Chapter 2
See that? He said he loved me.
So how did he use the same mouth that professed love to hurl words that stabbed me right in the gut?
I tossed and turned all night, not catching a single wink.
The next morning, I timed my visit just right, snatched up the share transfer agreement, and made my way to Sergio's office.
I'd been at a loss about what to do with it before, but now my mind was made up.
No way could I accept a gift that lavish.
I rode the private elevator to the top-floor executive office. Sergio's assistant said he was tied up in a meeting but would be back soon.
I ducked into the adjoining lounge to collect my stuff.
Sergio was forever joking that I was busier than him, the high-powered CEO, and on my rare free days, he'd playfully coax me to drop by and keep him company.
That was why I'd left some clothes there.
The assistant must've been going for a surprise, because Sergio had no clue I was in the building when he strolled in.
I caught him teasing someone lightly.
"With that attitude, how're you gonna cut it at a law firm? What kind of legal eagle blushes beet red when a client fires off a few questions?"
It was a young woman with him, her voice full of easy familiarity. "It's not my fault! I've been single forever—hardly any guy experience. It'll sort itself out once I'm married."
She pouted playfully. "Besides, I'm staying put right here under you. You're the boss—if you don't cover for me, I'll rat you out to your father."
Sergio gave a soft laugh. "Tone it down a notch. Quit dropping by my office unannounced. What if my fiancée catches you..."
Through the glass, I watched her stick out her tongue at him, and Sergio's gaze was pure, affectionate indulgence.
Just like back in the day, when I'd gushed to him about assisting on a super intricate surgery, and he'd looked at me with that same fondness.
She swiped the coffee the secretary had just delivered for Sergio and took a triumphant sip.
"Oh please, everyone in the know is aware you've been ghosting her for weeks to dodge talks about setting a wedding date."
Sergio's smile faded. "She's nothing like you.
"Her everyday routines are laced with Boyd's touch."
Boyd Hamilton was my ex—like Sergio, a blue-blood prince from Qenset's inner circle, the kind elders loved to compare side by side.
Was that why he pursued me so relentlessly? To outdo him?
I was "nothing like" her—meaning I was divorced goods, while she was pristine, untouched like fresh snow?
Out there, she nodded sagely. "My mom always said, hook up with a divorcee, and you'll never shake off the ex's baggage."
I let out a slow breath and mustered a smile.
This scenario—eavesdropping on my boyfriend badmouthing me with company—it had happened one too many times. Almost laughable, really.
No bag in sight for the clothes, so I draped them over my arm and walked out.
"Sorry to interrupt."
Sergio jumped up from the couch. "Wendi, what brings you here?"
The girl beside him, in her red dress, fidgeted awkwardly—likely embarrassed at being busted gossiping.
She radiated that fresh-faced glow of youth, obviously straight out of school.
Their banter was so effortless; clearly old pals.
Yet Sergio had never once mentioned her to me.
Sergio pulled himself together in no time.
He came over and made the introduction. "Wendi, meet Della Bauer, the youngest from the Bauer family. She just returned from overseas a little while back.
"Their home is right next door to ours—we're practically neighbors."
I mumbled a half-hearted "Okay" and set the share transfer agreement down on his desk.
"Give this a once-over and pass it back to your mom for me.
"I'm thankful for her thoughtfulness, but I really can't accept something like this."
Sergio's mother had always treated me so well—her gestures were the kind you couldn't refuse. She'd even confided that in a world that was often harsh on women, having your own financial security beat relying on any man, hands down.
I gave the document a quick tap, deciding there was nothing left to say, then gathered my things and headed out.
Sergio trailed after me. "Wendi, why are you grabbing your clothes? It's nearly noon—how about we hit up that spot you love?"
I swung the door open and said coolly, "No need to walk me out."
His face was the picture of calm, without a trace of concern that I'd caught their earlier chat.
When I shot down lunch, he actually looked relieved, as if he wasn't keen on hanging out with me just then.
This version of him felt like a total stranger.
"Sergio, I've always figured that anyone who badmouths their partner to outsiders is pretty gutless.
"And no, my habits aren't haunted by Boyd—it's him who's deluding himself with some twisted idea of lingering affection, fixating on them to remember me.