The First Public Humiliation

By nine o’clock the next morning, the office was already unusually busy.

Ann sat behind her desk, staring at the reports spread before her. She had barely slept the night before. And it was all because of the rumors she had overheard that kept replaying in her mind.

Daniel and Olivia are back together? Why else would he bring his ex into his home?

The rumours has spread all over the Internet just that yesterday it came out and it made her question herself. “Maybe I'm really is difficult.”

She had tried to push the words away, but they followed her everywhere.

Ann placed a hand gently over her stomach as she forced herself to concentrate.

She had a son waiting for her at home, another child growing inside her, and work that refused to disappear simply because her heart was hurting. She couldn't afford to fall apart. Not now.

Suddenly, The entire office seemed to go silent as the sound of heels clicking across the hallway suddenly caught everyone's attention and it caused Ann to look up.

Just then, Olivia walked through the entrance as Ann lips parted in awe. What the hell?

She wore a fitted cream dress, expensive heels, and carried a designer handbag over her arm. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her smile was confident. But it wasn't her appearance that made Ann's heart sink. It was the fact that Olivia walked straight toward Daniel's office as though she belonged there.

Several employees exchanged glances and Ann heard someone whispered, “That's her.”

“The ex?”

“Yes.”

Ann lowered her eyes. She didn't want to watch. But then she heard Olivia's voice.

“Daniel!”

Ann's head lifted involuntarily.

Daniel stepped out of his office, also confused and before he could say anything, Olivia walked directly into his arms.

She wrapped both arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Daniel stiffened. “Olivia…”

“Oh, come on,” she said with a laugh. “Don't act like I'm a stranger.”

The office fell into a complete silent while Ann froze.

Then, she pulled away slowly but kept one hand on Daniel's arm. “I missed you,” she said.

Daniel glanced around the office. His eyes briefly met Ann's. And it made Ann able to read his expression.

Surprise. Perhaps even discomfort. But he didn't immediately push Olivia away. That hurt more than Ann expected. A sharp ache settled in her chest. She looked down at her desk.

Around her, employees pretended to work, but everyone was watching. One of the women nearby whispered, “This is getting serious.”

Another answered, “Poor Mrs. Daniel.”

Ann swallowed. She wanted to stand up. She wanted to ask Olivia what she was doing. She wanted to ask Daniel why he was allowing this.

Instead, she slowly gathered the papers on her desk. Her hands were trembling.

Olivia noticed and a small smile touched her lips. She had wanted this moment. Not because Daniel had asked her to make Ann uncomfortable. But because she wanted everyone to see her beside him. She wanted Ann to feel replaced.

“Daniel,” Olivia said sweetly, “you promised to show me the new project.”

“Yes,” Daniel replied.

“I hope you haven't forgotten.”

“I haven't.”

Olivia slipped her arm through his. “Then let's go.”

Ann finally looked up. Their eyes met. Olivia smiled. It was a polite smile. But there was a message behind it. You can't compete with me.

Ann's stomach tightened. She stood and approached them. “Mr. Daniel.” Daniel stopped, surprised and agitated but Ann ignored his look and added. “I've completed the financial report you requested.” She handed him the folder.

Daniel gently took it from her, “Thank you.”

Ann nodded and faced Olivia, forcing a smile onto her face. “You didn't tell me you were coming.” she countered to Olivia's shock.

Reviving from her shock and trying to pretend she was expecting anything from her, she responded. “Daniel knew I’m coming so there was no need to let you know.”

Ann, taking about by her statement, muttered, “Oh really?” Then, she faced Daniel. “Then, you're the one who didn't let me know she was coming.” When she got no response from him, she countered, “Have fun!”

That was all. No accusation. No tears. No scene.

And she returned to her sit and sat down back again.

From where he stood, Daniel stared at her for several seconds. Something about her silence unsettled him. She looked very exhausted, like she was never bothered about him.

“Ann…” he called.

She didn't look up. “Is there anything else, sir?”

The word sir struck him strangely and it forced a frown onto his face. “No.”

“Then you can go.”

Daniel stared at her. Why was her words tough?

Olivia tugged lightly at his arm. “Daniel?” she called bringing him out of his thoughts and he finally followed her.

As they walked away, Ann heard Olivia laugh. The sound echoed through the office and into her ears.

Ann closed her eyes as a tear escaped before she could stop it. She quickly wiped it away. She wasn't going to cry in front of everyone.

She placed both hands over her stomach. “I have you,” she whispered to her unborn child. “And I have your brother.”

That was enough. Or at least, she wanted to believe it was.

Inside Daniel's office, Olivia sat comfortably on the sofa.

“You were quiet,” she said.

Daniel removed his jacket. “What was I supposed to do when you came running into my arms?”

“You could have told me not to hug you.”

Daniel looked at her sharply. “You knew what you were doing.”

Olivia smiled. “Of course I did.”

Daniel's expression hardened. “This wasn't part of the plan.”

“What plan?”

“You know exactly what I'm talking about.”

Olivia stood and walked toward him. “You wanted to teach Ann a lesson, didn't you?”

Daniel said nothing.

Olivia's smile widened. “Then why are you upset because I helped?”

“Because you are taking this too far.”

“Am I?” She stepped closer. “Everyone already believes we're together. You brought me into your home. You let me stay beside you. You expect Ann to accept me.”

Daniel's jaw tightened. “That doesn't mean you can behave like my wife.”

Olivia's expression changed. “Not yet.”

Daniel stared at her. “What did you say?”

She smiled innocently. “I said, not ever. Don't worry.” But as she turned away, her eyes darkened. She had no intention of leaving. Not now, not forever.

Meanwhile, Ann remained at her desk. She could hear the whispers continuing around her.But this time, something inside her had changed. She wasn't angry at Olivia. She wasn't even angry at Daniel. She was tired. Tired of fighting for a place in her own marriage. Tired of proving she was worthy of being loved. Tired of pretending she wasn't hurting.

She picked up her phone and stared at the picture on her screen. It was a photograph of Daniel holding their little boy while Ann stood beside them, smiling. Her family. Her whole world. Ann touched the screen. “I loved you so much,” she whispered. Then she looked at her growing stomach. “But I can't keep disappearing just to keep this marriage alive.”

For the first time, Ann wondered what would happen if she stopped chasing Daniel's approval. What if she simply focused on herself and her children? The thought frightened her. But strangely, it also gave her peace. Maybe that was it.

Across the office, Daniel stepped out of his room. His eyes immediately searched for Ann. She was no longer at her desk. His gaze moved toward the elevator. Ann had already left. And for reasons he couldn't explain, Daniel suddenly felt afraid.

Because for the first time since their marriage began, he realized something terrifying. Ann wasn't fighting with him anymore.