Chapter 2

The partnership with Adrian's company should have begun last year. A collaboration between our firms would have been hugely beneficial and could have taken our company to the next level.

But after Sebastian took me to a work dinner with Adrian, he stalled the entire project.

Sebastian had always been level-headed at work, unlike when it came to matters of the heart, which made his refusal to advance the project all the more baffling.

He ghosted me, refusing to sign the contract. It wasn't until this year that I forced it through.

For the past two months, working directly with Adrian has been a breath of fresh air. After a long pause, I rasped, "No need to apologize."

"You're right. I let my emotions get the better of me," I admitted.

I exhaled slowly before saying, "Once this project is successfully launched, I'll seriously think about my next move."

The doctor kept me hospitalized for five days. During that time, Adrian visited daily with the project documents, keeping me updated on the project's progress.

But each update lasted no more than ten minutes. The rest of the time, he'd place the nourishing soups he'd made on the table and watch me finish every drop before leaving.

Sebastian did not visit, not even once. He didn't even bother to text.

Scrolling through social media, all I saw were posts of him and Vanessa on dates.

[I'm not worried about anyone giving me a hard time at work—my boyfriend is the boss himself.]

[Dating can't be the same with just anyone.]

[I've never been spoiled like this before. I'm the happiest little girl in the world.]

*****

Beneath her posts, familiar friends had left likes and comments, all gushing their congratulations.

The sight of her post made me want to throw up. Just as I was about to put down my phone, a message from Sebastian popped up.

[Tomorrow's your birthday.]

[I know you're still angry. Let's have dinner together, and I'll make sure Vanessa apologizes properly.]

Another bubble appeared immediately after: [Wendy, we should really talk.]

For the past two years, we had almost always argued whenever we met. Work had become just an excuse to fight about everything else.

Once, during a heated argument, he went unnervingly still, his brows lifting as his gaze held mine. "Wendy, do you like me?"

My mind went blank. I shot him a glare, scoffed, and spun to run.

But he caught me, pulling me into his arms. His head pressed into my shoulder as he laughed quietly, teasing yet gentle. "Wendy, you've fallen for me."

I was speechless at his words. After eighteen years, he knew perfectly well that I'd fallen for him long ago.

And yet he pointed it out at the very moment I'd finally decided to let go.

After hesitating, I typed back: [Fine.]

I told myself it would be the last time I spent my birthday with him. After that, we'd go our separate ways.

The day came, and I realized Sebastian had lied again.

When I opened the door to the private room, my eyes swept over the crowd Sebastian had gathered—his friends, a few representatives from recent business partners, and Vanessa sitting beside him.

"Wendy, I hope you don't mind Sebastian bringing me along," Vanessa said, drawing everyone's attention to me.

Sebastian lounged like an outsider, leisurely toying with his wine glass as if none of this concerned him.

I forced a smile, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "Why would I mind? It's an honor that you all could make it."

'Let's see what surprise Sebastian had planned for me,' I thought coolly.

"This is my girlfriend, Vanessa Cole," Sebastian said during a lull in the serving, introducing her.

At first, a few people stole glances at my reaction. But once Vanessa stood and greeted everyone politely, the room erupted in playful cheers.

All the dishes were ones I couldn't eat. I picked up a peanut, popped it into my mouth, and immediately spat it out.

I gagged, and a loud retch echoed through the room, bringing everything to a sudden, awkward silence.

I set down my fork and looked at Sebastian. "Really, Mr. Hayes? You sent me messages yesterday saying Ms. Cole would apologize to me in person today."

"And now you're using my birthday to announce your relationship?" I added.

Sebastian's eyes betrayed no hint of guilt. The atmosphere froze.

Vanessa glanced at him, and when he remained silent, her eyes reddened. She stood, holding her wine glass, and turned to address me.

"Wendy, I was wrong the other day. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable," she said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

She then continued. "I heard from Sebastian that today's your twenty-eighth birthday. I just turned twenty-four, so I'm still young and inexperienced. Please forgive me."

After saying that, Vanessa drained her cup in one gulp, then tipped it to show it was empty.

I sat with arms crossed, expression unreadable, while she hovered awkwardly, unsure whether to sit or stand. Finally, someone broke the tension, and she slumped into her seat, pouting at Sebastian for help.

"Sebastian, Wendy still won't forgive me. What should I do?" she whined.

"Shouldn't you be asking me if I forgive you?" I said, rising slowly and offering the others a small apologetic smile.

"Everyone, I apologize for what's about to happen," I added, my expression composed.