Chapter 2

Meeting Lucinda's expectant gaze, I shook my head.

"Louise…" Otis said.

It was the first time he'd used my full name since we'd become a couple.

He didn't finish, but I understood what he meant.

"I'm not his classmate. We're just in the same line of work."

That was the truth.

Otis had graduated two years ago and started his own company.

The firm where I was interning happened to be in the same industry as his.

"So you're in the same field," Lucinda said.

She calmed a little, though her voice still carried that fragile, pitiable note.

"Then I'm truly sorry about today. Otis and I have some important matters to see to over here. If you have business to discuss, could we do it another day?"

I gave a small smile.

"No problem. Go take care of it."

Before they left, Otis kept his arm around Lucinda and shot me an apologetic look.

A little over ten minutes later, my phone buzzed. A text from Otis.

【Nina, Lucinda has no one else around her. I'm just playing along over here to smooth things over. Don't take it to heart.】

I glanced up at the red light above the operating room, then looked down to reply.

【It's fine. I understand.】

As the surgery was wrapping up, the hospital sent word.

I'd hired two caregivers ahead of time and had my father moved back to his room before Otis returned.

When he woke and didn't see Otis, he asked, puzzled.

"Where'd Otis go?"

I gave him an exasperated smile.

"You're in this state and still worrying about other people."

"Starting today you just focus on getting better. I've hired caregivers, and I'll come by every day after work myself. Can you promise me that much?"

My father managed a nod.

"No problem."

Hearing how weak his voice was, I nearly cried.

I waited more than two hours until my father fell asleep.

I called the two caregivers out into the hallway to go over everything, and paid three days' wages in advance.

As I walked out of the hospital, Otis called.

"Nina, why'd you leave early? When did your father's surgery finish? Why didn't you call me?"

I let out a soft snort and teased him on purpose.

"Weren't you busy playing along? I had to help you carry the act off properly, didn't I?"

Otis was quiet for a few seconds, then burst out laughing.

"You really know how to joke! You're my girlfriend. There's no need to put yourself through anything like that!"

"I've already smoothed things over with Lucinda. Where are you? I'll come find you."

I stood in the pitch-black night, watching Otis and Lucinda walk out of the inpatient building hand in hand.

"No need to come find me. I have to get back to the office. I'm working late tonight."

"Then I'll order you something to eat later. Make sure you eat on time, and take care of yourself."

Otis, gentle as ever.

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I really couldn't have made myself believe it.

The man I'd been ready to marry turned out to be a hypocrite, one thing on the surface and another underneath.

I hung up and took a cab back to the office.

Sitting at my desk, I pulled out a contract connected to Otis's company, turned to the last page, and picked up my pen to write my assessment.

【This company's qualifications are insufficient, and it lacks industry experience. A further background check is recommended.】