Chapter 3

A drop of hot oil splashed onto the back of my hand, stinging so sharply that I hissed through my teeth.

Cora rushed downstairs and grabbed my hand, then held it under the running tap.

"Who told you to do this?" she asked.

The floating comments appeared again.

"The drama king is at it again. Who's he trying to fool with this independent man act?"

"Does Allen really think this will make Cora feel sorry for him?"

"As if. Cora's just going to think he's being ridiculous."

Cora pressed me onto the couch and gently applied ointment to my hand.

"Are you still upset?"

I remained quiet.

"There's really nothing going on between Preston and me. If it bothers you that much, I'll have HR transfer him to a branch office in another city."

The comments instantly exploded.

"No! If Preston gets transferred, how will their romance develop?"

"Don't worry, they're destined for each other. Even if he's transferred, they'll meet again."

"Cora will belong to Preston sooner or later. Allen might as well save himself the trouble."

"No, that won't be necessary. It's up to you how you handle your affairs," I replied.

Cora looked at me, wanting to say something but holding back. In the end, she told me to sit still, then went to clean up the mess in the kitchen and finish making the rest of breakfast.

While we ate, my phone buzzed.

It was an interview invitation from Canopus Media, the talent management company I'd been dreaming of getting into ever since graduation. They worked exclusively with top-tier A-list celebrities, and among them was my idol, Faye Merrill.

After I tapped to accept the invitation, I couldn't help but smile.

Cora was instantly on guard. "Who are you texting?"

"It's an interview invitation. I want to go back to work."

Elated, I dug in with gusto.

Cora opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. I guessed she didn't want to spoil the mood.

After breakfast, Cora left for work.

I changed out of my haute couture clothes and into my familiar T-shirt and casual pants.

The interview went fairly smoothly. But a big company like Canopus Media would require at least a second or third round before making a decision.

In the days that followed, Cora seemed increasingly busy, returning home at ever-later hours. At times, there was a faint trace of perfume on her that couldn't quite be washed away.

I knew Preston hadn't been transferred away. But since I was already prepared for us to go our separate ways, I resolved to focus on the path ahead of me.

On my first day of work, my supervisor was a woman in her 40s—Rochelle Fischer. Not only was she capable, but she was also efficient.

"Allen, I've seen your work. Your compositions are very creative."

"Thank you, Rochelle."

"Newcomers start with outdoor shoots. Can you handle tough conditions?"

"Yup."

My early days in the company were grueling.

Outdoor shoots meant braving the wind and sun and hauling equipment all over the city. By the end of the week, my face had darkened a shade, and the straps had worn two red marks into my shoulders.

But I loved it.

The moment the lens focused, the whole world went quiet. There was nothing but light, shadow, and the thing I wanted to capture.

One day, just as I turned off my camera and sat down in the shade of a tree, I received a WhatsApp message from Cora.

"Darling, I have a business dinner tonight, so don't wait up for dinner. And don't push yourself too hard—you've got me."

Just as I began typing a reply, the floating comments started buzzing again.

"Cora's learning to lie for Preston's sake."

"She told Allen it's a business dinner, but she's actually helping Preston move and setting up their little love nest together."

"Cora looks so beautiful when she cooks! What a down-to-earth couple they are. They're so perfect together!"

Cora cooking? She had never cooked for me.

Back when we first got together, she was dirt poor. I felt sorry for her, so I insisted on doing the cooking.

Later, when she got rich and hired a housekeeper, there was even less need for her to lift a finger.

And yet, she was personally cooking for Preston right now.

My eyes suddenly stung a little.

I put down my phone without replying to her message.

It was nearly midnight when Cora finally came home.

I lay on my side in bed with my eyes closed.

She walked in and bent down to kiss my forehead.

But I smelled that same perfume again.

I turned over and evaded her touch.

"Darling, what's the matter?"

"I'm tired, so I'm going to sleep now."