Chapter 2

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

So that was it.

I recognized the name. Chloe James was a senior executive at Julian’s firm.

Driven, razor-sharp, and wildly ambitious. She was everything I used to be.

I raised my eyes to meet with his. "How long has this been going on?"

Julian didn't even flinch.

"That’s irrelevant," he said, cool as ice. "What matters is that she fits every metric I require in a partner.

"She advances my career, expands my network, and biologically speaking, offers superior genetics for our children."

The sheer absurdity made my head spin.

"Because she’s younger, prettier, and richer?" I scoffed. "Do you have any self-respect left?"

Julian rubbed his temples, sighing softly. "Don't get emotional, Clarissa. Volatility was another deduction on your review."

A sharp, hysterical laugh escaped me. "Are you insane, Julian?"

He frowned, opening his mouth to lecture me again.

I didn't give him the chance. I slammed the bedroom door behind me.

Outside, midnight fireworks echoed into the sky while I tossed and turned, only drifting off as dawn broke.

When I woke up, a woman was sitting on our living room couch.

Chloe James.

Julian walked out of the bathroom, drying his hands. He glanced at me indifferently.

"I thought about it last night," he said. "Making a unilateral decision isn't entirely fair to you.

"So Chloe and I discussed it. We're taking you both to my parents' house today.

"I'll observe you side-by-side to determine who is truly better suited for this marriage."

My eyes widened in absolute disbelief.

Chloe actually chimed in, offering a sleek, polished smile.

"Clarissa, Julian’s doing this for your own good," she said gently. "You’ve stagnated for two years. You've lost your competitive edge.

"If you perform well today, you might still have a fighting chance."

I glared at her. "And you’re playing along? Doesn't wrecking a home embarrass you at all?"

She tilted her head and gave a soft chuckle. "Your marriage was already failing. Stepping in now isn't home-wrecking. It's taking an opportunity."

I had never heard anyone spin bullshit so naturally.

Julian checked his watch, impatience creeping into his voice. "Clarissa, don't waste time. Are you coming or not?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

His parents had always treated me decently. I decided to view this as my final goodbye to them.

I nodded.

On the way out, Chloe slipped straight into the front passenger seat.

Before shutting the door, she glanced back at me with a smirk. "Opportunity favors the bold, Clarissa."

I slid into the back seat, expressionless.

When we arrived at his parents' house, Chloe stuck close to Julian's side.

To anyone passing by, they looked like the married couple coming over for the holidays.

Carrying armfuls of holiday gift boxes several steps behind them, I looked like their hired help.

Before I even reached the doorway, his mother’s cheerful voice boomed from inside.

"Chloe, darling! You’re finally here! Your father-in-law, I mean, my husband has been talking about you all day!

"Come in, come in! Hurry, close the door, it’s freezing outside!"

Thud.

The front door shut firmly in my face.

I stood frozen on the landing, laden with heavy boxes.

From that warm, familiar tone, this was clearly not Chloe’s first visit.

Yet I had been kept entirely in the dark.

Even though I was the one who nursed them through every illness, they had never once mentioned her name.

A wave of cold laughter welled up inside me.

I laughed at my own stupidity for letting this entire family play me like a fool for so long.

Fine.

If this was the farce they wanted, I was done playing the clown.