Chapter 2

I took a cab home alone, completely drained.

The sun was going down, and the apartment sat in heavy gray dimness. My phone screen cut through the dark like a blade.

But what really stung was the photo Lillian had posted online. It was William's back.

He was hunched over a document, signing something, with the faintest trace of a fond smile on his lips.

The caption read: [Fearless when you're around.]

I stared at the post for a solid ten seconds, and then I laughed.

My fingers moved on their own. I liked the post and left a comment.

[You two really are close, huh.]

I hadn't even set the phone down when William's call came through.

The second I picked up, he tore into me. "Olivia, what the hell is your problem? Why are you being passive-aggressive under Lillian's post?

"So I pushed back the registration, big deal. You're deliberately trying to make people think there's something going on between me and Lillian!"

His voice was shaking with rage on the other end, and all I could feel was how absurd the whole thing was.

"Pushed back the registration?" I scoffed. "William, this is the 52nd time. You call that 'pushing it back'?"

"Then what do you want?" His voice shot up an octave.

"Lillian just graduated. She hits a rough patch at work and I can't help her? I'm her boss! Why do you always have to compete with an intern?"

Before I could respond, Lillian's voice bled through in the background, dripping with fake remorse.

"Mr. Carter, please don't be upset... It's all my fault. I shouldn't have bothered you..."

She sounded like she'd just been served the world's greatest injustice.

Even I could hear the performance from a mile away, and yet William ate it right up.

His voice softened the instant he heard her. "Lillian, don't worry about it. This has nothing to do with you."

Then he turned right back to me, all venom. "Olivia, get yourself to the office right now and apologize to Lillian in person!"

I held the phone and suddenly felt exhaustion settle into my bones.

William had changed ever since Lillian showed up. Every time we fought, he took her side without fail.

On my last birthday, he'd stood me up because Lillian said a client was giving her trouble.

On Valentine's Day, one phone call from Lillian and he was gone.

Now, he'd dumped me on the side of the road on our registration day, all for her.

I tugged at the zipper digging into my ribs all day and let out a long breath. "William, I'm not going."

"What did you just say? Say that again, Olivia!"

"I said," I enunciated every word, "I'm. Not. Coming."

Silence fell on the other end for a beat, and then he exploded.

"Fine! You've got nerve! Let me make this clear. If you don't come and apologize, you can kiss your job at Starlight Group goodbye. One word from me, and you're done!"

Starlight Group was the Carter family's company, and yes, I worked there.

But at that moment, I felt nothing but disgust.

I had loved him for a long time. But right then, I was done making excuses for him.

"Do whatever you want." I said it and hung up.

My phone immediately started buzzing nonstop.

Text after text from William piled up on my screen.

William: [Did you just hang up on me? Get over here. Now.]

William: [You're finished, Olivia. I'll make sure you never work in this industry again.]

I didn't respond to a single one. I just deleted them all.

Then I opened my laptop and started writing my resignation letter. Halfway through, my phone rang again.

This time it was Alex Lewis, a colleague from my department. [Olivia, Mr. Carter just went off in the group chat. He's saying he's gonna fire you... What happened?]

I texted back: [It's fine. I'm about to resign anyway.]

Alex replied almost instantly.

[Is it because of Lillian? Honestly, everyone at the company can see how Mr. Carter is with her... Don't let it get to you, okay?]

I managed a small smile and didn't write back.

Even outsiders could see what was going on. I'd been lying to myself for five years.