Chapter 2

The next morning, I got up and made breakfast as usual.

Colin wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"Morning, honey. What are you making?" His voice was warm and affectionate.

"Sandwiches and warm milk."

He frowned. "Sandwiches again? I was craving breakfast sliders."

"The breakfast place downstairs is closed today," I replied evenly.

In the past, if he said he wanted something, I would've walked two extra blocks just to buy it for him, but now I didn't feel like doing that anymore.

Colin looked at me in surprise. "Never mind, then."

He paused before adding, "I've got a business dinner tonight, so I won't be home."

"Okay." I didn't ask who he was meeting, nor did I remind him to drink less.

He stopped halfway through putting on his shoes and looked back at me, as if waiting for me to say something.

I simply looked back without speaking. In the end, he said nothing. He opened the door and left.

The moment it clicked shut, I let out a long breath.

That afternoon, I stopped by Colin's office to drop off a document he'd left at home.

Before I even reached his department, a bright laugh drifted out.

"Mr. Richardson, this coffee is so bitter!" A girl with a ponytail stood beside his desk, holding a mug. It was the same matching mug I'd seen in the video.

Colin looked up at her from his chair, a smile in his eyes that I knew all too well. "If you don't like it, dump it out. Go make yourself one of those sugary drinks."

She stuck out her tongue. "I'm not doing that. You made this yourself."

I stood outside the glass door, watching in silence.

So this was the intern whose phone had "accidentally" paired with his car's Bluetooth—Dakota Delacruz.

I pushed the door open and walked in.

Hearing the noise, Colin turned around.

The instant he saw me, his smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Ann, what are you doing here?"

Dakota turned to look at me as well.

"Hi, Mrs. Richardson," she said sweetly.

I looked at her without saying a word. "You left this at home."

"Thanks, honey. Sorry you had to make the trip." He reached for my shoulder.

I shifted slightly, avoiding his hand. "It wasn't any trouble. I was nearby."

"Mrs. Richardson, would you like some water?" Dakota asked eagerly. She was still holding that mug.

"No, thanks. I have to go." I turned to leave.

"Mrs. Richardson." Dakota stepped in front of me. "Mr. Richardson is always telling us what an amazing wife you are. I've finally gotten to meet you in person."

She smiled with perfect innocence. "Oh, by the way, Mrs. Richardson, a few days ago Mr. Richardson recommended a lipstick to me. He said you have the same shade."

She looked straight into my eyes. "Do you like that color?"

There was the faintest trace of provocation in her gaze.

I stopped and turned toward Colin. The color drained from his face.

"Dakota, get back to work." His voice turned cold.

She pouted, then walked out carrying the mug.

The office fell silent, leaving only the two of us.

"Ann, don't listen to her," Colin said quickly. "It was a sample a client gave us. I didn't think the shade would suit you, so I tossed it to her."

He took my hand, his expression earnest. "I swear, there's absolutely nothing between us."

I looked at the hand gripping mine and smiled. "Colin, you don't have to explain."

I gently slipped my hand free. "It's just a lipstick. Give it to her if you want to."

I turned and headed for the door. "I really do have somewhere to be."

After I walked out of the building, I took a deep breath.

'Colin, you couldn't even be bothered to come up with a believable lie anymore.'