Chapter 1

Five years into my secret relationship with my superior, Morgan Gulley, I finally achieved enough results at work to be promoted. Thanks to that, I was finally able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him. On the day of the celebration dinner, I was filled with joy. However, I then saw him giving all the credit that should have belonged to me to that one company intern—Sestina Roth. Everyone around us was toasting and celebrating. They teased Morgan and Sestina about being a match made in heaven and praised them for being an equally capable duo. Meanwhile, I felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me. I remained rooted to the spot, overcome with despair. After realizing that he did not love me, I quietly made a phone call. "I'm willing to leave my current company for yours and fly to Amurus to develop my career there, Mr. Jarle," I said into the phone. … For a moment, Linden Jarle was stunned to hear what I said. He then immediately started making arrangements to finalize my employment with his company. "Are you serious about that, Quiana? I'll notify my people immediately and have them prepare a welcome party for you here in Amurus!" Then, his tone changed. "I just knew that Morgan Gulley fellow had no eye for talent. You're letting your talent go to waste by staying at his side! Once you come over to my company, we'll grow better and stronger together!" I hummed lightly in acknowledgement. Through the restaurant's transparent glass windows, I saw Morgan being goaded by the party attendees into exchanging a mutual toast with Sestina. There was no trace of reluctance on his face. On the contrary, he looked quite content with the situation, and his eyes were filled with sweetness and deep affection. Linden could also hear the ruckus on my end, so he asked me when I could fly to Amurus. It felt as if there was a huge gaping hole in my heart. Almost as if I was torturing myself, I watched them kiss each other while entwined in each other's arms. I clutched at my aching chest and told Linden, "Give me two days. After I've completed the handover, I'll come find you in Amurus." As Linden giddily hung up the call, I let my hand fall to my side, my body trembling unconsciously. It was a midsummer night, but I felt as if I had fallen into an icy lake when I witnessed Morgan cheating on me. I could hear waves of laughter coming from inside the restaurant. Morgan's good friends, who had started their business from scratch alongside him, presented Sestina with the fresh flowers they had prepared beforehand to help him woo her. My fingernails dug into my palms, allowing me to retain my last shred of rationality and dignity. A second later, Morgan caught sight of me standing outside the window. A flash of panic crossed his face, but he quickly calmed down and reverted to his previous arrogant, dignified countenance—that version of him who looked at me as if I was nothing but an insignificant ant. I had once been so madly in love with this noble, seemingly unattainable side of him that I had pursued for three years. I had devoted everything to him. When he agreed to date me five years ago, I felt like I had won the lottery. However, after witnessing everything that day, I suddenly felt so tired. It was tiring to constantly chase after Morgan's footsteps and maintain a romantic relationship with him, only to be nothing but a secret lover who was not allowed to publicize the relationship. Seeing him thoughtfully peel apples for Sestina, wipe her mouth with a napkin, and pat her back, I finally realized it wasn’t true that he didn’t understand tenderness. I simply hadn't been the one who could draw that tenderness out of him. I walked into the restaurant, picked up a wine glass from the table, and mimicked everyone else in toasting to Morgan. "I, Quiana Emer, wish Mr. Gulley and Ms. Roth a happy, long-lasting relationship." I then downed my glass of strong wine in one go, smiling through the tears that formed in my eyes as I choked on the alcohol. Morgan was stunned for a moment and could not help but frown at my appearance. Knowing that I was an eyesore to him, I turned around and left decisively. Morgan unconsciously called out to me as he watched me leave. However, Sestina's drink was suddenly knocked over right at that moment. She exclaimed in surprise, which pulled Morgan's attention away. He immediately removed his suit jacket and put it over her lap, attentively taking care of her. I laughed harshly as I looked at Morgan's frantic expression, an inexplicable bitterness worming its way into my heart. In the five years I had been with him, he had been like a statue whose expression could remain unchanging even if the entire world collapsed around him. However, Sestina's every move seemed to cause him to break character repeatedly. No matter how much I tried to ignore reality, I should no longer continue to deceive myself. In the end, I took a taxi back alone, returning to the home I had lived in for five years.