CHAPTER 3

After checking my bruised body, I donned the gown I had found outside my bedroom. I knew it was what Vercel had prepared for me.

It was an elegant white gown made of silk, hugging my neck and arms conservatively. Yet it accentuated every curve of my body, with a subtle peek of my legs revealed whenever I walked, thanks to the gown’s slit. The dress flowed all the way to the ground.

After applying some powder and lipstick and brushing my hair—thank goodness it was healthy, so I didn’t have to stress about styling—I let it fall freely down my back. Then I slipped on a pair of earrings.

Just as I felt satisfied, my eyes wandered down to my wedding ring. After a moment of contemplation, I decided to wear it, using it as a shield against any potential fuckboys who might approach me.

Once I finished preparing, I grabbed my small white bag, where I kept my phone, wallet, and keys. With everything in place, I walked to the garage. My phone showed 8:30 PM when I hit the road.

My car came to a stop in front of the Whisper Hotel. Grabbing my small bag, I stepped out and silently handed my keys to the valet waiting nearby.

“Welcome to Whisper Hotel, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

I’ll stay for a few minutes, then leave.

After repeating the thought to myself, I let out a quiet exhale and walked toward the entrance.

I didn’t know whether the Whisper Hotel was Vercel’s favorite place—he always held his banquets and parties here—but it was certainly not mine. 

The hotel felt as though it had been built solely for me to witness one revelation after another. I couldn’t even understand how it was still standing after everything that had happened within its walls.

As I waited for the elevator doors to close, a familiar voice called my name, prompting me to look up.

Dressed in a severe black tuxedo, rimless eyeglasses perched neatly on his face, he nodded as he stepped into the elevator beside me.

When the doors closed, there were only the two of us inside.

“Secretary Quinn,” I greeted politely.

Secretary Quinn was my boss’s secretary. If he was here, then my boss was undoubtedly here as well. They were likely involved in yet another deal taking place in this hotel.

“How are you, Team Leader Sky?” His voice was cold and detached, though his words were unmistakably polite.

“I’m fine. I’ll be able to return to work by Monday. Thank you for asking, Secretary Quinn.”

After a brief hum in response, silence settled between us. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I fixed my gaze on the floor as though it were the most fascinating thing in the world, allowing my mind to go completely blank.

I felt nauseous—light-headed, caught between waves of heat and cold.

I shivered as the chill hit me, only for it to be replaced moments later by suffocating hotness. That was when I realized I might have a fever.

Damn it. Had my discomfort worsened because of the cold shower I took? Did it really make me sick?

I subtly leaned my back against the elevator wall, only to shiver again at its icy surface. When I glanced at the display, it read 4th floor. Six more floors to go.

I sighed in frustration.

I shouldn’t have come. So what if it was called an anniversary banquet? It wasn’t for me anyway.

“Miss Sky.”

“Yes?”

“Do you want to meet the boss? He’s on the 11th floor, Room 1101.”

Hearing that, I was stunned. I looked at him with an are-you-serious?-look, but he didn’t notice—his gaze fixed straight ahead.

I lightly shook my head. “The boss might be busy. I’ll meet him on Monday to give my report. Thank you.”

Just as I finished speaking, the elevator chimed and the doors slid open. We had already reached the 10th floor.

“I’ll go first, Secretary Quinn. Have a nice evening.” After saying that, I stepped out of the elevator.

I paused for a moment before deciding to go to the restroom, turning left down the hallway.

While sitting inside a cubicle, I heard the restroom door open and close, followed by the sound of women’s voices.

“Are you sure Mr. Salvatore still hasn’t divorced his lowly wife?”

Mr. Salvatore? Oh. They were definitely talking about Vercel. And the lowly wife? That was clearly me.

“Unfortunately, no. Tsk. I really don’t know why Mr. Salvatore chose that woman as his wife. Madam Salvatore selected several high-quality women for him, yet he still picked trash. So what if she grew up with Mr. Salvatore?”

“Well, that’s definitely luck.”

“And look at her attitude. Mr. Salvatore even hosted an anniversary banquet for her, but she’s late. He’s been waiting for ages. So arrogant—she clearly doesn’t know her place. No wonder Mr. Salvatore can’t move on from his first love, Ms. Madonna. Ms. Madonna is so much better than that lowly woman!”

“Okay, okay. Calm down. I only asked one question, and you’ve said so much. Be careful—others might hear you.”

“So what? Everything I said is what everyone knows. I didn’t say anything wrong. I’m just telling the truth!”

Okay, truth-teller. Please leave. My head was already pounding, and her shrill voice only made it worse.

Not long after, they finally left. I stayed where I was for a while longer. When I felt slightly better, I decided to come out.

When I checked my phone, it was already 10 p.m.

I stared at the time for a moment, wondering if I should just go home—maybe everyone had already left. 

But I convinced myself that since I was already here, I might as well show my face in front of Vercel briefly, then go home.