Chapter 2

Jane had said that her apartment was being renovated, so she needed to stay in the guest room at the Ford residence for a while.

Zayne had agreed, saying, "The Dunn family has been our business partner for years. We have to show some manners."

That excuse sounded so legitimate, right?

He didn't even bother to ask my opinion, almost as though I were invisible.

So, Jane had moved into the Ford residence without any problems, walking around the estate like she owned the place.

She often wore revealing pajamas in the living room and would even interrupt us when I was talking to Zayne, cutting me off mid-conversation. Zayne didn't seem to mind, however. He actually seemed to enjoy having her around.

One time, as I was passing by the study, I heard Jane's laughter drifting out through the door. She was looking over a document with Zayne, both of them sitting very close together.

Jane leaned in so close her lips almost touched Zayne's ear, and she giggled. "Do you still remember, Zayne? You used to help me with my math homework."

Zayne chuckled. "Of course I remember. You were terrible at math back then. I had no choice but to help you."

His tone was so gentle. That was a side of him I had never seen.

My heart sank, and I suddenly didn't want to enter. I turned to leave, but it was too late. Zayne had already seen me.

"Perfect timing, Wendy. Jane suggested putting a swing in the garden," He said as he waved me over. "Come help us pick a style. What kind would you like?"

I had no choice but to force myself to enter the study. "Oh, anything's fine. I still have to finish my thesis, so you two go ahead."

I scratched my head. I would be leaving soon anyway, so the swing didn't matter. It wasn't meant for me, anyway.

Jane pouted. "A thesis? What's that… oh, right, I remember. I wrote one in college, too… More like Zayne did it for me. You could ask Zayne to help you. He's amazing!"

Zayne glanced at me, as if waiting for me to ask for help. But I didn't need it. I could do it on my own.

"No, it's fine. I can handle it myself," I said as I lowered my head and quickly walked out. My chest felt heavy and hard to breathe, like a stone was pressing down on me.

That night, Zayne came to bed very late.

He smelled faintly of perfume… The same one Jane always wore. I lay in bed with my eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. Zayne lay down beside me, his hand resting gently on my waist as his lips brushed my neck.

I tensed up, and an unexplainable feeling began to rise inside of me. I wanted to push him away, but my body inevitably responded to his touch.

After three years, I had gotten used to his presence and touch, but tonight, I suddenly felt sick, almost nauseous.

"What's wrong?" Zayne noticed something was wrong and asked gently.

"Nothing. Maybe I ate something I shouldn't have," I whispered, turning away from him. He didn't say anything else and simply patted my back softly.

Listening to his breathing so close to me, I felt completely lost.

Suddenly, I could hear a commotion coming from downstairs, followed by Jane's startled voice, "Zayne! The lights just went out! I think someone broke into my room!"

Zayne jumped out of bed without a word and quickly put on some clothes, rushing downstairs.

Half an hour later, he came back. Nothing had actually happened. It was just a blown bulb, and a stray cat had coincidentally wandered in.

But the way Zayne had rushed to Jane's side… You would think she was the one who mattered to him the most.

Early the next morning, I got up to head to the lab.

Zayne was still asleep, and Jane hadn't shown up yet. I let out a sigh of relief.

But as I reached the living room, I realized I had forgotten my bag. The signed divorce papers and my application to go to Nord were still inside.

I was just about to turn around when Zayne's voice came from behind me. "Wendy, did you forget something?"

I turned and saw him holding the documents, and my face paled.

"Those are mine…" I stuttered, wanting to explain.

"What's this research application to Nord?" Zayne glanced at the papers, his face suddenly darkening. "You're going to Nord? When? I'm not approving this!"

"Oh, that… that's just a form I'm holding for a friend," I lied, forcing a smile.

"But Nord? You don't even like the climate there," Zayne said lightly, acting as though it didn't matter. But his words hurt me deep in my heart.

We had spent our honeymoon in Nord. I had told him back then how much I loved it there, but it seemed like he had forgotten about it already. Or maybe, he never really cared.

"Oh, by the way, if you want to keep doing research," Zayne suddenly said, "The Ford Medical Center has an open position for a chief researcher. I want you to fill the position. You can go as soon as you graduate."

I was taken aback but quickly shook my head. "It's fine, I have my own plans."

My research skills were well-recognized by all my professors. I didn't need to live in Zayne's shadow or accept his so-called favors.