Chapter 4

On the day of the interview, Braxton and Tamara wore matching outfits. They took their seats, with Braxton holding Tamara's hand the entire time.

When the talk show host asked about details of their relationship, Braxton answered every question flawlessly. He even took time to adjust the cushion behind her back.

"From childhood sweethearts to walking down the aisle, and your relationship is still going as strong as ever—you're truly a model couple. I'm sure there will be even more happiness in your future—"

Suddenly, a loud crash cut the host off mid-sentence, and everyone turned toward the noise.

Annalise stood stiffly beside a collapsed flower stand, while her supervisor jabbed a finger at her and scolded her in a hushed, angry voice.

Almost instantly, Braxton let go of Tamara's hand and strode over.

"You're fired," he snapped.

His gaze was fixed on Annalise's red and swollen forearm, but his words were directed at the manager.

"When a subordinate makes a mistake, the supervisor bears responsibility as well," Braxton continued, not giving the manager any chance to argue. "Besides, treating an employee like this in public damages the company's image."

Tamara remained in her seat, acutely aware of how everyone's gaze was darting back and forth between her and Annalise. But she maintained a perfectly composed smile the entire time.

When the interview resumed, Braxton was clearly distracted.

The host paused, taken aback. "Mr. Merrick, you got your wedding anniversary wrong."

The hand holding Tamara's suddenly tightened, and Braxton instinctively looked at her. He quickly explained, "That's because Tamara always says we're so happy that every day feels like we're newlyweds."

A wave of admiring cheers erupted from the audience.

But Tamara knew the truth. The date Braxton had blurted out on instinct was his anniversary with Annalise.

In this multiple-choice question called love, she had already become the option that was crossed out.

Tamara gave a small smile. While taking a sip of water, she quietly withdrew her hand from his and never put it back.

For the final segment, Braxton was supposed to carry her on his back through a wall of flowers. But just as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Annalise, standing nearby, suddenly keeled over.

Before Tamara could even react, the support beneath her vanished. She stumbled and fell, scraping her knees badly on the gravel.

Meanwhile, Braxton had already scooped Annalise into his arms and rushed toward the exit.

Behind them, with the cameras still rolling, only Tamara's lone, disheveled figure remained in the frame.

The staff helped her up and took her to the hospital as well.

…

In the hospital room, tears streamed down Annalise's pale face.

"You should hurry back to Ms. Winslow," she said. "Don't let me get in your way of shooting a romance documentary."

Braxton frowned. "Why are you throwing a tantrum? Tamara and I only came on this show for company publicity. It's all work. We have a partnership with Winslow Group."

However, this only made Annalise cry even harder. She threw her arms around his waist and wailed, "It's all my fault. I'm useless. I'm of no help to you at all!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? You've already given me everything. And I can't give you anything other than a title that can never be made public," Braxton said, stroking her hair tenderly. "I'm the one who's wronged you."

Tamara stood outside the room, feeling her world spin. But she understood that being hurt by the truth was still better than being comforted by lies.

Annalise's voice continued to drift through the door.

"I really do love Edna's cooking. If only I could eat it every day."

Braxton cupped her face and wiped away her tears. "That's easy enough."

That night, Edna reheated dinner three times before Braxton's car finally pulled into the driveway.

When he saw the white bandage wrapped around Tamara's leg, it seemed to finally register that he had caused her to get hurt earlier in the day. He held her in his arms and apologized over and over again. Then he went into the kitchen and personally cooked a few of her favorite dishes himself.

"I'll make it up to you by cooking for you from now on, babe. That'll be my punishment."

Edna laughed. "Wouldn't that mean I'll be out of a job then?"

Early the next morning, Edna came to say her goodbyes to Tamara.