Chapter 2

The ballroom fell into a suffocating silence.

Sophia's trembling fingers tightened around the divorce agreement as though squeezing it hard enough would make the words disappear. The crisp paper crinkled beneath her grip, but the bold letters remained unchanged.

DIVORCE AGREEMENT.

Her breathing became uneven. This couldn't be happening. Not after everything they had built together.

She slowly lifted her tear-filled eyes to Damien, desperately searching his face for even the smallest trace of remorse. The gentle smile he had worn moments ago had vanished, replaced by an expression so indifferent that it made her chest ache.

"Damien..." Her voice came out barely above a whisper. "Tell me this is a joke."

"It isn't.

His answer was calm. As if he were discussing tomorrow's meeting instead of ending a five-year marriage.

"I've already signed the papers," he continued. "All that's left is your signature."

Sophia stared at him, unable to process what she was hearing. "But... why?"

She wasn't asking out of pride. She genuinely didn't understand. Hadn't they weathered every storm together? Hadn't she stood beside him when everyone else abandoned him? Hadn't she sacrificed everything for this company?

For him?

The corners of Damien's lips tightened slightly "I've compensated you generously. The villas, the cars, the money... they'll all be transferred to your name."

His tone was emotionless. "You won't have to worry about the rest of your life."

A bitter laugh escaped Sophia's lips "So... that's what my five years are worth?"

Damien said nothing. His silence answered her better than words ever could.

The guests exchanged uneasy glances. No one dared interrupt. No one dared breathe too loudly.

The reporters, however, were silently rejoicing. This wasn't just business news anymore. This was the scandal of the decade. The youngest billionaire CEO divorcing his wife during the company's victory celebration?

Every media outlet in the country would fight for tomorrow's headline.

Sophia looked around the ballroom.

Only minutes ago these same people had smiled warmly at her. Now some pitied her, some mocked her, while some looked almost excited.

“I didn't expect this…"

"So they're getting divorced?"

"I heard Mr. Carter never really loved her."

“Maybe she couldn't give him what he wanted."

"I always thought she looked too cheap for him."

Each whisper landed like another knife.

Sophia lowered her gaze.

Her heart hurt.

Not because strangers judged her, but because the man she loved stood there allowing it to happen.

Then a woman's voice echoed through the ballroom. “I'm sorry… but he never loved you."

Every head turned toward the entrance. The massive double doors opened gracefully. A woman dressed in a breathtaking crimson gown walked inside.

Every step she took radiated elegance, confidence, and power.

Her long black hair flowed behind her in soft waves, while the dazzling diamond earrings she wore reflected the lights hanging above the ballroom.

She was beautiful. The kind of beauty that demanded attention without asking for it.

The guests immediately recognized her.

"...Olivia Hayes?"

"Isn't she Mr. Carter's first love?"

"I heard she moved abroad years ago."

"What is she doing here?"

Sophia's face slowly lost all color.

Olivia.

She had heard that name before.

Years ago, Damien had confessed that before meeting Sophia, he had loved someone deeply. But he had also told her it was over, he had moved on, and she was the only one he loves.

Sophia had believed every word.

Olivia stopped beside Damien and smiled softly. Without hesitation, she slipped her arm through his. The intimate gesture felt like a slap across Sophia's face.

Damien didn't pull away. He didn't even look uncomfortable. Instead, he gently covered Olivia's hand with his own.

The ballroom exploded into louder whispers.

Sophia felt as though someone had reached into her chest and squeezed her heart until it cracked.

Olivia's beautiful smile widened as she looked directly at Sophia. "Thank you."

Sophia frowned weakly. "...For what?"

Olivia tilted her head. "For taking care of Damien while I was away."

Silence.

Even the music had stopped.

Sophia blinked several times. She wondered if she had heard wrong.

Olivia continued speaking with effortless elegance. "I was always worried that he'd work himself to exhaustion.” She paused, then continued. "But knowing someone like you was beside him gave me peace of mind."

The words sounded polite, yet every syllable carried poison. Someone in the crowd gasped. Another person covered their mouth. Sophia could barely remain standing.

She looked at Damien, but he wasn't even looking at her. His face was fixed on Olivia as she spoke. Not once did he deny Olivia's words. Not once did he defend his wife.

That silence was louder than any confession.

A senior board member finally cleared his throat. "Mr. Carter..."

His voice trembled. "Who exactly is Miss Hayes to you?"

The ballroom became so quiet that even breathing sounded loud.

Damien looked toward the senior board member who asked the question, his cold expression softened instantly. Then he looked back at Olivia with a sweet smile and tenderness in his eyes.

Sophia had spent five years longing to see that look directed at her. Instead, he gave it to another woman without hesitation.

He intertwined his fingers with Olivia's, then looked toward every guest present. "This..." He paused. "...is the woman I've always loved."

The words shattered the last fragile piece of Sophia's heart.

More gasps erupted throughout the ballroom. Several reporters immediately began typing frantically on their phones.

Someone whispered, "So Mrs. Carter was only a substitute.”

Sophia heard the painful word. Her vision blurred, yet she refused to cry.

Not before all these people.

Olivia rested her head lightly against Damien's shoulder. "We didn't intend to reveal everything tonight," she said with a gentle smile. "But Damien insisted. He said I deserve to stand proudly beside him now."

Those words struck Sophia harder than the divorce papers.

Because she finally understood.

Tonight's celebration had never been meant for her.

She had only been invited to witness herself being replaced with another woman by the man she loves.