Chapter 2

Edward never came home last night.

It wasn't until the next morning that he finally called me, "Julia, I got in too late last night, so I didn't make it home. You know your stomach can't handle skipping breakfast. Make sure you eat something, okay?"

I just shook my head, keeping my silence.

Back when we were just starting, I'd always hustled and skipped my meal. More than once, I ended up with stomach bleeding.

Edward was always worried about my stomach, so unless he was out of town for work, he'd have breakfast with me every single day.

But today, after six years of sticking to that routine, he didn't show up. He said, "Oh, and by the way, it's the company anniversary party tonight, so I won't be home for dinner."

Once the company was on track, I chose to focus on home life so Edward could take the lead at work.

I stopped showing up at any company events, just quietly supporting him from behind the scenes.

But today, I really wanted to see the anniversary party for myself.

At the party, Briella was holding onto Edward's arm, looking all intimate and close.

It looked like they were the ones together, like a real couple.

Even though I'd prepared myself for this, seeing them like that still stung in my chest.

When Edward saw me, a flicker of panic flashed in his eyes. "What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

I gave him a cool, almost mocking look. "I helped you build this company from the ground up, piece by piece. Do I need your permission to show up at the anniversary party? Am I not allowed to be here?"

Edward's face stiffened for a moment, and then he softened his tone. "Of course, you can come. You don't need my permission for anything."

I ignored Edward and turned to Briella. "Briella, I think I saw you yesterday when Edward and I were out taking wedding photos. Looks like you are getting married soon. When's the big day?"

Briella gave Edward a look before she spoke, "We broke up yesterday. I'm just not the type to compromise at all when it comes to relationships. Only the right person will do for me."

Edward let out a quiet laugh, his face soft with affection. He was probably not even aware of how gentle he looked.

As I watched the flirty tension between them, a sour ache settled in my chest.

I looked at Briella and gave her a slight, almost mocking smile. "Looks like you're trying to have it both ways. Briella, this company doesn't tolerate people with shady character."

Briella looked like the world had done her wrong, her eyes filling with tears as she turned to Edward.

Edward frowned at me. "Why are you talking like that? Why does she have to tie herself down to just one person? If the love's gone, she could just walk away."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut.

So that's what he really thought.

Noticing things were getting awkward, someone quickly dragged Edward away.

Briella raised her glass to me with a sly smile. "Mrs. Miller, cheers to you. You and Mr. Miller still don't have any kids, huh? Better be careful. People don't think much of women who can't have children.

"But hey, don't worry too much. Some women just aren't meant to be mothers, especially given your age. Wouldn't want anything bad to happen just because you're trying so hard for a kid."

I gripped my glass so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

Unable to hold back my anger any longer, I raised my glass and splashed the drink right at Briella.

But the very next second, someone knocked me down hard.

Food and drinks from the table spilled all over me, leaving me utterly humiliated.

Edward towered over me, his eyes burning with fury. "Julia, why are you picking on Briella? What did she ever do to you?

"This is the company anniversary party. After all these years, you're still acting like a drama queen. You're embarrassing yourself."

With that, Edward grabbed Briella and stormed out.

The HR director helped me up, her eyes blazing with anger. "Mrs. Miller, are you okay? How could Mr. Miller treat you like that? He'd be nothing without you. He owes everything to you."

I closed my eyes for a moment and then spoke softly, "Dismiss Briella."