Chapter 3

I ended the video call with Rachel and set my phone down.

Nathan was about to question me again when his phone chimed.

Chloe had sent him a photo.

She was holding my bridal bouquet in front of the full-length mirror at our wedding venue.

Do you think this bouquet suits me for tomorrow’s promotional shoot?

Nathan looked down and typed back.

It’s beautiful.

A second later, Chloe called him on video.

“Nathan, the florist said this bouquet was designed to match Emma’s wedding dress. She won’t mind if I use it for the shoot, will she?”

Nathan turned the camera toward me.

“Tell her you don’t mind.”

“Go ahead.”

Chloe smiled and thanked me.

Nathan turned the phone back toward her and began helping her choose jewelry.

He never asked what I had meant when I said I had lost the baby.

When he finally got ready to leave, he noticed that I was still sitting at the desk. His brows drew together.

“Didn't I tell you to go to bed earlier? You're pregnant. Do I really have to remind you every day?”

“I still have some documents to review.”

“Why didn't you look at them during the day? You always leave everything until late, then when you feel sick, you accuse me of not caring about you.”

I didn't explain.

I had spent the entire day revising Chloe’s design.

He took his phone into the bedroom, and soon I heard her laughter coming from inside.

I reopened the project brief Rachel had sent me.

Aurelia Events was one of the most prestigious private event firms in the country. The budgets for the weddings they handled often exceeded our company’s total annual revenue.

I was studying the estate wedding I would soon be working on when Nathan came back into the room.

“Aurelia Events?”

He glanced at the logo on my screen and gave a quiet laugh.

“Why are you looking at their projects? Have you ever worked with clients at that level?”

“I’m just familiarizing myself with them.”

“Don’t waste your time. They reject most designers based on their résumés alone. Focus on finishing whatever Chloe needs first.”

I didn't tell him that Rachel had already confirmed my start date.

“It’s done. Did you need something?”

He paused, clearly not expecting me to let his remark pass without defending myself.

“There is something. The magazine editor loves the design, so I’m planning to announce Chloe as the new creative director at the rehearsal. What do you think?”

Creative director was my position.

And the design that had impressed the editor was the one I had spent three months creating.

“I have no objection.”

The tension visibly left his face.

“Then post a congratulatory message in the team chat. Some people here still resent her. If you publicly support her, it’ll be easier for her to lead the team.”

“I’ll include the handover details as well.”

“And I’m giving her your office. She’ll be meeting with editors and clients. She needs a proper workspace.”

“What about my things?”

“They’re boxed up in storage. You can pick them up tomorrow.”

He paused, then added:

“You’re going home to prepare for the wedding and the baby anyway. Once you stop letting your personal problems interfere with work, I’ll consider letting you come back.”

I stared at him.

He didn't just want to hand my position to Chloe.

He wanted me to admit that losing everything was my own fault.

And he still had no idea I had already submitted my resignation.

Whenever Chloe expressed the slightest concern, he called her immediately to comfort her.

My resignation email had been copied to him days ago, yet he hadn't even opened it.

When I stayed silent, Nathan’s expression darkened.

“Didn't you just say you had no objection? Emma, don't start changing your mind now.”

“I’m not.”

“Then stop looking so unhappy. Chloe has already moved into the office. If you make her leave now, how is she supposed to face the team?”

“This isn’t up for discussion. You can either cooperate with the handover or resign.”

I looked up at him.

Nathan leaned back in his chair, his eyes dropping to my stomach.

His voice was calm and certain.

“But think carefully. You’re pregnant, and the wedding is only weeks away. Are you really willing to throw all of that away over one position?”