I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 1

Three years into their marriage, Maxwell Sterling suddenly threw Lyra Lennox a lavish birthday gala.

Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Lyra made a remarkably calm wish. "I hope to never cross paths with Maxwell Sterling ever again."

In the brilliantly lit ballroom, dressed in a sweeping white gown, she pressed her hands together in prayer before the candles. Her radiant complexion looked exceptionally serene in the warm glow of the flickering light.

Standing before her was Maxwell, surrounded by countless guests who had come to offer their congratulations.

In just that short span of time, a flicker of impatience already crossed his face.

"Max, what do you think Lyra wished for?"

Someone nearby chuckled softly. "I bet she wished to grow old with Max, and ideally, have him come home to her every single night."

The group surrounding Maxwell erupted into quiet, mocking laughter.

"She's dreaming. Just managing to marry him was pure dumb luck."

"Please, she was just shameless enough to cling to him. Back then, to join the Sterling family, she stubbornly stood in the pouring rain outside the Lennox estate for three days and nights until her family finally caved."

"Now that he threw her this massive birthday bash, Lyra's probably going to be even more desperately devoted to him."

"If she only knew this party was actually for..."

"Shut up."

Maxwell interrupted, his brows furrowed.

He possessed a striking, sharply contoured face with a high bridge of the nose. When he wasn't smiling, he radiated an unapproachable, icy demeanor—yet it was this exact look that had kept Lyra madly in love with him for over a decade.

Having finished her wish, she gazed quietly in his direction.

As their eyes met, Lyra offered a faint smile and casually looked away.

Maxwell lowered his head, whispering into her ear as intimately as a lover.

Her ear flushed with heat, but an icy wave washed over her soul. She had known all along that tonight's party wasn't really for her.

A few days ago, paparazzi had caught Aria Moon and Maxwell entering a hotel together, and a leaked video even showed them in the same room.

In an instant, a massive scandal had erupted online.

Everyone accused Aria of being a homewrecker, mercilessly tearing into her reputation.

As a rising star with countless endorsements and film deals, a hit like this could ruin Aria's career for years.

Lyra's only purpose tonight was to play her part in Maxwell's charade and clear Aria's name.

Standing in front of the cameras, she forced a bright smile and began to explain away the misunderstanding.