Chapter 2

Two days already and it was still the same attitude. Elena stood quietly in the kitchen before leaving for work.

She had already finished making breakfast, washed the dishes, and cleaned every corner of the house. The Calvalli mansion looked perfect, but none of it mattered.

Aaron did not even look at her.

The worst part of it all was that there were maids assigned to do everything in the house, but then Elena always got questioned if she didn’t do anything. 

Aaron was busy checking his phone while drinking his coffee.

Tiffani’s name flashed across the screen, and a small smile appeared on his face.

Elena lowered her eyes.

That smile was one she had not seen directed at her in a very long time. Aaron doesn’t even fake it to her.

As Aaron stood to leave, he stopped beside her.

“I’ll be in meetings today,” he said coldly. “Don’t come looking for me.”

Elena nodded without speaking.

He stared at her for another moment. “And remember what I told you.”

She already knew what was coming.

“If anyone asks who you are outside this house, do not tell them you’re my wife.”

His words cut deeper than before, even though she had heard them many times. “It would only create unnecessary attention and I don’t want that to happen.”

She forced herself to answer. “Yes.” The problem was that she didn’t understand why she would need to hide her identity.

Could it be possible that there was something he was trying to prevent?

Aaron picked up his car keys.

“Good.”

Then he walked away without another glance.

The front door closed.

Elena remained standing where she was.

She wondered how a marriage could become something that had to be kept hidden from everybody, even when they are one of the most notable families in the city.

Most wives proudly introduced themselves beside their husbands.

She was ordered to pretend she was a stranger every single day.

She picked up her bag and left for work.

The Calvalli Group headquarters was already busy when she arrived.

Elena greeted the receptionist politely. “Good morning.”

The woman smiled politely before turning her attention to someone else.

Elena walked toward the elevators. As the doors opened, she noticed Aaron standing inside with Tiffani.

They were laughing together.

Aaron looked relaxed.

Comfortable and at the same time, he was happy.

Tiffani noticed Elena first.

Her smile became slightly wider.

Aaron finally looked at Elena, His expression immediately changed.

He stepped slightly closer to Tiffani as if creating distance between himself and Elena.

“There isn’t enough room,” he said even though several spaces remained inside the elevator.

“We’ll take this one.”

The doors closed before Elena could answer.

She stood alone in front of the elevator.

A few workers nearby exchanged quiet looks.

“See?” Someone whispered. “I told you.”

“They’re always together.” He added.

Another voice replied softly. “They really look perfect.”

Elena waited for the next elevator. She kept her face calm. Inside, her heart felt heavy.

When she reached her office floor, the whispers continued. She walked past several employees carrying documents.

“They’re probably getting married soon.”

“I heard Mr. Calvalli trusts Miss Tiffani more than anyone.”

“They’re basically partners already.”

“No wonder she’s always beside him.”

No one noticed Elena walking past them. Or perhaps they did. Maybe they simply did not care.

No one ever imagined she was Aaron’s wife. She had been ordered to keep that truth hidden.

She sat at her desk and opened her computer.

There was no time to think.

The important client proposal had to be completed before noon.

She had spent weeks researching the company’s history, studying market reports, and preparing every detail herself.

She had done everything possible. Not because Aaron appreciated her work. But because she believed in doing her best.

She finished checking the final pages. Every number was correct. Every sentence had been carefully written.

She saved the document. A knock came at her office door.

One of Aaron’s assistants entered. “Mr. Calvalli wants the proposal.”

Elena handed over the file. “Please make sure he receives everything.”

The assistant nodded. “I will.”

The door closed again.

Elena leaned back in her chair, then she swallowed a deep breath. 

Maybe this project would finally prove her abilities. Maybe Aaron would acknowledge her work.

Even just once.

An hour later, everyone was called into the main conference room.

The client had arrived.

Elena quietly entered and stood near the back.

Aaron stood confidently at the front beside Tiffani.

He greeted the visitors with his usual charm.

Elena watched silently. When questions about the proposal came up, Aaron answered smoothly.

Tiffani occasionally nodded. Neither of them looked toward Elena.

One client smiled. “This proposal is excellent.”

Another added, “The research is impressive.”

“The strategy fits our company’s goals perfectly.”

Elena felt warmth spread through her chest. Those words described the work she had spent weeks creating.

She waited.

Surely Aaron would mention her name.

Instead, he smiled proudly at Tiffani. “I’m glad you liked it.”

The meeting continued.

Every compliment landed on Aaron and Tiffani.

Elena remained invisible.

After nearly an hour, the clients stood. Their leader extended his hand. “We’ve made our decision.”

Everyone became silent.

“We would like to move forward with Calvalli Group.”

The room was immediately covered with excitement, and everybody was happy. Several people quietly clapped.

Aaron has been trying so hard to land that deal but it has not been very easy with him.

Elena closed her eyes for one brief second.

The proposal had won. Her hard work had succeeded.

She felt tears threatening to appear. Not because of the contract. Because maybe…

Just maybe… Aaron would finally admit the truth.

The clients left after signing the preliminary agreement.

Everyone inside the company gathers around Aaron, congratulating him.

Someone asked excitedly, “Sir, who prepared such an outstanding proposal?”

Aaron did not hesitate.

“Tiffani.”

He smiled proudly. “She worked day and night on this project.”

The room erupted with applause.

People surrounded Tiffani. “Incredible work.”

“You saved the company.” another person added.“I knew you could do it.”

Tiffani accepted every compliment with a modest smile. “Oh, I only did my best.”

Elena stared at them.

Her hands slowly tightened around the folder she carried.

She could not stay silent.

Not this time.

She stepped forward. “I prepared that proposal.”

Aaron slowly turned toward her. “What did you say?”