Chapter 3

At 5:00 PM, the doorbell rang right on cue.

Untying my apron, I wiped my wet hands and went to open the door.

Julian and Chloe were standing on the porch.

Chloe wore a cream silk blouse paired with beige wide-leg trousers. She looked both professional and incredibly soft.

"Audrey, I hope we aren't interrupting! Julian kept boasting that your steamed sea bass is legendary, and I’ve been craving it for ages."

She beamed at me, holding out a beautifully wrapped luxury wellness basket.

"Come on in," I said, stepping aside to let them pass.

Julian naturally took the basket from her hand and set it on the entryway console.

"I told you not to bring anything. She doesn't really care about this kind of stuff anyway," Julian said, a subtle trace of tenderness in his voice.

"Oh, stop! It's my first time visiting your home. It’s only polite," Chloe said, sliding into the guest slippers I had prepared, stepping gracefully into the living room.

I watched them interact with such comfortable familiarity. It felt like I was the intruder in my own home.

Dinner was elaborate.

As I brought the final bowl of soup to the table, Julian had already pulled out a chair for Chloe.

"Try this. It's Audrey’s specialty." Julian used the serving fork to place a delicate piece of fish onto Chloe’s plate.

Chloe took a bite, her eyes lighting up instantly.

"Oh my gosh, this is amazing! Audrey, you’re such an incredible cook. No wonder Julian rushes home every day after work."

Julian let out a soft chuckle, swirling his red wine.

"Well, it’s basically her only hobby. When you spend all day in the kitchen, you eventually lose touch with how the real world works."

His tone was three parts joking, seven parts condescending.

My fingers tightened around my fork until my knuckles turned white.

"You're right. The world changes fast," I said, looking up to meet Julian’s eyes. "So fast that some people completely forget the promises they once made."

Julian’s face stiffened.

Sensing the sudden tension, Chloe quickly chimed in to smooth things over.

"Audrey, please don't misunderstand. Julian actually worries about you a lot. Last night when we were on FaceTime going over the ledgers, he couldn't stop sighing."

She paused intentionally, watching my reaction.

"He said he feels like you've been so quiet lately, and he's worried you're getting depressed. He even asked me to come over more often to keep you company."

Her tone was incredibly sincere, as if she truly cared about my well-being.

I set my fork down and dabbed my mouth with a napkin.

"FaceTime ledger reviews?" I looked at her, a faint smile playing on my lips.

"Yes. There was an accounting discrepancy we couldn't resolve, so Julian stayed on the call with me until 2:00 AM," Chloe said, blinking innocently.

2:00 AM.

According to my app, that was exactly when Julian had tossed three times and sighed five times.

"I see," I nodded, not pushing any further.

Julian visibly relaxed. He probably thought I had swallowed their pathetic excuse hook, line, and sinker.

"Anyway, let’s not talk about work. Let's eat," he said, tapping the table to change the subject.

But Chloe wasn't done.

"Audrey, I actually really envy you. You don't have to stress about paying bills. You just get to keep this beautiful house clean."

She looked around the high-ceilinged dining room, a flash of jealousy crossing her eyes.

"Unlike me. I have to deal with those corporate wolves at the office every single day. Julian has to protect me so much, he’s probably annoyed half the board."

Her words were wrapped in envy, but they were a clear declaration of war.

She was telling me that she and Julian were partners fighting side-by-side in the real world, while I was just a useless ornament.

"If it’s that hard, why don't you resign?" I asked calmly.

Chloe froze.

Julian slammed his fork onto the table.

"Audrey, what the hell is wrong with you? Chloe is the backbone of our financial department. Do you even know what a key asset is?"

"I just know that we shouldn't discuss business at the dinner table." I met his angry gaze without flinching.

"Why have you become so bitter and toxic?!" Julian pointed a finger at me, disgust written all over his face.

Chloe quickly grabbed his arm, tears instantly welling in her eyes.

"Julian, please don't get mad. It's my fault. I shouldn't have brought up work. Audrey probably just didn't want me here."

The more fragile and accommodating she acted, the more Julian’s heart ached for her.

"She just hates seeing anyone else happy! Ignore her." Julian squeezed Chloe’s hand tightly, comforting her.

Looking at their intertwined hands, a wave of intense disgust hit me.

"I’m full. Enjoy your dinner."

I stood up and walked upstairs without looking back.

"Audrey! Get back here!" Julian roared behind me.

I ignored him, walked into my bedroom, and locked the door.

Outside, I could hear Julian’s muffled curses and Chloe’s soft, soothing voice whispering to him.

I leaned against the door and closed my eyes.

I had been through this routine of being isolated and blamed too many times.

But this time, I wouldn't cry a single tear.