Chapter 2

Back at the home Andrews and I had shared for five years, his car was parked downstairs.

The car window was halfway down, and Ramon's seductive gasps drifted out, interrupted.

"Andrews..."

"Call me 'babe'."

"Babe... you're amazing..."

"Compared to Pegula, who makes you feel better?"

"Definitely you... she's so lifeless, how could she compare?"

I stood rooted to the spot, my blood feeling like it had frozen solid.

It was midsummer, but I was so cold my teeth chattered.

An hour later, Andrews walked into the living room, his arm around Ramon's waist.

Seeing me, Ramon flinched like a startled rabbit, her eyes instantly red, and she hid in Andrews' embrace.

"Why is she here? Andrews, didn't you say this would be our home?"

"Do you still love her? You lied to me!"

"No matter how much I love you, I'll never be a homewrecker! I'm leaving right now!"

Andrews immediately hugged her tight, cooing and kissing her.

"What are you thinking? I've given you the wedding ring; you're my wife, Ramon. This is absolutely our home."

"She's just here to pack her things."

He looked at me, no trace of guilt in his eyes, only cold annoyance.

"Pegula, isn't that small studio apartment across town still empty? Go live there."

My mind went blank, a dull ache in my chest making it almost impossible to breathe.

Three years ago, when we moved in here, Andrews had hugged me, his eyes shining like stars.

"Pegula, this is our home now. We'll have our paintings here, our cat, and our children."

But now, this man who promised me a home was kicking me out like trash.

"Pegula, Ramon is upset. I don't want to repeat myself."

His voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable warning.

It was then that I vaguely realized he wasn't joking.

After a long, suffocating silence, under his unwavering gaze, I spoke hoarsely, "Okay."

Andrews seemed surprised by my compliance. His eyes flickered. As I started to rise, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, his tone softening.

"There's an industry conference next week. Come with me."

I instinctively wanted to refuse.

But he spoke first. "It's Ramon's first time at such an event. She doesn't know many of the senior figures. You should come along, introduce her, and make sure no one gives her a hard time."

I froze, the absurdity almost making me laugh out loud.

He wanted me to pave her way?

But then I thought of the wild plan brewing in my heart, and I nodded.

Before the conference, Ramon claimed she had no suitable dress and picked out my most cherished gown from my walk-in closet.

It was the dress I wore when I first won an international perfumery award, along with the matching antique jewelry.

That was the last shred of my glory as "Pegula," not "Andrews' assistant."

At the conference, she clung to Andrews' arm.

And I, like a humble shadow, followed behind them, fetching drinks and making introductions for her.

Those senior figures who once showered me with praise now looked at me with scorn and pity.

"Isn't that Pegula? Such a brilliant and talented perfumer back then. How did a few years as Andrews' assistant turn her into this?"

"You haven't heard? Andrews is marrying the one next to him."

"Pegula? She's just a glorified housekeeper he got to sleep with for seven years. Now her home's even been taken over."

"Women really need their own careers. Otherwise, look, once she's past her prime, when she gets kicked out, she can't even open her mouth."

I practically fled into the ladies' room, only to hear a discussion from the stalls between a few young designers.

"Andrews is such a winner at life! I heard Pegula was the real mastermind behind his 'Rising Star' entry this time, right?"

"Definitely. Pegula's inspiration is Andrews' entire creative arsenal. Without Pegula, Andrews is nothing."

"So, he's kicked Pegula out and married Ramon. What's he going to do now?"

My heart clenched, but then I heard a frivolous laugh. It was Neto, Andrews' confidant.

"Andrews said Pegula's world revolves around him. He made her utterly dependent for seven years; she can't leave him."

"This is just her throwing a little tantrum. Once he gets tired of Ramon, he'll snap his fingers, and Pegula will come crawling back to slave for him."

"She's just a used-up old tool. What could she possibly do now?"

I couldn't hear another word.

I rushed to the sink, splashing cold water on my face again and again, finally biting down hard on my hand to keep from crying out loud.

Tears of humiliation mixed with the water, splattering onto the cold marble counter.

Andrews, you're wrong. This time, I won't wait for you.

The moment I turned around, a stinging slap landed hard on my face.