Chapter 1

I was handling documents in my boyfriend River's office.

When I stood up, my pants were torn apart by super glue on the seat, exposing my underwear.

River's secretary, Vivian, took a photo and held up her phone, taunting me:

"Who would've thought—you look so cold on the outside, but you wear something this slutty underneath! No wonder River always leaves work so early!"

Furious, I grabbed the files from the desk and hurled them at her.

River instantly rushed in, blocking her and shielding her protectively behind him.

He looked at me coldly:

"Vivian was just joking around with you. Do you really have to act like some crazy woman?"

Vivian peeked out from behind him, looking at me with innocent-seeming eyes:

"I just wanted to film an April Fool's prank video. River already approved it. I heard you have a good temper—you're not actually mad, are you?"

River looked at Vivian with adoration, and my heart ached.

"River, you said you'd be in London negotiating a deal all week. Why are you at the office?"

My voice trembled as I questioned him. A flash of discomfort crossed River's face.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Vivian interrupted:

"I'm the one who called River back!"

Vivian's voice carried a coquettish tone:

"Those old men kept nitpicking everything—it was too much trouble! So I told River to cut off their partnership and come back."

"Madelyn, I was thinking of River's best interests. Our company should work with younger people instead!"

River's face showed indulgent helplessness, his voice especially gentle:

"You're too impulsive. You can't serve clients kids' meals in the future."

I stared at River in disbelief.

River used to be extremely strict about work, always treating every client with utmost courtesy.

But now he actually severed the partnership I'd introduced to him—all for Vivian?

Just then, the door opened. Several employees walked straight in with documents.

"Miss Smith, we—"

Their words caught in their throats. Their gazes at my torn pants turned stiff and awkward.

"Miss Smith, your... your pants, how did they—"

Humiliation and embarrassment made my face flush red.

But Vivian giggled:

"Aren't Miss Smith's panties sexy? You should all learn from her—otherwise, how else can you attract excellent men like River?!"

Only then did River notice my torn pants. His expression changed, and he grabbed Vivian:

"Vivian, you went too far this time. There are so many people in the company—what if someone photographed Madelyn? Apologize to Madelyn!"

Tears instantly filled Vivian's eyes, her face full of misery:

"Why? You said the company needed to be more youthful and fun. That's why I specially designed this April Fool's prank."

"And you said Madelyn has a good temper and is very open-minded. Now you're making me apologize because of her?"

"River, you're bullying me!"

Tears streamed down Vivian's face, looking utterly devastated.

"I knew it—you never treated me as an equal from the start."

"You think I'm poor, think I'm just an assistant, so you can manipulate and humiliate me however you want!"

She wiped her tears, raising her head proudly:

"If that's the case, I should've just let my depression take over and slit my wrists back then. Better than having you all bully me!"

After saying this, Vivian shoved past me to leave, but River rushed forward and grabbed her.

"Enough!"

River's tone softened almost instantly. His face showed heartache as he wiped away Vivian's tears.

"Enough. I was impulsive—I shouldn't have lost my temper. But you can't keep using your depression to scare me, understand?"

Then River looked at me, his tone gentle but brooking no argument:

"Madelyn, Vivian's joke went too far because she misjudged the boundaries. I'll remind her to avoid this next time."

"But you made mistakes too, so both of you take a step back and let it go!"

I stood frozen, my throat dry.

So in River's eyes, the humiliation I suffered was just a trivial joke?

I stepped forward, trying to confront River:

"River, you—"

I'd barely started when Vivian interrupted:

"Fine, I'll forgive you both this time!"

She looked at me, triumph and provocation in her eyes:

"But I guess Madelyn's in no condition to handle the next contract now. I'll make the trip for you!"

With that, she pulled River toward the office door.

"Madelyn, there's nothing else at the company for now. You can go home!"

"River! Have you ever cared about my feelings at all?!"

I broke down screaming, but he left with Vivian without looking back.

And Vivian turned her head to look at me, her face lifting in an innocent yet provocative smile.

My face suddenly felt wet. I touched it and realized I was already crying.