Chapter 2

I coughed, ignoring the sweat on my forehead and the ache in my legs, and hurried toward the technical department.

A few coworkers who'd been huddled together chatting were startled and quickly scattered, casting odd glances my way. I greeted them as usual and got to work.

A little while later, my supervisor, Carol Mercer, came over.

"Tim, about that training opportunity I mentioned the other day… It's gone."

Confused, I asked, "Wasn't it already confirmed? After the training, I'd be able to become a permanent employee."

Carol explained helplessly, "Ms. Blackwell from administration reassigned your spot to Edison. There weren't many slots this time, so you'll have to wait for the next round."

I had waited three full years for this chance to turn my temporary position into a permanent one, yet it had slipped away again.

Then, she frowned and continued, "These past couple of days, people in every department have been saying you're delusional and won't leave Ms. Blackwell alone. Tim, you really need to watch your personal conduct."

I had no way to defend myself. Christine had warned me that since she worked in administration, she needed to keep things professional and forbade me from ever mentioning our relationship to anyone.

We had been married for three years, yet it had never been made public.

Besides, the marriage certificate we'd gotten was fake, so even if I pulled it out now, it wouldn't prove a thing.

My coworkers pointed fingers at me, and some even deliberately made snide remarks right in front of me.

"Some people act all proper on the surface, but they're secretly chasing after another man's wife!"

"She's about to get married, and he's still shamelessly pestering her. How disgusting!"

I was numb to it all, my heart bitter and aching.

My family had always been strict and upright. Even as the youngest and most favored child, I'd never dared to step out of line.

But Christine had deceived me, used me, then abandoned me. And now she'd turned it all around, saddling me with this humiliating reputation.

After work, I avoided my coworkers and took the long way home.

Christine, standing under a big tree by the side gate, glared at me with displeasure. "What are you doing here? I warned you long ago to pretend not to know me in public! Now, get lost!"

I fixed a cold, indifferent gaze on her. Was this really the same woman who'd once vowed to love me and stay with me forever?

Everything had changed in just three years.

Christine's gaze flickered. "Are you still hung up on the training slot? Is it really that big a deal? You've already waited two or three years. What's another year or so?

"Ed has a better education than you, and he's been at the factory for much longer. You're no match for him. Just wait for the next round."

I listened aloofly and countered, "And what if… I can't wait?"

Christine was momentarily taken aback and frowned. "You're just an uneducated lad from the countryside. You should consider yourself incredibly lucky even to have a job here at all! Be grateful and stop dreaming about things beyond your reach."

I pushed down the pain inside. The training spot was something I had earned through my own hard work. How was that considered dreaming about things beyond my reach?

I pressed on. "And what's the deal with all those rumors going around the factory lately?"

I seemed to have hit a sore spot, as Christine lashed out angrily, "You're my husband! What's the big deal if a grown man endures some idle rumors? Everything I do is for our future! How can you be so shortsighted?"

My heart ached so much it went numb. I didn't even want to ask any more.

Noticing something off in my expression, Christine glanced around warily. "Don't just stand here. Go home."

Suddenly, Edison's voice came from not far away. "Chrissy!"

Christine jumped in fright and quickly walked over to him.

Edison took her hand and asked gently, "Have you been waiting long? Who were you just talking to?"