Chapter 0004

Drake’s POV

I was sitting in my office with Mia, and just being around her filled me with a lightness I hadn’t felt in six years. If she hadn't begged me with those pleading eyes back then, I never would have let her leave for that modeling contract in Paris.

Mia and I met at a gala seven years ago. She wasn’t just beautiful—she was magnetic. Being with her felt effortless. Charlotte, on the other hand, had been a complication from the start.

We first crossed paths in high school, but our real connection happened much later, in a hotel room I barely remember. By then, she had earned her MBA and was working at my father’s company. I never saw her as anything serious, but she forced my hand.

Even though we both gained something from this marriage, I knew she had been desperate to make it happen. She acted as if she loved me, but in reality, she only wanted to secure her position in my family's business once I inherited it. She never wanted me, only the title of Mrs. Watson, the power that came with it, and the wealth.

I should have known better back then. I still remember the letter she wrote before our engagement; a cold, emotionless sheet of paper that stripped our relationship down to a transaction. She made it clear:

‘Drake, I know you have feelings for me, but let’s be honest, this is about power and securing our future. Marriage is a business, and I know how to play the game. Let’s not mix emotions into something transactional.’

I had stared at those words for hours, waiting, hoping for a hint of hesitation. But there had been none. Not a single line in that letter spoke of love. No warmth, no sincerity. Just a woman outlining her ambitions as if I were merely a stepping stone.

That was the day I stopped believing in Charlotte.

That was the day I promised myself she would never get the happiness she wanted from me.

And now, with Mia back, it was finally time to push Charlotte out for good.

Our marriage never would have happened if not for the pressure to secure my family’s wealth. My father wanted me to appear more stable and responsible in the eyes of our investors.

Mia’s soft cough quickly snapped me back from my thoughts, grounding me in the moment.

She leaned in closer, her striking eyes locking with mine. The way they seemed to glow pulled me in completely. She then asked, “You said Charlotte’s role here is just a secretarial job?”

“Yes, dear. She is also a director,” I replied, my face lighting up with a smile.

Mia hesitated, then said, her voice like a gentle coo of a dove, “Then she shouldn’t be here anymore. Replace her.”

I didn't waste time granting her the authority. “You don’t need my permission. Do what you wish.”

Not even Charlotte has the authority I’m handing over to Mia right now. The truth is, there’s nothing between Charlotte and I, nothing at all. Not a connection, not even a child.

We could have divorced long ago since my parents had high expectations for a grandchild. But because I never wanted to have one with Charlotte, I kept giving them tactical excuses—waiting for Mia to return so I could have a child with her instead.

Mia laid her plan out bluntly. “First, we replace Charlotte with Alexandra Winters. Then, we start pushing her out completely—one step at a time.”

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. “Funny, that’s exactly what I had in mind. It’s like you’re reading my thoughts.”

Drake’s gaze softened with admiration as he leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “That’s why I trust you. You’re sharper than ever.”

*****

Along the walkway, Mia called out her best friend, who was standing close to Charlotte, “Alexandra Winters.”

Mia strode towards them, her stiletto heels clicked against the hardwood floor like the ticking of a time bomb.

"Alexandra is the new Director of Strategic Development," Mia continued, examining her manicure before fixing Charlotte with a cold smile. "Your department will be reporting to her effective immediately."

Charlotte’s stomach tightened as Mia’s words settled in. Replaced. The word hit like a slap, but she forced herself to stand still, to keep her expression neutral.

“My department?” The words came out quieter than she intended. “I’m the Director of Strategic Development.”

Alexandra's lips curved into a predatory smile. "Where, darling? That's past tense.”

Heat crawled up Charlotte’s neck. No. Not like this. Not publicly. She had spent years proving herself, working harder than anyone else in this company. She couldn’t just be sacked.

Without thinking twice, Charlotte turned on her heel, heading straight for Drake’s office. He wouldn’t let this happen. He couldn’t.

But before she could take further steps, Mia blocked her path, fingers curling around her wrist with surprising force.

"Where do you think you're going?”

"To speak with Drake," Charlotte said, pulling her arm free. "This is completely unprofessional."

Alexandra's laugh cut through the tension. "Speaking of unprofessional... is that how you plan to keep your job? Another private meeting with the CEO?"

"There's a difference between being qualified and being... convenient," Mia added, her voice dripping with innuendo.

"Are you actually surprised?" Mia arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "Everyone knows, Charlotte. It's been the topic of discussion at every charity gala and corporate event for months.”

Charlotte's throat constricted. "Know what, exactly?" She managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexandra didn't waste time in humiliating Charlotte, "That you slept your way into this position straight out of business school, and that's the only reason someone with your... background... could possibly have landed such a senior role."

I watched from a distance as Charlotte stood frozen, her fingers tightening into fists. She didn’t plead. She didn’t fight. She just stood there, silent, absorbing every blow.

My chest tightened.

For a brief moment, I saw her as she was that night—our wedding night. The way her hand hovered in the space between us, waiting for me to take it. The moment stretched too long before she finally let it drop, her expression unreadable. I had told myself I didn’t care back then. Just as I told myself now.

I looked away, my jaw tightening.

Whatever she felt now, she had brought it upon herself.

She made her choice. And I made mine. There was no going back.