Chapter 9: The Secret of the Third Floor

During the five years of our marriage, the third floor had always been a forbidden area for me.

However, I knew that the master bedroom on the right side was filled with Charlee’s photos.

Even after their breakup, Zachary could never forget her.

He had preserved that room as a place for their memories.

It was almost touching.

They must have loved each other deeply in the past and had been forced to separate.

Was he trying to show me their tragic love story so I would pity him?

I sneered at the thought.

But instead of taking me to that bedroom, Zachary led me into the study on the left side of the third floor.

The room was dark and quiet.

With a soft click, he turned on a switch.

Suddenly, the ceiling lit up with countless stars.

I saw the Big Dipper, the planets, the solar system, and endless constellations.

The stars shimmered softly, forming a breathtaking galaxy above us.

When Zachary turned on the floor lamp, the entire room became visible.

Three telescopes stood by the French window.

The bookshelves were filled with works by Einstein and other scientists.

The floor was scattered with medals and trophies.

I picked up a crystal trophy.

It read: Special Award for Physics Competition.

"Do you like astronomy?" I asked quietly.

Zachary nodded.

"I’ve loved it since I was a child. I once wanted to dedicate my life to it."

"But later, I had to give it up."

I wanted to ask why, but I stayed silent.

Because I understood.

I had gone through the same thing.

I used to be a passionate feminist with a bright future.

I was chosen and trained by my university’s department.

No one could understand why I suddenly gave everything up.

Why I became someone who sacrificed everything for her brother.

Why I became a so-called gold digger.

I didn’t want to talk about my pain.

So I wouldn’t ask about his either.

"Is this your secret?" I asked lightly, forcing a smile.

"You’ve only told half the story, haven’t you?"

"The bedroom next door—that’s another secret, right?"

"Your painful love story with Charlee."

I expected him to take me into that room.

But instead, he looked straight into my eyes.

"That’s not my bedroom," he said firmly.

"It belongs to my older brother."

I froze.

I had never heard that Zachary had an older brother.

"Your brother?" I asked in shock.

"Yes. We share the same parents," he replied.

My mind began racing.

Why would his brother’s room be filled with Charlee’s photos?

A dramatic story began forming in my head.

Two brothers… one woman.

Zachary must have won, while his brother lost everything.

Was that why he disappeared?

Was that why Zachary carried such a burden?

Before I could ask anything else, my phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from my mother.

"Frank has been sent to the ICU. Come back immediately."

My heart dropped instantly.