Chapter 2

It was Ethan who had forbidden me from accepting offers from top firms, insisting that a girl didn’t need to push herself so hard, promising he could provide for me.

Riding on his uncle’s influence, he had landed the title General Manager of a regional branch right after graduation. He told me he’d arrange a spot for me soon after, claiming he couldn’t bear the thought of us working in different places and not being able to see me.

The cruel irony was that long before I could even set foot in his company, Vivian had already claimed her spot.

Vivian slid her arm through Ethan’s, leaning her entire body against his.

“A toast, Mr. Hayes! As your executive assistant, I’ll be under your care from now.

“Though you really should treat Chloe a little better too. It’s rare for college sweethearts to stay together after graduation. In popular romance novels, when the female lead can’t find a job, her CEO boyfriend would hire her as his personal secretary.

“Kisses, hugs, doting affection every day—isn’t that just so romantic?”

Ethan scoffed. “Stop filling your head with that mindless garbage. It’s rotting your brain.”

Vivian pouted, tugging at his arm with cloying sweetness.

“Not at all! Besides, didn’t you say once I helped you secure that Southville project, you’d grant me a wish?”

I stood there, feeling like a complete and utter laughingstock, my cheeks burning as if slapped.

She was the one who started our cold war.

Three months ago, Ethan had taken Vivian out to meet a client.

I texted him, asking when he would be coming back to attend my graduation ceremony.

After an agonizing wait, what came back was a single photo.

In it, Ethan lay across a hotel bed, his face flushed red and his clothes disheveled.

My heart sank, and I dialed a video call right then and there.

Vivian picked up, wearing only a nightgown and using the braided bracelet I had crafted for Ethan as her hair tie.

“Hi Chloe, Ethan drank way too much and dozed off. Do you need something from him?”

I gripped my phone, my voice ice cold.

“He’s with you? Which hotel?”

Vivian knit her brows, her expression turning into aggrieved innocence.

“It’s not what you think…

“Ethan, look—it’s Chloe. She’s got things all wrong. Come, talk to her, explain!”

A second later, the camera shook, and Ethan’s hazy, half-drunken face filled the screen.

“Chloe, Vivian had too much to drink too. I just brought her back, was staying for a bit.

“You have no idea—she was incredible today! With just a few words, she got that difficult client to sign with us. She really deserves a reward!”

Vivian leaned in close, smiling sweetly at the camera: “Oh, stop it, Ethan! It’s the least I could do. After all, you’re the person I look up to the most!”

Delighted by her flattery, Ethan looked at her with eyes melting into pools of tenderness.

“Look at you, a smooth talker!

“Since you’re so capable, you can stay by my side as my assistant from now on.”

Vivian gasped in surprise, covering her mouth: “Really? Ethan, you’re the best!”

“Of course. When have I ever lied to you?”

“It’s a deal then—no taking it back!”

The two of them went on back and forth, totally ignoring me.

Only after a long moment did Ethan finally remember my presence. He asked into the camera, “Right, what did you call me for?”

I stared at the air ticket clutched in my hand and said softly, “Ethan, I booked a flight for tomorrow to attend your—”

“Ethan, look! I got you a graduation gift!”

My words were cut off once again by Vivian.

On screen, she held up an exquisitely wrapped box.

Ethan opened it, finding inside the latest Longines model—the exact one he had been raving about to me for weeks.

I lowered my head, looking down at the cheap watch I was going to give him, and quietly ended the call.