Chapter 2

The next day, I went to work like nothing had happened. Except my eyes were swollen, my voice was scratchy, and I looked like hell.

My colleagues crowded around, asking if I was okay.

I managed a weak smile. "Didn't sleep well last night, that's all."

I threw myself into my work, hoping it would distract me.

Then Eric walked in with some beautiful woman on his arm.

She was wearing this elegant black dress, perfect makeup, and had this radiant smile that made everyone turn to look.

Obviously, this had to be his fiancée, the Sherwood heiress.

When Eric saw the state I was in, his face darkened.

"Vivian, what the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped. "We're in the middle of recording your album. Do you have any idea how much money we're burning through every day? How are you supposed to record anything sounding like that?"

I didn't say anything. Just stood there and took it.

He was putting on a show for his fiancée, making sure everyone saw him treating me like just another employee.

A week ago, this would have destroyed me. I would've been hurt, angry, maybe even quit on the spot.

But now I felt... nothing.

Maybe I didn't even understand why myself.

"Sorry, Mr. Goodman. I'll be more careful next time." I kept my head down, my voice flat.

Eric made this dismissive sound, and then turned to introduce his fiancée to the team.

"Everyone, this is my fiancée, Sophie Sherwood. She just got back from Feronica. Starting today, she'll be running our artist development program and handling all the details."

Sophie nodded with a perfect, polished smile. "Hi, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you."

Everyone started clapping enthusiastically. I joined in, though my hands felt heavy.

I tried to act like it didn't bother me, but something twisted painfully in my chest.

Right then, I got what people meant when they talked about heartbreak.

*****

The welcome party that night was lively, filled with conversation and laughter.

Sophie stood nearby, chatting with colleagues and looking completely at ease.

Her gaze swept the room until it landed on me, and I caught the sly smile that crossed her face.

"Vivian, everyone's talking about how excited they are for your album." Sophie approached me with that sugary tone that was dripping with sarcasm. "Though I heard you've been having a rough time lately. Is it about your relationship?"

The conversations around us died down, and I could feel people starting to stare.

I gripped my drink tighter and kept smiling, even though my stomach was twisting into knots.

Everyone here knew about me and Eric. She was obviously trying to embarrass me.

That was when Eric walked by and caught the end of our conversation.

He frowned and looked right at me. "Vivian, work is work. Don't think having connections means you can coast," he said coldly.

Everyone around us immediately shot me these disgusted looks, and my face felt like it was burning with shame.

I wasn't about to argue with Eric in front of everyone. That would just make things worse.

I forced myself to ignore all the stares and raised my glass to Sophie. "You're absolutely right, Ms. Sherwood. I need to focus on work. Can't disappoint the company."

With that, I downed the whole thing in one gulp. The alcohol hit my throat like liquid fire and I barely managed not to cough.

I set down my glass, wiped my mouth with a napkin, and started to sit back down. But someone yanked my chair away and I went crashing to the floor.

Pain shot through my spine and I could feel sweat beading on my forehead.

I gritted my teeth and looked up to see Eric watching with zero emotion on his face, while Sophie stood there with a satisfied smirk.

She was practically beaming. "Oops! Sorry about that. I totally didn't see you there."

Sophie pulled me up with a fake concerned look and helped me back to my seat.

I'd had enough. I shook her off and stumbled to my feet, practically running out of there while everyone laughed.