Chapter 2

I carried the afternoon drinks into the office.

The veteran employees spotted me and crowded around, all smiles.

I'd built this company alongside Mavis Harding from nothing.

From a single rented office to the whole building we owned now, I'd poured in as much as anyone.

Then came two long years of recovery, and I slowly stepped back from management. But the bond with the old staff was still there.

Ray, my inside man, jerked his chin toward the CEO's office.

I understood at once. I passed out the drinks, told everyone to get back to work, and pushed the door open myself.

The first thing I saw was Mavis sitting at her desk.

A boy with clean, delicate features was leaning in close, his lips almost touching her ear.

I stood in the doorway for a few seconds.

Neither of them noticed. They held that pose, heads bent together, like no one else existed.

I knocked on the door.

They both looked up at once.

When Mavis saw me with makeup on, something bright flickered in her eyes, and then her expression shifted.

The boy just kept that intimate posture, looking confused.

"And you are?"

My voice was even. "I remember you. Neil Dickerson."

Five months ago, right after my second reconstructive surgery, I'd come to the office to find her.

In the stairwell I ran into him, staring blankly at a résumé for our company.

I asked what was wrong. He said he'd applied three times and been turned down every time, the reason being that they "weren't hiring male assistants."

I looked over his résumé and went to convince Mavis to keep him myself.

Her pen didn't pause as she signed.

"No. After the burns you're already insecure. I don't want you overthinking things."

Warmth spread through my chest. "It's enough that you feel that way. I won't read into it."

"He really does meet the requirements. Don't give the company something to be criticized over because of this."

Only then did she give a reluctant nod.

Five months later, the same Mavis who'd said she didn't want me overthinking was now so close to the boy I'd personally placed in the company that their breath seemed to tangle together.

Neil froze, then quickly straightened and put distance between himself and Mavis. "It's you."

His eyes settled on my face. "You've recovered... pretty well."

Mavis's voice was cold. "What are you here for?"

Seeing the wariness at the bottom of her eyes, something in my chest went sharp with pain.

"I went out for some air. Thought I'd drop off some drinks on the way."

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and set the drinks on the desk.

"I'm about to head out. I won't keep you two."

Her expression eased. She stood. "I'll walk you down."

While we waited for the elevator, she looped her arm through mine, close and affectionate.

"You didn't make a scene just now. You did well."

"Have you finally come around? Starting to carry yourself like the real wife."

My fingertips curled, but I still couldn't help asking:

"Why did you cheat? Why him?"

She paused slightly, her fingertips brushing my cheek.

"Frank, I'm a normal woman. I have needs like anyone else."

"You don't have the confidence to touch me, and I don't want to force you."

"Be good. It's all just a fling. You're the one who picked him, so I didn't resist as much."

The elevator gave a chime. It had arrived.

I closed my eyes for a moment. "No need to see me off. I'll go down on my own."

I stepped in and watched her turn and hurry off, her figure disappearing beyond the doors.

The elevator dropped to the first floor.

I didn't step out. I pressed the button for the CEO's floor again.