Chapter 2

I slid my phone into my pocket, smiling as I looked at my husband, Marcus, busy cooking in the kitchen. My mood was fantastic.

He was indeed a high-level executive now, but he had just got the promotion this year. So, technically, I hadn't lied.

Ten years ago, it was just a manifestation. Who says you can't dream big?

I giggled, walked over, and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, burying my face in his broad back.

He startled slightly, then relaxed. "What's up, babe? Did you have fun with your girls tonight?"

"Totally. They're actually still asking about you. Since they’re all still single, they wanted to know if you have any eligible bachelor friends."

Marcus chuckled. "A premium guy like me is hard to find. Honestly, at their age and with their standards, it's going to be tough."

"Right? I told them to give up. They don't stand a chance anyway!"

Our kid was staying at my in-laws' place tonight, so Marcus and I had the house to ourselves. He had even prepared a candlelit dinner for me.

I snapped a picture and posted it on Instagram, instantly racking up likes.

Unsurprisingly, Tiffany lost her mind again. She commented directly under my post:

"Must be nice to just ignore your kid and play house. Marcus really treats you like a queen."

"But don't get too arrogant, Chloe. The higher you climb, the harder you fall!"

I rolled my eyes. What a salty hater.

I posted another photo. "Marcus got promoted and bought me a gift!"

It was a delicate sapphire ring set in yellow gold, elegant and not tacky at all.

It looked gorgeous against my fair skin.

Tiffany commented: "Gold prices are up, so this must have cost at least a few hundred, right? Looks pretty thin, though. Don't bend it!"

I replied: "Actually, it's solid gold, and it cost over ten grand. Marcus said as long as I like it, price doesn't matter. Love my husband and his sweet surprises!"

I could picture Tiffany punching her drywall.

To stop teasing her, I cuddled up with Marcus to watch YouTube, but then I saw Tiffany’s face pop up on TikTok.

She was wearing a slinky, low-cut purple slip dress, looking all damsel-in-distress. Her caption read: "My laptop is broken... I don't suppose anyone can help a girl out?"

Is her laptop broken, or is her brain fried?

Half an hour later, she posted again: "Finally fixed! Huge thanks to my handsome neighbor upstairs for saving the day!"

I almost choked on my water laughing.

Unbelievable.

Inviting a random man over late at night to "fix a computer" while wearing "that" dress? All I could do was wish them well.

That very night, Tiffany announced in our Snapchat group that she was officially off the market!

The boyfriend was none other than the helpful neighbor.

I sent a quick "congrats" emoji.

Three days later, Tiffany invited us all out for dinner to celebrate. I happily accepted.

When I arrived at the restaurant and saw the mysterious neighbor, I raised an eyebrow.

Wow. Did she actually get lucky for once? The guy was gorgeous.

"Everyone, meet my boyfriend, Dustin. He's the Managing Director at Summit Group!" Tiffany bragged.

"And this is my bestie, Chloe!"

Dustin handed me a sleek business card. I glanced at it. Managing Director?

Summit Group was actually a partner company of my firm, but I had never seen this guy in any of our high-level meetings.

Whatever. I was just here for the free food.

Once the others arrived and sat down, Dustin acted like a big shot. With a wave of his hand, he told the waiter, "Bring us one of every signature dish!"

"Today marks three days since my beautiful girl and I started dating. We have to celebrate!"