Chapter 2

After years in the business world, Renee had become skilled at keeping her emotions hidden. She always carried herself with a calm, distant air, like nothing could touch her.

She calmly nodded. "Got it."

"Come on, let's go home," Adam said with a warm smile. He looked handsome and gentle, like someone out of a dream. "I was called away for work on our anniversary yesterday. To make it up to you, I'll cook dinner myself tonight."

Adam thoughtfully took her bag in one hand and held her hand gently with the other. Without giving her a chance to pull away, he led her out of the office. Unable to stand the thought of being close to him anymore, Renee tried to free her hand, but his grip was too tight.

As they walked away, a wave of gasps and whispers followed.

"Gosh, I'm so jealous! Mr. Graham treats his wife so well!"

"They're really a match made in heaven!"

"Mr. Graham is seriously handsome."

"Ms. Whitley is so lucky!"

"I'd die happy if I had a boyfriend like that."

"Ugh, now I believe in love again. No, wait! I need to watch a true crime documentary to calm down."

-

Renee and Adam had built the company together, and many people had watched their love story unfold. The same people had also been there when the couple got married.

Some even said, "If Mr. Graham and Ms. Whitley ever divorce, I'll never believe in love again."

As she listened to everyone's compliments and envy, Renee couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness.

Adam smiled and made some small talk with the staff, then took Renee to the garage. When they reached his car, he opened the door for her like a gentleman and made a playful bow.

"Princess Renee, your chariot awaits."

Princess Renee?

Back when they were deeply in love, he used to call her that in his teasing, affectionate way. Now, hearing it again only reminded her of him calling Kayla in the same manner earlier.

Hah! Guess he had a whole kingdom of princesses, huh?

The thought made Renee feel sick, but she kept her face calm. She ducked into the car and closed her eyes, pretending to rest. Once they were both in, Adam's assistant, Cole Hill, started the engine and drove them out of the garage.

"You're still mad?" Adam asked. His patience was clearly wearing thin, the smile fading from his face. "Renee, you're not being very nice today."

Renee opened her eyes and met her husband's gaze, which held a trace of irritation now. She couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh.

So, this was what it felt like. When love faded, patience vanished too.

"Adam, I've been pouring everything into work these past few years. I feel like I've missed out on a lot. I'm tired. I want to quit," she said.

Adam didn't think much of it and smiled without hesitation. "Sure. From now on, I'll take care of you."

As he spoke, he leaned in like he was about to kiss her.

Seeing that, Renee quickly said, "I was up late working yesterday, so I'm a little sleepy. I'm just going to rest my eyes for a bit."

"You've been working too hard," he murmured, brushing his hand gently against the side of her head. "Here, sleep on my shoulder."

This time, Renee didn't pull away.

About 40 minutes later, the car pulled up to Camphor Manor. They got out, hand in hand, and a maid greeted them at the door.

"Welcome back, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Graham. Madam Irene is here."

Adam simply grunted in response.

In the living room, Irene Murray sat poised and composed on the couch, dressed in a black silk dress. It seemed as though she had been waiting a while.

"Why are you here?" Adam asked coldly.

Irene gave a sharp snort. "What, a mother can't come see her own son?"

"Of course you can," Adam replied with no real interest, brushing her off.

He turned to his wife, his voice instantly soft as he said, "Renee, sit and relax for a bit. I'll go make us dinner."

He gently pressed her down onto the couch, then picked up the large bouquet of roses. "Martha, find a vase and take care of these for me."

The housekeeper, Martha Evans, came forward and took the flowers with a smile. "What a beautiful bouquet."

Adam grinned proudly. "They're for my wife. Of course they're beautiful."

"Ah, you and the missus are such a loving couple," Martha praised.

Hearing that, Adam beamed with delight.

Renee watched the whole scene unfold. It was easy to see that Adam really was happy, just from that one compliment. But what about last night? What did all that passion with Kayla even mean, then?

"You look pathetic," Irene snapped, unable to stand the way her son fawned over Renee like a lovesick puppy. She rolled her eyes. "Spineless."

Adam didn't seem bothered. "Mom, you just don't get it. Pampering one's wife brings good luck."

"We already have money. What nonsense are you even talking about?" Irene huffed, clearly fuming.

Adam waved her off. "I'm not getting into this. I'm going to go cook."

Once he and Martha were out of sight, Irene turned to Renee. Her gaze turned sharper than before as she sneered.

"Have you no manners? Can't you greet me when you see me?"

It was clear now that Adam was gone, Irene couldn't even be bothered keeping up appearances.

She was in her fifties, but thanks to careful upkeep, she looked no older than forty. She still carried herself with elegance, but behind that polished appearance was a sharp, overbearing edge. Just sitting there, she exuded superiority, her expression full of disdain.

Renee knew her well. Compared to Irene's usual barbs, this was practically gentle.

"So, what wisdom will you impart on me today?" she asked, changing the subject.

In the past, even if the two didn't get along, Renee had always been respectful. But today, her indifference was obvious and out of character.

To Irene, that felt like a direct challenge.

Her eyes dropped to Renee's stomach. "Are you pregnant?"

Renee was absentmindedly scrolling through her phone when the question landed, and her fingers paused mid-swipe. After a moment, she looked up and met Irene's gaze, her eyes calm and cool.

"When we got married, Adam said he never wanted kids."

Years ago, one of Adam's close friends died from childbirth complications. It had shaken him badly. After that, he had vowed to live child-free for the rest of his life.

Back then, Adam had probably loved Renee genuinely. But love didn't always last.

"Never wanted kids?" Irene scoffed. "Only someone like you could make infertility sound like a lifestyle choice. In the end, you're just a useless woman who can't give him children. What, planning to cling to Adam forever?"

Renee's lips trembled slightly. She looked down at the cup of water on the table, then calmly picked it up and threw its contents straight at Irene's face.

"I can't have children because of you. And now you have the nerve to mock me? Have you forgotten how you begged me to keep it from Adam?" Renee said coldly.

Irene had never been humiliated in her life. Not like this!

Furious, she jumped up and stormed over. With her hand raised, she screamed, "You wretch! How dare you?!"

Smack!

The slap echoed through the living room.

However, it didn't land where Irene intended. Renee had caught the older woman's wrist and slapped her instead. The blow sent Irene stumbling backward. She collapsed onto the couch, holding her cheek in disbelief.

"You actually hit me! Have you completely lost your mind?!"

In contrast to Irene's angry outburst, Renee remained perfectly calm.

She flatly replied, "You can take the slap. What, did you really think I'd still cover for you like I used to?"