Chapter 2

The next morning, after dropping off Layla at school, I drove to Vance Capital. I made lunch for Ethan.

I stepped into the elevator, and just as the doors were shutting, someone called out.

“Hold the elevator!”

I pressed the door-open button. The doors were just inches apart.

“Thank you so much.” I knew that voice too well. I looked up and was met with a familiar face.

Claire.

She wasn't just Ethan’s best friend’s sister; she was also his secretary.

“Oh, hi Mia.” She smiled sweetly.

“Hi, Claire.”

“Here for Ethan?” Her eyes darted to the lunch bag in my hand.

I nodded.

“Ethan’s currently in a meeting. I'll go in and let him know you're waiting,” she said just as the elevator doors opened.

“Thank you, Claire,” I replied, stepping out of the elevator.

I walked over to Ethan’s office, pushed the doors open and stepped inside. His work table was visibly scattered with files.

I placed the lunch bag on the table and proceeded to put the files in order.

While cleaning up his table, my hands brushed against picture frame on the table. I picked it up. It was a picture of me and Layla smiling widely at the park, taken by Ethan himself.

Could Ethan really do something to hurt us? Or was he already doing it?

A pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist, breaking my thoughts. I dropped the frame back on the table and turned around, facing Ethan. He smiled brightly and pressed his lips against mine.

“What are you doing here, baby?”

“I brought you lunch.” I pointed at the lunch bag on the table.

He kissed my forehead. “Thank you, baby.”

“How did your meeting go?” I asked. He sat down and pulled me onto his lap.

“We've been trying to partner with Chen Corp on the Bayside Resort project, but we haven't been able to get in touch with the president. The board is starting to get uneasy.”

Chen Corp?

I shifted slightly on his lap.

“Chen Corp?” I muttered quietly, but he caught in.

“Yeah. why?”

“Oh, it's nothing.” I forced a smile.

“I have to go now, babe,” I added, hopping off his lap.

“I promised Layla I’d bake her favorite strawberry cake today. Besides, her tutor will be coming around today.” I continued, heading for the door.

“I love you,” he called out.

Walking back to the elevator, I saw Claire heading towards the restroom, so I followed her inside.

I stood beside Claire in front of the mirror, pretending to fix my hair while she reapplied her lipstick.

I stared at the lipstick in her hand. It was the exact brand I had found last night in Ethan's shirt.

“Beautiful shade of lipstick, Claire. What store did you get it from?” I asked, trying to get some information from her.

“This?” She pushed the lipstick towards me.

“No, no, no. I didn't buy this. It was recently included in the company's monthly gift box. Every female employee got one.”

“Oh.”

“Actually, there's something I need to ask you, Claire. I saw your text to Ethan last night. What was that about?” I asked politely, trying not to sound condescending.

Claire froze for a second, simply staring at me through the mirror.

“Oh, that?” She laughed nervously.

My stomach tightened.

“Yes, that.”

“I'm so sorry, Mia. Did I disturb you both last night? I just needed to talk to Ethan urgently.” Her face reflected a hint of embarrassment.

“I didn't want him to reveal the news of my marriage to my brother just yet.” She sighed.

“Marriage?”

“Ethan didn't tell you? I got married secretly, and he found out. I wanted him to keep it a secret from my brother.”

“Congratulations to you, Claire.” I smiled warmly, feeling like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders.

“Thanks, Mia. But right now, I need to get back to work. I'll see you some other time.” She smiled back at me and walked out.

***

Back at home, it was currently 5:15 p.m. I sat by the window, lost in thoughts

Claire was married.

The lipstick wasn't hers. As far as I knew, it could belong to any other female employee.

So, if Claire wasn't the other woman, who was?

But then again, was there truly another woman?

Am I just overthinking?

“Mummy!” Layla shouted running towards me with Sophia, her tutor, following behind her.

Sophia Moore, was twenty-three, fresh out of college. She came from a humble background and was very calm and polite. Layla seemed to like her very much, too.

“I'm done for the day, Mrs. Vance, I'll be leaving now.”

“Thank you so much, Sofia. Layla didn't trouble you, did she?” I asked, walking her to the door.

“No, she didn't. She was a sweetheart.” Sophia replied with a smile. “By the way Mrs. Vance, I won't be able to make it tomorrow. I need to resolve some personal issues.”

“It's okay, Sophia. Take all the time you need.” I replied

She smiled, “Thank you for understanding, Mrs. Vance. Take care. Goodbye.” I shut the door at her retreating steps.

“Mummy? Can we bake now?” Layla’s bubbly voice rang through the room.

“Of course, sweetie. Just don't get flour all over the place this time.” I laughed, following Layla into the kitchen.

***

I lay in bed, scrolling through my phone. Ethan was fast asleep next to me. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, I received an anonymous text.

I opened the message. It contained a single photo attachment. I clicked on it, and my heart sank immediately.

It was a photo of Ethan and a woman, his hands wrapped around her waist. Her back was turned to the camera, but her silhouette was awfully familiar.

I studied the picture thoroughly until my eyes caught sight of her shoes.

Red heels.

A pair of red heels I knew all too well because I had them custom-made for someone.

My best friend.

Eleanor.