Chapter 2

Eugene moved to stand beside Evelyn, his arm slipping naturally around her shoulders.

The three of them fell into easy conversation, sharing memories and laughs from a past I hadn't been part of, making me feel completely out of place.

After a while, Evelyn casually mentioned, "Eugene, Selena helped you secure that major project today. It must be difficult being a career woman like her. You should treat her well and give her a proper raise."

Eugene curled his lip dismissively. "What did she really contribute? It was a team effort. Besides, she needs this job—her family has debts to pay."

Melissa took a delicate sip of wine. "Oh? You should help her out then. She must be having a hard time, and it's not like you can't afford to be generous."

"She's too proud to take money from me, Mom. Let it be," he casually replied.

Melissa gave a knowing chuckle. "It's good to have principles, but some women who talk about independence... Well, who knows what they're really doing behind closed doors?

"I've seen this kind of scheming before," she said, her eyes drifting to my necklace. "There will always be women trying to climb the social ladder by playing the long game, but that's not some new strategy. Don't you agree, Ms. Shaw?"

My nails dug into my palms as my hands clenched.

I looked to Eugene for some reaction, but he merely glanced our way before casually making his way to the dessert table.

When he returned with a strawberry pudding, his hand brushed against my waist in a fleeting touch nobody else noticed.

Then he placed the dessert in front of Evelyn as if nothing had happened.

Melissa watched with a satisfied smile. "Eugene, you're so thoughtful," she said. "You never forget how much Evelyn loves strawberry pudding.

"I've watched you two grow up together, and just the other day, her father mentioned he can't wait to hold his grandchildren."

My eyes found Eugene again, and this time, I caught the briefest flicker of annoyance in his expression before it vanished.

"By the way, Ms. Shaw," Melissa continued smoothly, "Eugene will be quite occupied showing Evelyn around in the coming days, so I'll need you to oversee things at the office. You'll get your overtime pay, though it won't be anything significant."

Drawing a steadying breath, I rose with practiced composure. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," I said.

I stood at the bathroom sink, letting the running water cool my hands as I tried to steady my nerves.

My reflection showed perfectly applied makeup and styled hair—every detail carefully chosen to please Eugene.

But now, everything about my appearance felt completely wrong.

"Does this upset you?" a voice came from behind me.

I turned quickly to see Evelyn approaching with calm confidence.

She raised her hand to show the severe scar on her arm. "I got this saving Eugene from a fire five years ago. I was willing to die for him. Could you do the same?"

The raw evidence of her devotion left me without response.

A knowing smile touched her lips as she continued, "We grew up together. When we were children, he always said I would be his bride.

"He always knew how to cheer me up. Whenever I felt down, he would make silly faces until I laughed. And if anyone ever bothered me, he was always there to defend me."

Though she seemed completely absorbed in the memory, her gaze never left mine.

I offered a faint smile. "It sounds like you and Mr. Chambers shared some wonderful times. Though I can't help but notice..." I deliberately let the sentence hang.

"Notice what?" she pressed, her brow tightening slightly.

"Well, all these stories seem to be from when you were children. I don't hear anything about your later years. Did your paths diverge after that?" I asked pointedly.

The smile on her face faltered for just a moment before she recovered her composure.

"Eugene had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer," she continued, the words tumbling out more quickly now. "He was accepted into the nation's best law program right out of high school. Yet he dropped out for design in his first year. Do you know why?"

Her question caught me off guard, and I felt my own expression shift.

I remembered first noticing Eugene during our initial university days. He stood out not just for his academic excellence, but also for the genuine passion in his eyes whenever he spoke about pursuing law.

Then he surprised everyone by switching majors midway through sophomore year.

The reason remained a mystery that followed me even after I joined his company.

Taking in my devastated expression, Evelyn couldn't conceal her satisfaction. "He did it because I mentioned I find designers attractive," she said smugly.

I managed a strained smile, bitterness washing over me. All those years of wondering, and it came down to something so trivial.

She pressed her advantage. "I want you to resign immediately and stay away from him for good."

Her words ignited the fury I had been suppressing all this time.

They had no right to dismiss years of my dedication and trample on my feelings so carelessly.

Clenching my jaw, I managed a cool smile. "Does my presence make you that insecure about your relationship?"

Her face darkened instantly. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be," she snapped.

Before I could respond, she slapped me across the face.

The burning sting of the slap finally unleashed all the emotions I'd been suppressing for days.

Acting purely on instinct, I immediately returned the blow.

Evelyn's head snapped to the side, but the look she gave me was pure victory.

Before I could figure out why, a gasp came from behind me.

I turned to see Melissa staring in horror, one hand pressed to her mouth.

Then she rushed forward and struck my face hard. "Selena, how dare you lay a hand on Evelyn!" she shrieked. "I'm calling the police. You're finished at this company. I'll make sure you never find work in this city again."

I stood frozen, my mind completely blank.

When Melissa raised her hand again, I flinched and shut my eyes, bracing for the impact. But the slap never came.

When I cautiously opened my eyes, I found Eugene standing protectively between us.

"Mom, let's get Evelyn to a doctor first," he said firmly.

I bit my lip hard, fighting back tears as our eyes met.

His eyes scanned my swollen cheek, and his lips parted as if he wanted to say something.

But then, Melissa's sharp cry broke the moment. "Eugene, take Evelyn to the hospital immediately."

Eugene gave me one last look before scooping Evelyn into his arms and walking away without another word.