Chapter 2

I do not look back.

By the time I get home, I have already pulled out a suitcase and started packing. Damian does not return until one in the morning.

The moment he sees the suitcase by the door, his expression hardens.

“What are you doing now?”

“Moving out.”

He puts one hand on the lid of the suitcase. “Because of what happened tonight?”

I look at him.

“Victor had too much to drink. I had someone send him home. Do you have any idea how much trouble you could cause by throwing a drink in his face in front of everyone?”

“Do you know what he did to me?”

Damian looks away.

“He was drunk.”

“So I was supposed to let him touch me?”

“Tonight was important. Half the people there are tied to our business or the Romano alliance. You’re my assistant. You should know when not to make a scene.”

The words cut deeper than I expect, but I only smile.

“Fine. I’ll remember that.”

His expression eases. He reaches for me. “Stop this. I’ll have someone send you a new dress tomorrow.”

I step away before he can touch me.

“You married Sofia.”

His hand stops in midair.

“Who told you?”

“I heard you say it yourself outside the dining room.”

For a moment, neither of us speaks. Damian loosens his tie, already irritated.

“The marriage is part of the Romano alliance. I was going to tell you when the timing was right.”

“When would that be? After she got pregnant? After you held the wedding?”

“Claire, don’t do this.”

He looks at me as if what he is saying should make perfect sense.

“Being married to Sofia doesn’t have to change what we have. We can keep things the way they were.”

“The way they were?” I ask. “You mean I stay in your bed while your wife wears your name?”

His face darkens.

“I don’t like that tone.”

Of course he doesn’t.

By day, I am the assistant who follows his orders. At night, I am the woman who shares his bed and asks for nothing he does not want to give.

“Damian, we’re done.”

My voice comes out calmer than I feel.

“You should think before you make a decision like that.”

“I have. I’m done being the woman you hide.”

Something shifts in his eyes, but it disappears almost immediately. His usual composure returns.

“You can keep the apartment. I’ll transfer enough money to make sure you’re taken care of.”

I nod.

“Fine.”

That answer clearly catches him off guard. He steps closer.

“You agreed pretty fast.”

He stops in front of me and looks down at me.

“Don’t tell me you thought spending six years in my bed made you special.”

His eyes are red now, but his voice stays cold.

“For six years, it happened to be you. It could just as easily have been someone else.”

The words hit exactly where he means them to.

I smile anyway.

“If it could have been anyone, losing me shouldn’t matter.”

I pick up my phone.

“And while we’re ending things, process my resignation.”

His jaw tightens.

“Don’t push me.”

He watches me as if he expects anger, tears, anything that proves I am bluffing.

I give him nothing.

After a long silence, he takes out his phone and makes my resignation effective immediately.

“Fine.”

His voice turns flat.

“Don’t come begging for your job back at Moretti Holdings.”

I put my phone away and meet his eyes.

“I won’t.”

This time, I mean it.

I am never coming back.