Chapter 2

Leonard's POV

After joining the company, I delivered one successful project after another over the next three years. That earned me plenty of praise and respect from those around me.

I thought that one day, I would finally see some recognition in Yvonne's eyes. Even a little would've been enough for me.

But when the promotion list was announced, I had to face the truth. Yvonne's decision brought me back to reality.

I'd spent three years waiting to become Marketing Director. Now, it was gone.

I'd spent five years waiting for Yvonne to love me. But now, I didn't want that anymore, either.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was Yvonne calling.

She sounded cold through the phone, asking, "Why aren't you home yet?"

I said nothing.

Under different circumstances, I probably would've been secretly pleased to hear from her at this hour.

Tonight, though, I had no idea what to say.

Her patience wore thin. "Leonard, did you lose your voice?"

"I'm still at the office."

There was a pause. It seemed like she had finally realized that I was upset about not getting promoted.

"Wait in the parking lot. I'll pick you up."

I wanted to refuse.

For five years, Yvonne had always made it clear that at work, we were nothing but colleagues. She insisted that office relationships were bad for the company, so she never drove me to or from work.

This time, she didn't bring it up, and I was too tired to argue.

It was already 1:00 am, and everyone else had gone home. No one else was aware of what happened except for me, the loser.

The elevator suddenly jolted to a stop on the sixth floor. The power had gone out.

I immediately called Yvonne, but she didn't answer.

I texted her, yet there was still nothing.

My phone was almost dead. Just before it shut down, I opened Henry's social media post.

"Hard work always pays off. I thank my wonderful boss for celebrating with me late into the night—and for insisting on driving me home."

The photo showed Yvonne's profile in the driver's seat.

Fortunately, the building staff arrived shortly after and got me out.

As I climbed out of the elevator, one of the security guards laughed. "Good thing you hit the emergency button. It gave us a location to work with. Otherwise, we wouldn't have found you so quickly."

I thanked them with a smile as relief washed over me.

This time, I hadn't put my life in Yvonne's hands.

From now on, I wasn't going to put my life in her hands, either.

…

I walked to the nearest hotel and fell asleep the moment I got into bed.

The next morning, even when I went straight from the hotel to work, I was still a little late.

I plugged my phone into the charger, opened my computer, and started writing my resignation letter.

The woman at the next desk, Jessica Monroe, quietly said, "Mr. Graham, Ms. Parker has been by our office five times this morning. She looks furious. I don't know if she's looking for Henry."

She lowered her voice even further. "Do you think they had a fight?"

I paused, then smiled. "Maybe."

In my three years I'd worked at the Parker Group, Yvonne had only come looking for me twice.

The first time was on my first day. She called me into her office, told me to work hard, and warned me not to let anyone find out we were married.

The second time was when Henry joined the company. She walked him over to my desk and addressed me professionally.

"This is our new hire. Show him the ropes," she ordered.

I nodded.

She hesitated, then added, "Take good care of him."

Her voice wasn't loud, but everyone in the office heard it.

Henry stood half a step behind her, waved at me, and flashed me a cocky grin.

"Long time no see, Mr. Graham. Looks like I'm in your hands now."

It had been half a month since then, but I still couldn't forget the warmth that had slipped into Yvonne's expression.

I sighed and went back to typing.

Then, Yvonne appeared beside my desk.

"Where were you last night? You never came home. Do you even care about me anymore?"

I didn't look up. I kept typing and simply apologized.

"Sorry. It won't happen again."