Chapter 2

Kevin and I had met and fallen in love back in college.

He came from a wealthy family, handsome and mild-mannered. Back then, half the girls on campus had a crush on him.

I, on the other hand, was bright and striking, with a bold, outspoken personality.

No one could've imagined that two people so different would end up together.

Most assumed I'd chased Kevin.

But the truth was, Kevin had confessed to me first.

That night, under the dorm building, he'd gathered his courage, the tips of his ears flushed red. "Emily, be with me. I swear I'll treat you right."

The moon that night was impossibly beautiful and bright.

I saw the nervous anticipation in his eyes, the softness in his face, and nodded without even thinking.

During our honeymoon phase, we became the golden couple of the campus. Everywhere we went, we drew envious stares.

After graduation, everything fell neatly into place. We met each other's parents, then got married.

Kevin went into his family's company to gain experience, and I found a job of my own.

Kevin wasn't thrilled. "Emily, I married you so you could have a good life. Why not just stay home and be a full-time wife?"

Before I could answer, Amelia spoke up first. "If Emily wants to work, let her. We've got maids and staff at home. It's not like you can't be looked after."

"Mom, that's not what I meant," Kevin protested.

Not wanting to spark an argument between Kevin and Amelia over me, I wrapped my arm around Amelia and teased, "I'm too lucky. Not only do I have a husband who loves me, but I have you, too, Mrs. Sutton."

Amelia smiled indulgently, "Kevin's my only son. Since you're his wife, I treat you as my own daughter."

"Mrs. Sutton, you're so biased. You treat Emily better than you treat me," Kevin grumbled.

"You don't get it. Emily and I just click. Of course, I adore her." Amelia shot him a look.

And she was right. We got along so well that over the years we'd become like best friends, sharing everything.

I thought I'd stay that happy forever—until I met Stella and her mother.

That day, Amelia and I had made plans to get facials together. We ran into Kevin's father, Ethan Sutton, at the café inside the mall.

Amelia was still at the counter, concentrating on what coffee to order.

While she debated, I glanced around idly—only to spot Ethan sitting by the window, smiling and talking with two women who looked very much alike, one older, one younger.

"Mrs. Sutton, something's up. Mr. Sutton's sitting with some woman," I whispered, elbowing Amelia.

"That's normal. Probably a client," she replied offhandedly—until she caught a clear look at the women's faces. Then her composure cracked completely.

"What's going on, Mrs. Sutton?" Alarmed by her sudden change of expression, I reached out to steady her.

She was wearing thin stiletto heels; one slip from a surge of anger and she'd fall.

"Come on. Let's go," Amelia hissed, yanking me out of the café in a rush.

"Mrs. Sutton, who were those women?" I asked as I hurried after her, curiosity getting the better of me.

"The older one is Ethan's first crush—Lily Lane," Amelia muttered darkly.

"Then why run? Shouldn't you go over there and stake your claim? He's your husband, after all," I pointed out, baffled by how fast Amelia could move in those heels.

The way we'd bolted just now almost made me question if Amelia was really Ethan's wife.

"You don't understand. Ethan's always liked Lily. Against her, I don't stand a chance," Amelia said with a sigh.

I tried to reassure her. "Mrs. Sutton, giving up isn't like you. You're over fifty and still stunning. Your figure hasn't changed a bit, and your skin looks amazing—you barely have any wrinkles. How can she even compare?"

My words lit Amelia up like a flower in bloom. "That's why I love being friends with you. You actually tell the truth."

Except Amelia hadn't realized that wasn't the point right now.

"Mrs. Sutton, shall we storm back in now? Don't worry—whatever you do, I've got your back. I'll never accept her as family," I declared, puffing up my chest and showing Amelia my resolve.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, fretting, "We can't. If we go back now, we'll miss our beauty appointment."

Truly, she loved looking good.

I hadn't expected that Lily wouldn't win over Ethan, yet Stella would come after my husband first.

That day, feeling upbeat, I decided to bring Kevin lunch at the office.

But as I stood outside his office, I heard voices and a woman's soft laughter inside.

"Kevin, thank you for everything. My mom wants to invite you to dinner tonight," the woman's voice said.

Kevin sounded gentle and relaxed. "It's nothing. Don't make a fuss over it."

"Thank you, Mr. Sutton. Ever since my dad passed, no one has been as kind to my mom and me," the woman choked on her words.

"Don't cry. From now on, you and Ms. Lane won't be mistreated. We're here for you," Kevin comforted, followed by the rustle of tissues.

What was going on?

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

I caught Kevin wiping the woman's tears.

When he saw me, he hurriedly pulled his hand away and forced a smile. "Emily, what are you doing here?"

Pride flared inside me. With other people around, I wouldn't lose my composure. I swallowed my anger and said stiffly, "I came to bring you lunch."

I then noticed the spread of food on his desk, neatly packed in lunchboxes.

I walked over and draped my hand over Kevin's shoulder, pretending to be affectionate. "Darling, who's this?"

Kevin cleared his throat. "This is Stella Lane. She's the daughter of one of my father's friends. She works at the company—Dad asked me to look out for her."

"Hello," Stella said cautiously. Her eyes were still red from crying, and she studied me carefully.

She looked familiar.

I thought about it. Ethan's friend's daughter?

"Stella, you should go back now," Kevin said, slightly annoyed that I hadn't returned Stella's greeting. He soothed the anxious young woman and told her to leave.

As soon as Stella left, I turned on Kevin. "What do you mean? Are you hiding a mistress at the office?"

"No way." Kevin stood and pulled me into a hug, trying to calm me. "Stella just lost her father. I felt sorry for her and wanted to help. Don't be jealous—she's so young. We're not together."

"That's not my point. Mind your boundaries," I warned.

Hearing that Stella had lost her father softened me a bit, but I still scolded him, "Your office is full of single men. You don't need a married man babysitting some young woman. And go wash your hands. If I catch you touching her inappropriately again, I'll cut your hand off."

Kevin immediately backed down. "You're right. I was wrong. I'll watch my behavior and remember I'm married. Darling, show me what you brought for lunch."

He kissed my cheek and opened the lunchbox I'd brought, trying to cheer me up.

"Wow, all my favorites. You're so good to me," Kevin said, digging in.

I put the empty lunchbox away and, with a pointed tone, said, "Don't keep eating junk. It's filthy stuff."

"You're right, darling," Kevin said, looking up and smiling at me.