Chapter 2

There was another presentation that afternoon.

To prevent Caldwell from finding fault, I prepared thoroughly, pushing the proposal's creativity to its limits.

I didn't expect to be met with awkward silence after presenting.

Caldwell tapped the table.

Anticipating what was coming, my fists clenched unconsciously, my nails digging deep into my palms.

But Caldwell wasn't looking at me.

He just addressed the person in charge from Radiance with earnest instruction:

"When you do proposals in the future, don't be like Director Nivea here—seemingly comprehensive but actually lacking focus, flashy and hollow."

Naturally, it was another wasted effort.

Everyone was used to it by now, ready to pull another all-nighter to redo it.

But for the first time ever, I let everyone go.

"You've all worked hard this past while. Go out and have a nice meal, put it on my tab."

"Get some rest when you get home."

Everyone cheered, and infected by their mood, I showed a rare smile.

After work, I didn't want to go home and face Caldwell.

So I drove to my mom's house.

As soon as I opened the fridge, I saw it stuffed with cinnamon cakes.

All because she didn't want to waste Caldwell's "thoughtfulness."

My mom forced herself to eat several, which resulted in an upset stomach that landed her in the hospital for a week.

After that scare, I gently hinted to Caldwell not to buy my mom so many cakes anymore.

Mom already had diabetes and wasn't in good health.

But he didn't take it to heart at all.

Furious, I immediately wanted to throw out all the cakes in the fridge.

"Mom, I told you not to eat these anymore. Have you forgotten about your hospital stay?"

But she looked conflicted. "Won't Caldwell be upset? He means well, after all."

Seeing my mom so timid broke my heart.

Caldwell did mean well—but that thoughtfulness was for Skyler!

I couldn't tell her that.

I could only swallow my bitterness.

When I got home, the first thing I saw was another huge bouquet of flowers.

I didn't even want to look at it. I just felt sad.

His own wife came home this late, yet Caldwell didn't find it strange at all.

After all, ever since our conflicts began, I'd been working overtime almost every day.

I finally showered and lay down in bed, clean and refreshed, when he turned over and pulled me into his arms.

The moment our lips were about to touch, I couldn't help but imagine him with Skyler.

I instantly felt sick.

Almost as a reflex, I broke free from Caldwell's embrace.

"What's your problem now?"

He turned on the bedside lamp. His expression was terrifyingly dark.

I dry-heaved, then suddenly felt a surge of impulse.

"Let's get divorced, Caldwell. Let's stop torturing each other."

He looked at me in disbelief. "Just because I rejected your work during the day?"

Seeing my tear-filled eyes looking so pitiful, his tone softened.

"During the day, I was just being objective about work. Don't take it personally."

"You know that's just how I am at work."

He pointed at the bouquet and presented it to me like a treasure:

"Look, your favorite white roses."

Seeing that I still wasn't moved, Caldwell smiled helplessly.

"How about this, Nivea. Let me apologize first, and tomorrow I'll make it up to your team too."

"Don't be mad anymore, okay?"

Caldwell was always generous with apologies, but he never actually solved the problems.

He just wrapped them up with ribbons and sent them back disguised as gifts.

Even when I brought up divorce, he thought I was just being petulant.

Tears instantly soaked into my pillow.