Chapter 2

I stayed in the hospital for a few more days. Alex did not come once.

His assistant, on the other hand, came several times, each time bringing flowers, vitamins, and fruit baskets. He put them down and left, polite from beginning to end.

On the day I was discharged, I handled the paperwork alone and called an Uber back to the small apartment I rented.

After I got together with Alex, I had spent most of my time living in his penthouse by the Charles River.

This year, I had barely come back at all. I had even forgotten to deal with the failed autopay on the utilities.

The late-March cold snap had not fully passed, and the apartment was as cold as an ice cellar.

Silently, I turned on the heat and curled up under the blanket.

The air slowly warmed.

But the place in my chest stayed hollow. No amount of warmth could fill it.

The next morning, as soon as I arrived at the office, my colleagues from the department gathered around me, smiling.

"Congratulations. Guess we can't call you Clara anymore. It'll have to be Director Clara from now on."

I froze. "What do you mean?"

"You haven't checked the company intranet? The project department is promoting a new project director."

"Your performance is the strongest, and you just saved Alex. If the role isn't yours, whose could it be?"

"They probably waited to announce it until you came back today so the boss could thank you publicly."

"You have to buy us drinks tonight to celebrate."

They talked over one another, their smiles sincere.

Looking at them, I slowly began to smile too.

Even if my relationship with Alex was over, adults did not have to sabotage their own futures.

Alex had not been a good lover, but he had been the best guide for my career.

Starting from my internship in my final year of college, he had personally led me through countless projects and taught me everything he knew.

I had grown all the way to where I was now, capable of standing on my own. The director position was indeed what I deserved.

Just then, the private elevator opened.

Alex stepped out, a young woman beside him.

High heels, tailored suit, flawless makeup, and the easy composure unique to Upper East Side girls.

He stopped and looked around at the staff.

"Let me introduce everyone. This is the newly appointed project director, Sophia Whitman."

"After work tonight, we'll all welcome Sophia. Company expense."

The air went abruptly still.

My mind went blank too.

One colleague could not hold back.

"Alex, Clara has been with the company since graduation. She's always worked hard, and everyone can see her ability. This position should have been hers. Bringing someone in from outside like this doesn't seem appropriate."

Alex swept his gaze over her, his voice cold.

"The company has its own considerations."

Another colleague spoke softly on my behalf.

"Clara just risked her life to save you. Isn't this a little too cold?"

Alex's expression darkened. His gaze cut around the room, sharp as a blade.

"That only proves she is brave but reckless, acting without regard for consequences. A temperament like that is not suited for senior management."

Everyone looked at one another. The atmosphere turned unbearably awkward.

I stood frozen in place, my heart plunging into ice.

At that moment, Sophia stepped forward and held out her hand to me.

"Hello. You must be Clara, right?"

"Please organize the materials for the Napa resort project and send them to me. Alex has already handed the entire project over to me."

I stood there, feeling as if I had been slapped in front of everyone. The world spun.

I turned to Alex, tears rising before I could stop them.

"I've been responsible for that project from the beginning."

"Changing the lead now isn't appropriate, is it?"

I had stayed awake through countless nights for that project. He had been the one to force me into bed and make me rest.

I did not believe he did not know how important that project was to my career.

I stared at him, hoping to find even a trace of compassion in his eyes.

But he looked away and addressed the room.

"Sophia is Ivy League educated and highly capable. I believe she can handle it."

My fingers clenched, then loosened.

My nails left crescent marks in my palm.

I stopped fighting.

Turning to Sophia, I said calmly, "It will take time to organize the materials. I'll email them to you tomorrow morning."

Alex had already turned toward his office.

His back was straight, like a paper cutter, cleanly slicing apart every connection between us.