Chapter 3

The next morning, I headed to Daniel's studio as the sun was rising.

When I got to my desk, my colleagues, who had been up all night, looked at me in surprise.

"Emelia, didn't you say you were taking the day off?"

"Emelia, thank goodness you're here. Daniel's live stream has turned everything upside down."

"Yeah, seriously. No heads-up at all. If Daniel does this again, I'm gonna work myself into an early grave."

I managed a weak smile, kept quiet, and opened my laptop to start sorting out the handover checklist.

Four years ago, while I was in Brookville searching for inspiration to design, I happened to cross paths with Daniel, who was filming a variety show there.

Helping him out that one time made two people who should never have met suddenly have a connection.

He remembered every little thing I liked, and even during breaks on set, he'd find a way to see me.

After a year of him chasing after me, I finally said yes.

He spun me around in his arms, promising that once he won Best Actor, he'd propose and give me the wedding of my dreams.

So, I turned down Alex's invitation and told my parents I was locked away working on a project, all so I could devote myself to helping Daniel climb the ranks in this world.

I learned PR, created eye-catching styles for him, and worked hard to land him fashion gigs and resources.

Time after time, I covered up for his indifference, always using the excuse that he was busy filming.

When he finally won Best Actor and bought that pink diamond necklace, I really thought the proposal I'd been waiting for was finally about to happen.

But in the end, it was all just a self-deluded fantasy.

Right at ten, Daniel and Anaiah strolled into the studio, fingers laced together. He looked sharp and refreshed, while she was radiant and sweet.

When Daniel spotted me, there was a flash of guilt in his eyes, but in the next second, his usual air of arrogance returned.

He turned to everyone and announced, "Anaiah's a PR specialist. From now on, she'll be in charge of all our public relations."

My fingers froze on the keyboard for a moment. Well, whatever. I was going to quit anyway.

Anaiah approached me with a sweet, polite smile. "Emelia, thank you for your efforts all this time."

I felt a wave of nausea at the hint of mockery in her smile and the hickey she was so obviously showing off on her chest.

"Just part of the job," I said.

Anaiah's smile froze for a moment, and then tears started to pool in her eyes. "Emelia, I'm sorry. I... I'm not here to..."

Honestly, her pitiful act could give those drama queens a run for their money.

The PR team, being seasoned pros, all looked down, trying to hide the contempt in their eyes.

Daniel carefully dabbed away Anaiah's tears and then turned to me, his expression darkening with irritation. "Emelia, I assigned Anaiah this job. What's with the attitude? Hand everything over to Anaiah right now. And you come to my office."

With everything for the handover sorted, I gave a crisp nod and didn't bother to argue.

With my resignation letter in hand, I followed Daniel to his office, under the anxious gazes of my colleagues.

Daniel closed the door and walked over, reaching out to pull me into his arms like he always did.

I smoothly stepped aside, ignoring his gesture, and handed him my resignation letter.

His face darkened, and he arched his brows in annoyance as he looked at me. "Emelia, what are you trying to pull now? Anaiah was coughing all night, and I had to stay up taking care of her."

He sighed deeply. "Emelia, I'm worn out. Can you please stop with all this drama?"

A cold numbness seeped through me. I'd probably heard this same excuse from him a thousand times before.

I handed him my resignation letter again. "I'm not being dramatic, Daniel. I'm resigning."

Daniel glanced at the letter and said with obvious disdain in his voice. "Emelia, so you're threatening me with your resignation now?"

He slammed the letter down on the desk. "Let me spell it out for you. I run this place. And Anaiah majored in public relations at college. I know she's gotten what it takes."

The resignation letter ended up on the floor, and Daniel stepped right on it without even looking.

He leaned back in his chair, his tone dripping with that self-assured arrogance he always had. "Alright, I know what you're worried about. Don't stress, Anaiah is just my sister. Once she's settled, I'll marry you."

I stared at him, my expression calm and my eyes utterly emotionless.

Daniel was so used to me smiling or blushing whenever he mentioned marriage that my composure now actually threw him off.

But then he remembered how dependent I'd been on him these past three years, and continued, speaking as if he was doing me a favor, "You're more talented at design anyway, so from now on, focus on creating looks for me.

"Just do the sketches and sign them under Anaiah's name. It'll help boost her profile."

He straightened his posture, giving me a probing look as if trying to read my thoughts. "Emelia, you've always been so kind and forgiving. You understand me, don't you?"

A faint, cold smile curled at my lips, my gaze frosty and sharp.

He thought he could dismiss all my hard work and let Anaiah take credit for everything I'd done.

Daniel was shameless and knew no bounds.

I said coldly, "I don't like it, and I refuse to do it."

Then I bent down, picked up my resignation letter, and set it right in front of him, looking him straight in the eye. "Daniel, this isn't a discussion. I'm telling you I'm quitting."

Daniel shot to his feet, his gaze fierce and his voice cold, his words laced with open threat. "Emelia, if you've got the guts, get out of here right now. In this industry, if I put the word out, nobody will ever dare hire you."

I didn't bother to say another word or even spare him a glance. I turned and walked out of the office.