Chapter 1

The day Caleb Jensen's company went public, he stood on that stage and announced his engagement to his assistant, Vera Wheeler. Me? I was the wife who had silently stood by him for four years, watching it all unfold from the sidelines.

'Our company’s success today is largely thanks to Vera’s unwavering support,' he declared, his voice dripping with gratitude. 'Thank you all for your trust. Moving forward, Vera and I will be leading this project together.'

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers and congratulations echoing through the room. I stood there, my fists clenched tight, feeling the weight of four years of emotions slowly unraveling. It was finally time to let go.

When I got home, I made a call. 'I can’t believe you agreed so quickly,' Sullivan Ross said, his tone eager. 'Once you’re on board, I’ll make sure you have the best resources the company can offer.'

'Mr. Ross, I’ll be there as soon as I wrap things up here,' I replied calmly. Just as I hung up, Caleb walked in.

'Who were you talking to?' he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

'Just some technical issues in the project department that needed sorting out,' I lied smoothly. He tossed his suit jacket onto the couch, and that’s when I noticed it—the flashy diamond ring on his finger. A gift from Vera at the press conference. In our four years of marriage, Caleb had never worn the wedding band I gave him. He claimed to be allergic to metal, yet there he was, flaunting Vera’s cheap engagement ring without a second thought.

'Why did you leave the press conference early?' he demanded, his voice tinged with accusation. 'Some investors had technical questions, and you left me hanging.'

'You seemed to handle it just fine on your own,' I shot back, my tone icy. 'Surely, you didn’t need my help.'

For a moment, Caleb looked guilty. 'Announcing the engagement helps attract more investors,' he explained, his voice softer now. 'The company needs significant funding, and this will bring more attention to the project.'

I didn’t argue. A month ago, investors had already been lining up to partner with him. Now, he was using the project as a cover. He knew it was my idea, and he assumed I wouldn’t make a scene.

Thinking I was upset, Caleb sat down beside me on the sofa, the faint scent of vanilla wafting off him—a fragrance I’d only ever smelled on Vera. I glanced at him, noticing the faint smear of lipstick on his neck. He caught my gaze and quickly tugged at his collar, guilt flickering across his face.

'These are the project proposals from tonight’s investors,' he said, handing me a stack of papers. 'Vera’s capable, and I plan to let her manage this project. You should focus on the technical side.'

He expected me to be thrilled with the stack of proposals. 'If Vera’s so capable, why not let her handle everything, including the technical parts?' I suggested, my voice calm but laced with sarcasm.

Caleb’s face darkened. 'Amelie, you need to separate business from personal matters. Don’t be unreasonable. You’re just trying to make things difficult for her! When did you become so petty?'

He thought I was sulking, just like I used to. Caleb glared at me, then barked his usual order: 'Amelie, run a bath for me and give me a massage.'

In the past, I would’ve obliged without a second thought. After every business meeting, I’d prepare his bath and give him a massage to help him unwind. To Caleb, these were just duties—something a housekeeper would do.

But now? Four years of loyalty couldn’t compete with an assistant who’d been around for three months. 'I’m tired,' I said flatly. 'If you want a bath, run it yourself.'

Caleb stared at me, stunned into silence.

'Amelie, are you seriously throwing a tantrum over something so trivial?' he shouted after me as I walked away. 'Everything I do is for the company, for our future!'

'Amelie! Are you even listening to me? Are you ignoring me now?' His voice echoed through the house as I closed the bedroom door behind me, finally free from the weight of his expectations.