Chapter 5
Emily was draped in Charles's suit jacket, holding our matching couple mugs; one for me, one for him.
When she spotted me, her eyes lit up. "Olivia, thanks so much for letting me work here.
"I wanted to come find you this morning, but this job is way harder than I thought. Charles has been teaching me all morning."
I glanced at Charles, buried under a pile of paperwork.
No wonder he wasn't even taking a lunch break.
So this was what he was busy with during work hours. He must have been patiently showing Emily how to use the office software.
Charles already had a dedicated assistant.
Emily was here to do some basic paperwork and make spreadsheets.
Right in front of me, Emily casually unscrewed Charles's water bottle.
She took a few sips to wet her throat.
When she finished, she didn't even bother to put the cap back on. She set the bottle down on Charles's right side.
Charles picked it up and downed the rest of the water in one go.
The break room was Charles's private space. Even I had never relaxed in there.
That water bottle was his personal item too. I'd never shared it with him.
But now, Emily used all these things I was never allowed to touch like it was nothing.
Charles moved the files aside on his desk, half stood up, and made room for her on his chair.
Emily slid right into the other half of the seat, like she'd done it a hundred times before.
She waved at me.
"Olivia, you should get back to work. We've got stuff to do too," she said.
There were plenty of extra chairs outside.
But the two of them sat there, hands almost brushing, shoulders pressed together, practically breathing the same air.
I should've gone over and shoved them apart.
I should've called them out right then and there for having zero shame.
But in that moment,
I felt so exhausted.
If they were bold enough to do this in front of me, who knows how many times they'd crossed the line behind my back?
Even if I stopped them this time, there'd always be a next time, and the time after that, and who knows how many more.
I turned away, refusing to watch any longer, and walked out in silence.
Charles hesitated for a second.
He watched my back as I left, silent for a while.
Then suddenly, he called out, "Olivia, wait for me after work. Let's go home together."
I didn't wait for him, and honestly, it seemed like he forgot about me too.
I ended up following him to the parking lot, in time to see Emily hop into the passenger seat of his car.
The car drove off.
After work, I went to a law firm.
There were some things I needed to prepare for in advance.
When I got home, Charles had already made dinner.
Emily was on the couch with Sam, playing with toys, while Lily sat in the corner, head down, picking at her fingers.
When Lily saw me, she ran over, looking so wronged.
"Mom, the new toy you bought me got taken away," she said.
I set my bag down.
I strode over and snatched the toy right out of Emily's hands.
"Seriously? You're taking a kid's toy? Can't you see my daughter doesn't want to give it up?" I snapped.
Emily was completely stunned by my sudden outburst and burst into tears.
Charles came out of the kitchen, frowning.
He tried to explain for her. "Olivia, I was the one who told Lily to give it to her. If you're mad, take it out on me."
I stormed over and slapped Charles hard across the face.
Since we got married, this was the first time I'd ever hit him, also the first time I'd ever hit anyone with all my strength.
Charles's head snapped to the side, but he didn't get angry.
"Well, you've had your hit. Can we eat now?" he said.