Chapter 2

Early the next morning, I went to the office to turn in my resignation.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I heard a commotion coming from the office area.

Emily was standing in the middle of the crowd, wearing a pink dress.

"Everyone, you've all been working so hard. I made these treats myself as a little thank you, please come and have some!"

Her voice was gentle, and she smiled warmly. "I hope you'll all support me from now on."

"Mrs. Grant, you're too kind!"

"Mr. Grant is really lucky to have a wife like you!"

"I heard you and Mr. Grant had a long-distance relationship for five years, and now you're finally back together. Congratulations!"

Watching this whole scene, I couldn't help thinking, 'What a joke.'

Five years of long-distance love? Give me a break. I was the one who stuck by Edward for five years.

If it wasn't for me, Emily wouldn't even have a shot at being Mrs. Grant.

Not in the mood for any of that, I made a beeline for Edward's office, steering clear of the crowd.

But before I could get far, a cold voice cut through the air behind me.

"So, you're Ms. Lane?"

Emily walked over, giving me that boss-lady look. "Edward's always talking about you. Says you're his right-hand woman."

I forced a smile. "Thank you, Miss Emily."

"Miss Emily? Everyone else calls me Mrs. Grant."

Emily gave a cold laugh. "Word is, you don't act like just another employee around here. You think you're the boss's woman, huh?"

Those words actually made me stunned for a break.

Looking at her, I realized she definitely wasn't here to make friends.

"It's just rumors, Mrs. Grant. I hope you won't get the wrong idea."

"Alright, I'm a bit thirsty. Ms. Lane, could you make me a cup of coffee? Hand-brewed, please."

As soon as she said that, the employees around us started whispering among themselves.

Everyone knew that even though I was the secretary, I never had to do stuff like that.

Edward always spoiled me, he never let me carry files, much less fetch coffee or water for anyone.

"Mrs. Grant, you're pregnant, it's really not a good idea for you to have coffee," I said coolly, meeting her gaze. "I'm Mr. Grant's secretary. My job is to handle his business, not to make coffee for anyone else."

"Shut up! Who do you think you are, acting like you can tell me what to do?"

Without warning, Emily slapped me hard across the face.

My right cheek went numb, and my mind went completely blank.

Just as I was about to fight back, someone grabbed my wrist in a death grip.

It was Edward.

He held my wrist tight, with his expression cold. "Sophia, what the hell are you doing?"

"Are you blind? She just slapped me!"

"Edward, your secretary was the one who started all this! I just asked her to make me a cup of coffee, but she wouldn't even lift a finger. She said I wasn't qualified to tell her what to do. Everyone saw it, I was so upset I couldn't help myself!"

Edward swept his gaze over the staff, and everyone scrambled to nod in agreement.

"Ms. Lane wouldn't do it, and told Mrs. Grant to get someone else."

"Sophia, who do you think you are!"

Edward shoved me hard, and I stumbled, hitting the ground with a thud.

My knee scraped against the floor, and it stung like hell.

Edward didn't even look at me once. He went straight to fuss over Emily.

"Emily, don't be mad. You're pregnant, you can't let yourself get stressed, it's bad for the baby. My secretary was out of line. I'll deal with her for you."

Then he looked up at me, his eyes cold as ice.

"One slap isn't enough. Emily, don't hold back, hit her more until you're good."

"Edward, what did you just say?"

I stared at him, my mind going completely blank. 'Is he for real? He's actually telling Emily to slap me?'

Emily hesitated, her voice dripping with fake concern. "But Edward, I was just upset Didn't you say Ms. Lane is your go-to? I really wouldn't want to cross her"

Before she could finish, Edward grabbed her hand. "Don't worry, I'll show you how to slap her, put your weight into it, make it count, and don't hold back!"

Smack!

The crisp slap echoed through the office. Before I could even process what was happening, I hit the floor hard.