Chapter 2
The call ended.
I didn’t sleep a wink.
With dark circles under my eyes, I arrived at the company.
My mind was still blank when Penny came over to me, eager to continue gossiping about last night.
“Something definitely happened between CEO Adrian and Vivian last night.”
I frowned slightly.
Then she said:
“This morning, Adrian’s clothes were all wrinkled, and… he was still wearing yesterday’s outfit. Doesn’t that mean Adrian didn’t go home last night?”
I nodded, too tired to praise her keen observation.
She continued:
“Vivian was also late this morning. When she came in, her face was all smiles. She’s usually so efficient and no-nonsense, but today she was like a completely different person.”
I asked her, “How different?”
She thought for a moment before articulating:
“More radiant, more seductive, more… delicate. See for yourself.”
I looked up.
I saw Vivian walk in, dressed in a tight, body-hugging skirt.
I’d seen that skirt before.
I had liked it when Adrian and I were shopping.
But they didn’t have my size then, so I just paid the store clerk and pre-ordered it, asking them to send it to Adrian when it arrived.
Now it seemed.
The item had arrived.
But the recipient of the gift had changed.
Vivian was in a great mood. She walked in and asked everyone what they wanted to drink, saying it was on her.
Everyone cheered excitedly.
I sat in the corner, feeling terrible.
I tried to numb myself with work.
But it didn’t work.
I stumbled through until noon.
I sat at my desk, eating my takeout.
Vivian, meanwhile, carried several bags of exquisite meals into Adrian's office.
She stayed in there.
The entire afternoon.
She came out again in the evening, almost closing time.
Penny next to me tutted, sighing:
“The world has truly changed. Out of everyone, Vivian had to fall for a married man. Sam, who sits closer to the CEO’s office, said Vivian practically pounced on Adrian the moment she entered, almost turning the office into a motel!”
After that, Penny even sent me Sam’s secretly taken photo.
Vivian was sitting on Adrian’s lap, feeding him.
Their expressions, their posture.
You couldn’t get any more intimate.
“I wonder how upset Adrian’s wife would be if she saw this.”
Penny whispered softly.
Mr. Davies, who sat across from us, frowned.
“It’s a couple’s sweet moment, why are you two meddling?”
Penny didn’t quite catch Mr. Davies’s meaning and jokingly added:
“Right, it’s definitely an *illicit* couple!”
Mr. Davies was displeased. He tossed a ledger at Penny:
“Since you’re so idle, finish this. You’re not leaving until it’s done.”
Penny was stumped.
I quietly sent her a message:
[Mr. Davies and Vivian go way back. He's definitely on Vivian's side, so you shouldn't say things like that anymore.]
Penny replied with a crying emoji.
I comforted her:
[I'll help you with that ledger. Let's finish it quickly and go for some shrimp.]
She cheered up again.
Later that evening.
The two of us finally finished our overtime task and were about to go for shrimp when Mr. Davies called out to us again.
“Hard work, you two. Let’s grab a late-night snack together.”
Mr. Davies didn’t give us a chance to refuse.
He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company.
After dinner.
We were then taken to a karaoke lounge.
We were reluctant.
But there was nothing we could do.
No one cared about interns.
Sitting in a dark corner, the two of us just started playing games.
We were so absorbed.
We didn’t notice several people gradually entering the private room.
Until I heard a familiar voice.
Only then did I see Adrian, surrounded by a group of industry big shots, seated at the head of the table.
At first, the group discussed projects.
Later, they started talking about their private lives.
About children, wives, in-laws… and of course, mistresses.
“I saw Vivian post on Ins, something about finally being with the one she loves. So, you finally came to your senses and took Vivian into your bed?”
Someone asked.
I couldn't help but perk up my ears.
Adrian said calmly:
“You don’t understand the situation that day. I had no choice. Vivian was pressuring me. If I didn’t take her, she would resign. You know, Vivian has been with the company for so many years; the company can’t function without her. Of course… you could also say I can’t function without her.”
“And Vivian is okay being a mistress? Adrian, don’t mess things up for yourself later.”
“Yeah, how much effort did you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Let’s not even talk about keeping a mistress outside; if your wife at home found out, wouldn’t it blow up?”
“That’s not fair. If Vivian doesn’t mind, why should the other girl?!”
“After Adrian pampered her all these years, how could that girl accept going back to an ordinary, simple life? Even if she knew about the mistress, she definitely wouldn’t make a scene. She’d at least keep the title of Mrs. Adrian and live a wealthy life.”
Everyone chimed in.
The consensus was that as long as Adrian kept Vivian happy and quiet, his wife at home wouldn't cause too much trouble.
They even congratulated Adrian, wishing him well with his two women.
Penny listened, her face scrunching up. She couldn’t help but whisper “disgusting” in my ear.
Then she added:
“Even though Adrian is such a jerk, they do have a point. That girl hasn’t even graduated yet, does she? No family background, no connections. Making a fuss wouldn’t really benefit her. What do you think…”
I nodded:
“She won't make a fuss; in this day and age, everyone is civilized.”
Everything could be discussed calmly.
Even divorce.
At this moment.
Adrian put down his wine glass and spoke:
“Yeah, Chloe is nothing but her youth. Compared to her, Vivian is more sophisticated.
“But Vivian’s proud nature, I wonder how long she’ll tolerate this.
“I’m starting to regret getting married. A young mistress would’ve been cheaper. Now a divorce would be too costly.”
So, he was calculating the loss.
Right, Adrian and I were legally married.
A divorce would mean splitting his post-marital assets.
Then, let Adrian have his wish.
I could leave with absolutely nothing.
But he would also have to bear the cost of my departure.