Chapter 2

Back when we first started the company, he printed that photo and made me a promise.

"When we finally make it, I'll take you there, and we'll recreate this exact picture."

Seven years later, Julian had gone from an unknown employee to the CEO of one of Auremont City's biggest public companies.

Money and power were finally his.

But he never mentioned the trip again.

Julian was right.

Old things belonged in the trash.

I didn't reply. I opened his profile and deleted him from my contacts.

***

After finishing my exit paperwork with HR, I got ready to leave.

Just as I reached for the doorknob, I heard my coworkers outside.

"Seven years of marriage, and she agreed to the divorce just like that. Why does Esther still act so high and mighty?"

"Didn't someone cheat? What if it was her?"

"Had to be. Mr. Seibert probably caught her sneaking around. That's why she agreed so fast."

"I heard he even gave her company shares as compensation. He's way too decent..."

I lowered my eyes and stayed put.

Sandy, the HR manager, gave me an awkward look.

"Ms. Everett, they're just joking. Please don't take it seriously..."

I knew they weren't joking.

I could even guess who started the rumors.

Julian needed a clean excuse for Winnie showing up.

He needed to protect his precious girl.

So he pushed me out and made me take the blame.

When I stayed silent, Sandy forced another smile.

"Everyone knows how much you loved Mr. Seibert. You were there when he had nothing, and you helped him build everything he has now. Everyone admired you two.

"Those people don't know anything. They're just spreading rumors.

"I'll report them to their manager and make sure it's handled."

I went quiet again.

I'd been willing to struggle beside Julian because he'd once treated me so well.

He never hesitated to buy me the latest clothes, while he wore the same jacket for two years because he couldn't justify replacing it.

He remembered my birthday, our anniversary, and every little romantic occasion, but never his own birthday.

We got married in our hometown.

It wasn't extravagant, but it was elegant.

The nicest wedding our little town had ever seen.

He always gave me the best he could afford.

That was why, on our anniversary, under the dim lights, when he stared at the bride and groom on top of the cake and said,

"Esther, do you really think living like this means anything?"

I couldn't accept it.

I refused to divorce him.

I kept telling myself he still loved me.

I held on to that lie until we'd worn each other down so badly we couldn't stand the sight of each other.

Until he tried to buy me off.

That was when I finally gave up.

Snapping back to reality, I shook my head at Sandy and opened the door.

The coworkers outside went silent and looked down.

Not because of me.

Because Julian and Winnie were walking toward us from the end of the hall.

Winnie stood beside him with a brand-new badge around her neck.

[Design Director.]

The job I'd just left.

She held a stack of documents, awkwardly flipping through them.

Every so often, Julian leaned in to explain a clause.

Larrie Kane, Julian's secretary, followed a step behind.

He gave Winnie a polite smile, but the irritation in his eyes was obvious.

Then he saw me and froze.

"Ms. Everett."

Julian looked over at the sound of his voice, whatever he'd been about to say to Winnie dying on his lips.