Chapter 1

I've been by Carlos's side for five years. I started out as a product manager, climbed up to product director, and we went from just roommates to partners living together.

But whenever he talked to others, he'd always say, "I'm single. My career comes first."

I didn't mind. Really, I didn't.

Ever since I was little, my family has always told me, "Girls shouldn't draw too much attention. Supporting a man from the shadows is a talent, too."

So when I walked into the party hall at the industry summit and saw my name listed as "Mr. Nelson's companion," I quietly found myself a seat in the most inconspicuous corner.

I really didn't mind.

That was until Cecilia, holding onto Carlos's arm, raised her champagne glass and announced to everyone, "Everyone, Carlos and I are getting married next month."

Carlos just smiled, not saying a word to deny it.

In that moment, I realized I didn't want to be in this position anymore.

*****

When the spotlight hit my face, I instinctively squinted.

"Product Director of the Year, Brianna Wood!"

The moment the host called my name, I heard applause erupt from the audience.

I stood up, smoothed out my suit skirt, and walked toward the stage.

This was my fifth year at the company.

I'd gone from product manager to product director, and from living alone in a rented place to sharing a home with Carlos.

I thought this award was a sign of his recognition of me, at least when others were watching.

I took the trophy and gave the usual polite speech.

Scanning the crowd, I found Carlos sitting in the second row.

He sat there in his suit, expressionless.

No smile, no nod.

He just watched me, like I was any other employee.

Honestly, I'd always known he didn't like mixing our personal life with work, never showing any sign of our relationship at the office.

But in that moment, I couldn't help but feel a bit hurt.

After the awards ceremony, I walked off the stage, trophy in hand.

Just as I reached backstage, I heard a woman's voice. "Carlos?"

I turned around and saw a woman in a champagne-colored gown walking toward me.

It was Cecilia.

I'd seen her in industry news before.

Cecilia was someone Carlos looked up to back in school, and now she was the main partner at their company's biggest investor.

Carlos walked over to her with a smile.

It was a smile I hardly ever saw from him.

"When did you get here?" he asked her.

"Just got here. Your award speech was pretty good," Cecilia said with a smile, then turned her eyes to me. "And who's this?"

Carlos followed her gaze toward me.

His glance was so brief, it was like a passing breeze.

"This is my friend, Brianna," he said.

A friend.

I tightened my grip on the trophy.

Cecilia looked a little surprised, then smiled. "Oh, so she's your assistant? She's really capable."

Carlos didn't deny it.

He just smiled and said, "She's quite competent."

I stood there, my smile feeling like a mask frozen on my face.

Transparent.

That word suddenly popped into my head.

I've been here for five years, staying up late with him, fixing his plans, picking him up after he got wasted at business dinners.

Now, I was his friend.

His capable assistant.

"Ms. Wood, your work is really outstanding." Cecilia went on. "Maybe we can catch up sometime?"

I parted my lips and heard myself speak. "Sure."

That was all I said.

I honestly had no idea what else to say.

Carlos had already turned away, walking side by side with Cecilia toward the exit.

"Where are you sitting? I'll have someone move you up front," he said.

"No need to trouble yourself. I'll just sit next to you," Cecilia replied.

"Alright, come with me," Carlos said.

Their voices faded into the distance.

I just stood there, holding the trophy in my arms.

The backstage lights were so bright, they made my eyes sting.

Silence.

People were coming and going all around, but I was invisible to them.

I took a deep breath and set the trophy down on a nearby table.

Then I turned and walked over to a quiet corner of the hall.

From there, I had a clear view of Carlos and Cecilia.

They were sitting in the front row, leaning close, chatting quietly.

Cecilia said something that made Carlos laugh.

It was a smile I knew so well.

When I first met him, he smiled at me just like that.

Back then, he said, "Brianna, you're not like other girls."

I clenched the champagne glass in my hand, feeling my nerves on edge.

The cold against my skin made it clear this was no dream.

This was really happening.

"Cecilia is my important partner," Carlos said.

Carlos's voice suddenly drifted over.

He was introducing her to someone nearby.