Chapter 2

I showed up three hours after everyone else.

My private jet had to wait for clearance, so I was a bit delayed, but that didn't stop me from getting to Azure Shores Resort way more comfortably than they did.

I wouldn't draw attention, so I swapped into a plain T-shirt and jeans and grabbed a cab to the hotel.

This was a top-tier luxury resort, with cliffside ocean views and rooms starting at two thousand dollars a night.

Alex really splurged this time, just to impress Sophie.

As soon as I walked into the lobby, I saw the admin girls huddled around the front desk, all looking uneasy.

Alex was on the phone, looking pissed, clearly chewing out someone from finance.

When he saw me, his frown got even deeper. "What took you so long? We've all been waiting forever."

"The bus was slow," I lied without missing a beat.

Sophie was sitting on the couch nearby, holding a glass of iced juice. When she saw me, she immediately stood up, limping a little as she walked over. "Olivia, you're finally here. Mr. Carter said we had to wait for you before handing out the room keys."

Alex hung up the phone, still looking annoyed, but his expression instantly softened when he turned to Sophie. "Alright, let's hand out the room keys."

The admin manager, Emma Adams, held the room keys and shot me an awkward look before quietly reading out the assignments. "Sophie, you've got the premium ocean-view suite with a private pool.

"Mr. Carter, you're in the luxury executive suite right next to Sophie's suite.

"Everyone else will be in standard double rooms."

When she got to the end, she was left with just one keycard, her voice barely above a whisper. "Olivia, there was a mix-up with the booking, and we're short one standard room. All that's left is a single room in the basement."

The lobby went dead silent.

Everyone turned to look at me.

I recognized the meaning. The room in the basement was for the accompanying driver or nanny. It had no windows and was damp and dark.

Alex didn't even flinch. "Honey, you know how hard it is to get rooms during peak season. Sophie's got a bad back, so she needs a better bed, and she needs to work from her room, so the environment has to be decent. Just make do. It's not like you're here for anything but sleep anyway."

I said, "Then I'll just stay with you. No need to give me a separate room."

Alex looked troubled. "I have meetings every day, so it's not really convenient."

I was about to call bullshit on him.

But Sophie bit her lip, looking all guilty. "Mr. Carter, maybe I should switch rooms with Olivia? I know my doctor says my back can't handle dampness, but she's your wife."

That was a masterful move.

She really put me on the spot, making sure everyone was watching me squirm.

If I actually agreed to switch, I'd end up looking like the bad guy, like I was bullying the company's star.

Alex cut her off right away. "Don't be ridiculous. That's a work injury. No way you're staying in the basement. Olivia, you're my wife. If you don't take one for the team, who will?"

I was his wife. So being "his wife" meant I got the basement, the bus, and had to sacrifice everything for his ego.

I looked at Alex's self-righteous face and couldn't help but laugh.

Back then, I'd always force a smile and say, "It's fine," just to protect his image in front of everyone.

But today was different.

I took the keycard and spun it between my fingers. "Alex, are you sure about this?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "Olivia, don't act up in front of everyone. If you don't want the room, just book a flight and leave."

"Fine." I smiled, tucked the keycard away, and said, "I'm not throwing a fit. I'll do as you say."

Alex let out a sigh of relief, looking pretty pleased with himself.

He thought he'd got me right where he wanted me, like he could smooth things over and I'd fall in line.

He waved his hand. "Alright, everyone, go get some rest. We'll meet at the beachfront restaurant at seven for a seafood feast on me."

Cheers erupted.

I turned and dragged my suitcase toward the elevator.

Alex, enjoy your last hurrah.

After all, this seafood feast might be the last time you ever get to swipe your card.

When I got to the basement, I didn't even bother with that musty, shabby room.

Instead, I turned and headed straight for the hotel's executive lounge.

There, the Asia-Pacific general manager of this global hotel chain was already waiting for me, standing by with utmost respect.