Chapter 2

Every day, I was put through mandatory rehabilitation sessions. I did not really have time to think about Kris.

When I finally got my phone back, it was filled with missed calls from Kris and his assistant.

I called him back.

Kris’ voice was razor-sharp. “Where the hell are you? Where did you hide the files from my office drawer?”

I was stunned for a moment.

He continued aggressively, “You have thirty minutes. If you don’t bring those documents back, I’m calling the police. Simone, don’t test what’s left of my patience.”

Bewildered, I looked at the female officer beside me.

She had heard everything. She motioned for me to hand her the phone.

She took it and said sternly, “Mr. Flynn, your wife was just released from detention. Her fine hasn’t been paid yet. If you wish to file a police report, you’re welcome to do so here at the precinct.”

Kris simply scoffed and said, “Simone, I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

The next second, he hung up.

I had no idea what was going on, but the officers told me to wait. They would notify Kris to come and pay the fine.

Half an hour later, Kris shoved the door open and strode in.

His face was grim as he confirmed something with the police.

“She’s really been right here for the past ten days? You’re sure she hasn’t left at all?”

The officer said impatiently, “Believe what you want. Just pay the fine first.”

On the way back to the company, I pieced together what had happened from Kris’ conversation with his assistant.

Just yesterday, the bid documents Kris had kept in his drawer had vanished.

It was the company’s most important and tightly guarded project of the year. The only complete copy existed in Kris’ possession.

The bidding deadline was tomorrow.

I could not help but ask, “Did you not create a backup for such important documents?”

The assistant lowered his voice to explain. “Ms. Dynevor accidentally spilled water on Mr. Flynn’s computer. The hard drive was completely destroyed.”

Kris said sternly, “Ruby already feels terrible about it. She’s sensitive. You are not to bring this up around her.”

The entire office was in a state of siege, and everyone scrambled in frantic, silent urgency.

That was everyone except Ruby, who was sitting in Kris’ office chair and idly scrolling through fashion websites.

When she saw me, she smiled and walked over briskly.

“Kris, you found Simone? Did you find the documents as well?”

She intertwined her fingers around Kris’ and gave them a little shake.

“See? I told you she just took them to spite you. You can stop worrying about the bid now.”

Kris’ face was unreadable. A taut silence hung around him.

Ruby’s smile stiffened. Her gaze shifted to me.

“Simone, you didn’t lose the documents, did you?”

When I did not respond, she frowned.

“Simone, I heard that Kris brought up the divorce. What he did wasn’t right, and understandably, you’re upset. But you shouldn’t have taken the documents. Everyone worked hard on it.”

Then, she said softly, “Just return the documents. I’ve talked to Kris. He won’t hold this against you.”

Kris opened his mouth in reluctance. “She didn’t take them.”

Ruby froze. “How’s that possible?”

At that moment, the system issued another command. [Slap her hard. Now!]

I would not dare in a million years to touch the woman Kris loved.

But looking at what was unfolding in front of me, I finally understood.

The system had made me smash the police car to give me an alibi.

Those self-sabotage acts were not meant to destroy me at all.

With that clarity, I swung my arm with every ounce of strength I had and smashed my palm across Ruby’s cheek.

“Stop pretending!” I spat the words the system fed me.

“Who do you think you are, meddling in someone else’s marriage? If you’re so eager to help, focus on yourself first. Keep your eyes off someone else’s husband! You knew I couldn’t produce the documents, so you fanned the flames on purpose. I think you’re the one who took them!”

The air went dead still.

Ruby clutched her face and stared at me in disbelief. “You…”

I slapped her again.

“What? What are you going to do? Don’t talk to me like that! I don’t speak to homewreckers. It makes my skin crawl!”