Chapter 1

Edward Sterling's private lounge was a symbol of his power and a testament to our intimate relationship. No one was allowed in except him and me.

But then I saw his assistant waltz right in under the guise of "helping" him.

In that moment, I knew this marriage was over.

If someone wanted to challenge the rules, then don't blame me for rewriting the ending.

Later, Edward, his eyes red, asked me why I had to stab Sterling Holdings in the back.

I just smiled carelessly and said, "The love is gone. Shouldn't I make sure my own interests are secure?"

*****

Today, I went to Edward's office at the agreed-upon time.

We were supposed to head to Sterling Manor for dinner together.

His office was on the top floor. Past the secretarial work area was his exclusive space.

The outer area had a reception zone and his desk, while the inner part held his private lounge connected to his study.

That place was special—his absolute personal domain.

No one but me was supposed to set foot in there.

But when I entered Edward's office today, the door to that private area was slightly ajar.

Pushing it open gently, the scene inside made me freeze.

Sophie Rivers was inside.

I knew of her. She was a new assistant at Sterling Holdings.

Right now, she was standing by Edward's desk, organizing some documents.

A freshly brewed cup of coffee sat on the nearby counter.

She seemed surprised to see me, but quickly put on a smile, laced with a hint of ingratiation.

"Mrs. Sterling, you're here. Mr. Sterling asked me to wait for him here," she paused, "and help him with some personal matters."

She gestured to the files in her hand and the coffee.

"He said he'd be right back," she added.

I didn't speak, just looked at this woman who shouldn't be here.

Her words felt like a tiny splinter digging into my heart.

"Personal matters"?

What personal matters of Edward's required her to handle them? Here, in this place that was supposed to be off-limits to everyone but me?

I remembered Edward saying this was where he could completely relax, where he only showed his most real self to me.

But now, Sophie was standing right here.

She was tidying up his stuff and brewing his coffee, acting almost like she was the lady of the house.

Even though she acted humble, her eyes and tone screamed that she held a special place in Edward's world.

I used to think our marriage was different from typical arranged ones among powerful families, that we actually had feelings for each other.

But now, it seemed we weren't so different after all.

I forcefully suppressed the turmoil inside me. I didn't lash out at Sophie.

That would seem too undignified, like I cared too much about her.

I just looked at her calmly and said, "You're not needed here. Leave."

Sophie's smile stiffened on her face.

The smile froze on Sophie's face. She probably didn't expect me to be so direct. Embarrassment flashed in her eyes.

But she quickly lowered her head. "Yes, Mrs. Sterling."

Then she put down the files and coffee and hurried out of the lounge.

I stood alone in the empty lounge. The air seemed to carry a trace of her scent, making me feel physically uncomfortable.

I walked to the window, looking down at the traffic, but my mind couldn't settle.

A few minutes later, Edward returned.

He looked a bit surprised to see me standing by the window all alone.

"Viv, you're here. Where's Sophie?" Edward asked.

I turned to face him. "I told her to leave."

"Edward, have you forgotten the rule about this lounge?" I reminded him.

My voice stayed calm.

Edward was taken aback for a second, then brushed it off lightly. "Oh, that. I just had her come in to find a file for me."

"It was just work-related. Don't overthink it." He tried to put his arm around my shoulders. "She's new, might not know the rules yet."

I avoided his touch, looking straight into his eyes.

"Edward, this isn't about whether she knows the rules," I said, keeping my voice even. "You know what this place means to us. I don't want a third person casually stepping in here."

"This is the first time," my voice was quiet but firm, "and I hope it's the last.

"I won't tolerate anyone invading my personal space.

"Whoever it is, for whatever reason."

The ease vanished from Edward's face. He looked at me, his expression complicated.

After a moment of silence, he nodded.

"Okay, I understand. It won't happen again," he said.

He sounded sincere enough, but I didn't relax.