Chapter 2

Just as Reuben finished explaining, the R&D manager came over and said there was a minor issue with the new product, asking Reuben to take a look.

Isabel tried to follow, but Reuben stopped her.

Reuben said, "My wife is still upset, so you'd better not come along."

I didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"Isabel, let's talk about what happened in the livestream last night," I said.

Isabel's face flushed and paled by turns. She looked seriously uncomfortable.

"Mrs. Read, I had a bit to drink last night, so I ended up saying things I shouldn't have," Isabel said.

She went on, "You know my parents aren't in great shape, and my brother's about to get married, so we have to cover all the wedding expenses. My paycheck just isn't enough for everything, so I figured I'd try streaming to pick up some side income.

"Yesterday was the first time I saw so many people in my livestream, and I got carried away and started saying random stuff. Honestly, there's nothing between me and Mr. Read. It was all just stuff I made up.

"I'll put out a video after work to set the record straight about me and Mr. Read, and say sorry to you."

Isabel dropped to her knees with a thud, pleading with her.

"Mrs. Read, please don't fire me, okay? I really need this job," she begged.

When I didn't say anything, she desperately started slapping herself across the face.

The sound of her slaps echoed through the whole office.

Isabel was one of the students Reuben had been helping out financially.

I knew her family's situation inside out.

Watching her slap herself so hard her face swelled up and blood started dripping from her mouth, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

I said, "Stop fantasizing about things that'll never happen, and don't ever pull this stunt again.

"If you do, I won't go easy on you."

I looked toward the conference room. Reuben had a grim look on his face.

He must be facing a real headache right now.

Without saying a word, I headed home.

My bestie, Bailey Evans, called me, teasing me as soon as I picked up.

"Julia, I heard you went to the office today and laid down the law. So, why did you spare Reuben?" Bailey joked.

I grumbled, "He was swamped, so I let him off for now. Just wait till he gets home tonight. I'll give him a piece of my mind."

Bailey's tone turned serious. "I heard the organizers never expected you to show up. After all, no one's ever managed to get you to attend before."

My heart sank. I had a feeling this was way more complicated than it seemed.

I sat there, lost in thought under the dim lights.

Reuben and I had a marriage of convenience, purely a business arrangement.

We barely knew each other before the wedding, but after we tied the knot, he gave me all the security I could ever want.

Every single day, he'd find a new way to surprise me, no repeats, not even once, all year round.

He'd go out of his way to keep his distance from any woman. Before Isabel showed up, even his secretary was a guy.

He was the kind of man who had it all and was ridiculously capable. Seriously, he was the total dream guy.

Honestly, how could I not catch feelings for someone like him?

The door eased open, and Reuben walked in quietly.

He loosened his tie and wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

"Honey, I'm home," Reuben said in a gentle voice.

When I ignored him, Reuben just smiled and gently tapped my nose.

He smiled and playfully tapped my nose.

"This is the first time I've seen you jealous. You're just like a little kitten, all feisty and ready to pounce," Reuben teased.

I still wasn't letting it slide. "Kitten? Please, I'm a full-on tigress."

"Why don't you go cozy up to your precious little darling? Aren't you afraid people will start gossiping that you're sneaking around with me?" I snapped.

Reuben couldn't help but laugh.

"You're still upset about Isabel? She's just a naive kid who's never had this kind of attention before. It's normal for her to get a little full of herself when suddenly everyone's watching," he said.

"She's already posted a video to clear things up and apologize. The comments section is tearing her apart. Think of it as your revenge," Reuben added.

"Honey, I swear to God, there's absolutely nothing between me and Isabel," Reuben said, his eyes full of sincerity.

Reuben looked at me, his gaze sincere.

Ugh, I couldn't stay mad at him anymore.

The Nunez and Read families had been tangled up in a business marriage for ages. Our interests were so mixed up that one couldn't even tell where one ended and the other began.

Plus, Reuben was home pretty much every night, bending over backwards to keep me happy. Honestly, he barely had the time or energy to mess around with Isabel even if he wanted to.

So, as long as he was willing to back down, I was more than happy to cut him some slack.

But then I remembered what Bailey had said, and my expression turned serious again.

I cupped his face and reminded him firmly, "Reuben, you know me. I can't stand sharing what's mine, not people, not things.

"The reason I agreed to marry you wasn't just for the business alliance. It's because you're nothing like those entitled rich guys. You're genuine, untainted by all that drama.

"If you ever cross that line, I won't be able to stand it. So please, don't make me stop loving you, okay?"

Reuben nodded. "Honey, I'll always be yours and yours alone."

Then he pulled me beneath him. "Honey, how about I make it up to you three times tonight?"

I nudged his chin with my elbow. "Not so fast. I've got one condition. Isabel needs to be moved to another position."

"That's just a snap of your fingers, Mrs. Read," Reuben replied with a grin.