Chapter 2

When I fell into a deep puzzle about the deep relationship between Preston and his assistant, I accidentally dropped my fork on the floor.

My fingers trembled as I bent down to pick it up.

When I straightened, I saw Preston already heading to the main door, ready to leave. Without looking back, he tossed over his shoulder.

"Something urgent came up at the office. I'll just give you a ride next time, Claudia." he said before hurrying out the door.

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. Why was it so hard for him to drive me to work when we only worked for the same company, his own company.

"What's new, Preston? You're always like this..." I mumbled to myself before fixing my things and go to work with myself.

I went straight to my cubicle when I arrived at work after a half an hour. Even though I didn't look at my workmates, I knew they were staring at me with concern and sympathy in their eyes.

My brows furrowed. What is it this time?

I just ignored them and started working when I suddenly felt thirsty. I took my tumbler and went to the break room to get water. But while I was filling my tumbler with water, I overheard two of my workmates whispering to each other.

"So it's true, huh? Sir Preston really ditched Claudia just for his assistant? That's really intriguing!" I heard.

"Right! You should have seen it this morning! Penelope just came in with a little stain on her dress and you know what? Sir Preston picked her up in front of everyone in the meeting room," the other replied.

Hearing that, my hand slipped and my tumbler dropped on the floor, cutting off their gossip. I crouched down to pick up my tumbler then wiped the floor with a tissue and carefully tossed them into the trash can without saying anything.

I ended up working late. My mind was flying. I can't concentrate and I can't deny that I was hurt by what I heard even though I had witnessed it myself. I stopped myself from crying, because I wasn't like that. They see me as strong so I had to pretend. I didn't want to look pitiful in front of them.

When lunch break came, I was really hesitant to go to the cafeteria because I might witness there a scene of Preston and Penelope again. As if I was the one who had to adjust even though I was the girlfriend and she was just an assistant.

I was about to stand up and get my bag because I also felt a little hungry when I heard my workmates again in front of my cubicle.

"Have you seen them again at the cafeteria, Jessica? They're really sweet! How can they do this to, Claudia?"

I heard my name and still, I stayed silent.

"Sir Preston and that assistant of his has really something! I smell secret relationships but they're too vulgar, right? What if Sir Preston and Claudia already broke up? Because girl, if I was in her shoes... I would literally cut off that assistant's hair!"

After that, I heard their footsteps walking away and I was left speechless. I just chose to stay at my table and just sit down again.

I knew it. I knew they won't feel any shame. I was the one who was ashamed of them so I just took my simple sandwich from my bag and ate that for lunch instead of going to the cafeteria.

It was past ten o'clock when suddenly, I felt a weight on my shoulders.

"Claudia," I heard Preston muttered, draping a coat on my shoulders, "why didn't you respond to my messages?"

I didn't turn around instead, I checked my phone to see if there is really a message from him:

From: Preston

[What flavor of milkshake do you usually like?]

My brows are almost furrowed and confusion eats me. Like, why he's asking me now about my favorite milkshake? Because until now, I can clearly remember what he was said to me three years ago.

When I ask him for a simple milkshake that summer, he had only looked at me with disdain and said, "Milkshake? You want me to order a milkshake for you? Claudia, you're almost 30! Don't make me sick with this childish crap!"

But now behind me, there he was, bringing me a milkshake I didn't ask for. Because I'm already tired and scared of asking him for something because in the end, he will just judge me.

I focused my eyes on the computer screen, ignoring him and the milkshake because I knew he was just forced to do it.

I could sense his facial expression shifting as he spoke again. "You used to beg me for this, Claudia. What's wrong with you?" he said, sounding confused.

"It's past 10. If I drink it now, I won't be able to sleep," I said, full of nonsense.

There was a brief silence between us. Then, in a cold voice, he muttered, "I'm going to the bathroom. Let's go home together after."

Barely 30 seconds later, his phone lit up on my desk. I glanced to see that it was a message from Penelope. My blood suddenly boils inside.

From: Penelope

[You silly! Who sends dozens of milkshakes all at once? You're not trying to turn me into a little piggy, are you? Shivering here!]

I shifted my eyes back to the computer screen nonchalantly and organized the files on my desk. Now, I literally lose my mood!

We got home a little after 11. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I headed straight into our bedroom and Preston took a quick shower so I started packing my things.

When Preston walked out to the bathroom, freshly showered, he noticed my vanity looking emptier than usual.

He frowned but didn't seem to mind it.

"Hey, I'm going on a business trip to Paris next month. If you want anything, just make a list and I'll get it for you."

I rolled my eyes secretly. "Nah. I don't want anything. Thanks anyway."

After all, I was leaving in a few days without him knowing. So what was the point?

Suddenly, he aggressively threw his towel onto the bed, then looked at me with his cold eyes.

"So, what now with your attitude? You're upset because I bought you the wrong breakfast earlier? Is that what this is about?"

I opened my mouth to explain I wasn't angry, but he let out a scoff before I could speak.

"You know I can't stand women being dramatic. Claudia, you're being out of line," he said with a hint of disgust and dismay.

"Oh, that's why you prefer somebody else now..." I said in a low tone.

I could see the irritation building on his face and before he could speak, I turned away and continued what I was doing.

I heard him gasped dramatically, he stormed into his study room, slamming our room's door closed.

When he left, I let out a heavy sigh. I don't know why I can't cry anymore when he treats me like this. In our seven years together, he was always the first to give countless silent treatments. And every single time, I had always humbled myself to apologize and make it up for him. I can't concentrate when he's angry with me and doesn't pay attention to me but now, I'd rather not pay attention to us.

This time, I just cocked an eyebrow and turned off the bedside lamp, ready to sleep. Preston stayed in his study room all night and for the first time, he didn't hear a single knock on his door from me just to apologize to him and tease him to sleep in our room.

The next morning, I made breakfast for both of us as usual. I didn't even bother myself to wake him up because I knew it would just end in a fight.

I'd just finished eating and was getting ready to leave for work when Preston came out of the study room.

He was on his phone when he barked at me, "Take the day off, Claudia."

I looked up at him, confused. "For what? I have nothing to do here-"

"I need you to make me an identical fondant cake by 5 p.m." he said casually makes me lose my breath.

I felt a twinge in my chest. I realized... he no longer sees me as his girlfriend but as just a servant.