Chapter 2

I couldn't sleep that night. Clayton's reaction to Arielle's gift kept replaying in my mind—the way his eyes had lit up, how his entire demeanor had changed. The contrast between his enthusiasm for her watch and his dismissive attitude toward mine felt like a physical ache in my chest.

The next morning, I made a decision.

"I'm heading to the mall," I told Clayton as he was leaving for work. "Need anything?"

He barely looked up from his phone. "No, thanks."

I didn't go to the mall. Instead, I drove to his office and parked across the street, far enough that his sleek black Audi wouldn't stand out among the other luxury cars in the area. My hands trembled slightly as I settled in for what might be a long wait.

"Come on, Ellie," I whispered to myself. "You're being ridiculous."

But I needed to know.

At precisely 6:30 PM, Clayton emerged from the building. I expected him to head home—he always complained about traffic during rush hour. Instead, he walked to the side entrance where Arielle was waiting, her slender figure silhouetted against the setting sun.

I started the engine and followed at a safe distance as Clayton's car navigated through downtown traffic. They didn't go far—just to Marcello's, an upscale Italian restaurant where we'd celebrated our fifth anniversary last year.

I parked around the corner and walked back, my heart pounding as I spotted them through the window. They were seated at an intimate corner table, their heads bent close together in conversation. Clayton reached across the table to adjust Arielle's napkin when it slipped, his fingers lingering on hers.

I couldn't breathe. I'd never seen him look at anyone the way he was looking at her—with genuine interest, with warmth. Not the distracted glances I'd been getting for months.

Two days later, I followed them again. This time, they went to The Westin downtown. I watched from the lobby as they walked hand-in-hand to the elevators, Arielle's laughter echoing across the marble floor.

"Excuse me," I approached the front desk clerk, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm supposed to meet my husband for dinner, but I forgot which room he booked."

The clerk looked sympathetic. "Your husband's name?"

"Clayton Torres," I said, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

She checked her computer. "Yes, Ms. Torres. He has a reservation in the executive suite on the twelfth floor."

I thanked her and walked away, unable to bring myself to take the elevator. Instead, I sat in my car for hours, watching the hotel entrance until they finally emerged, Clayton's arm wrapped possessively around Arielle's waist.

The third time I followed them, I was more careful. I wore sunglasses and a hat, parked further away, and kept my distance. They went to a small wine bar in Capitol Hill—a place Clayton had once said was "too pretentious" when I'd suggested trying it.

I found a seat at an outdoor table, partially hidden by a large potted plant. Close enough to see them, but not so close that they might notice me.

"You deserve better than this," Arielle was saying, her voice carrying clearly in the evening air. "The company needs a real executive assistant, not some glorified secretary."

Clayton smiled indulgently. "The board still thinks Jennifer is the best choice for the position."

"Jennifer is competent, but she lacks vision." Arielle leaned closer, her hand resting on Clayton's forearm. "I've been studying the company structure. I know exactly what needs to change."

"And what's that?" Clayton asked, clearly interested.

"Streamlining the executive support team, for starters. We don't need three assistants when one qualified person could handle everything." Her eyes gleamed with ambition. "And frankly, your personal life could use some... streamlining too."

My stomach clenched as she continued.

"That boring housewife of yours doesn't understand the demands of your position," Arielle said dismissively. "She can't even keep your schedule straight. What kind of partner does that make her?"

I froze, my coffee cup halfway to my lips. The casual cruelty in her voice as she referred to me—to our marriage—made me feel invisible. Worse than invisible: erased.

Clayton didn't defend me. He just laughed softly and signaled for another round of drinks.

"When you're executive assistant," he said, "we'll tackle both problems."

Arielle's smile was triumphant. "It's just a matter of time."