back to my teammate. "Appreciate it."
My teammate shook his head rapidly. "Don't mention it, Mr. Gould. It's my privilege to assist you. Don't stress—with you guiding us, victory's guaranteed!"
As a fireworks design professional, I'd studied chemistry before diving into pyrotechnics straight after graduation.
Natural talent ran in my blood.
Within months of launching my business, my firework display "Nebula Bloom" earned Oakwood's acclaim.
A few short years later, "G" ranked among Oakwood's top 100 enterprises.
This accomplishment deserved pride anywhere, and my parents had always celebrated my success. When G joined the Chamber of Commerce, they pushed for me to inherit the family empire.
But I remained stubborn. Their business held zero appeal.
My passion belonged to fireworks.
Furthermore, my sudden marriage to Jenifer—a girl without family—had crushed their expectations.
Our relationship had stayed distant ever since.
When Jenifer abandoned our home and Romano needed care, Lorelei stepped forward to help.
Though I hated imposing on her, no alternatives existed.
Lorelei brought Romano to the competition.
They sported coordinated outfits, standing together and attracting considerable attention.
——
**Jenifer's POV**
As my team and I approached the back entrance, I spotted them—Romano still beaming despite my prolonged absence.
I couldn't help releasing a hollow laugh.
Natalia, sensing trouble, had decided to accompany me this time. Hearing my laughter, she asked curiously, "What's amusing? What caught your eye?"