Chapter 4

I was about to take my phone out to call Ray when a voice spoke up behind me.

"Good morning!"

It was Nadia. She was wearing an overall skirt, and her hair was tied in a high ponytail. For a moment, it was like I was looking at the college version of myself.

I watched as she greeted everyone while smiling brightly.

"Good morning, Mrs. Prunier," the receptionist greeted Nadia with a slight bow of her head. She emphasized the greeting while looking at me scornfully.

"I've brought coffee—it's my treat. I even made it myself," Nadia announced.

"Thank you, Mrs. Prunier. Our CEO is truly lucky to have you. You're not only beautiful but talented, too—unlike some women these days who are only delusional."

The receptionist complimented her while snidely taking a jab at me.

Nadia lowered her head shyly at this. Then, she skipped onto the elevator.

Meanwhile, I was left standing there awkwardly. I called Ray several times, but the calls were all immediately rejected.

Hence, I texted him, "Come downstairs and invite me up if you want to preserve her reputation."

My hands were shaking uncontrollably. Tears had already started flowing down my face.

All these years, I had tried to pretend that I didn't care about Ray's affairs. I kept thinking to myself that the affairs didn't mean anything. I also told myself that these girls were all passing fancies and that I was the one he loved.

Shortly after I sent the text, Ray's assistant came downstairs and escorted me up.

I spotted Nadia as we neared Ray's office. Her skirt fluttered gently, and she clung to Ray while throwing a tantrum.

When she noticed me coming, Nadia quickly straightened herself up. She said to Ray, "I should let you get back to work."

Then, she made her way to the door.

When I spotted the emerald pendant resting against Nadia's chest, I unconsciously reached out and stopped her. It was the same one I had gotten for Ray when he had fallen seriously ill. I had to climb a mountain and beg for it.

I opened my mouth to speak, but it felt as though there was cotton stuffed down my throat—I couldn't make a sound.

Ray narrowed his eyes at me from behind Nadia.

"Is there a problem?" he silently warned me.

Snapping back to reality, I released her arm.

"Sorry—that's a beautiful pendant," I said to her.

"Thank you," Nadia replied.