Chapter 3

Three days before the banquet, I went to the Imperial Hotel under the pretense of checking out a wedding venue for a friend.

The hall was being set up.

"This setup is really impressive," my friend marveled.

"Which company is willing to spend this much?"

"Right?" I said softly.

A woman walked in through the side door.

Champagne-colored high heels, beige suit dress, long hair loosely pinned up.

She held a tablet, confirming details with the staff.

It was Vivian.

She was younger than in her photos, with flawless skin and upright posture.

Meanwhile, I had loose skin and stretch marks on my belly after having Kelly, fine lines around my eyes, and dark circles I covered with concealer.

So this was what he meant by "how could she compare to you."

"Brighten the lights by another 30%. Mr. Hughes said he wants every shot to be crystal clear that day."

Vivian's voice was crisp.

The staff nodded. "Don't worry, Ms. Cross."

My friend whispered:

"Who's that? She's got quite the presence."

I didn't answer.

Vivian turned around, her gaze sweeping over us.

It paused for half a second, then her lips curved into a professional smile:

"May I help you?"

"We're here to look at wedding venues." My friend said.

"You're having... a banquet?"

"Yes, our company's tenth anniversary celebration."

Vivian walked over, her gaze lingering on my face for an extra moment. "And you are?"

"Just call me Ms. Morgan."

"Ms. Morgan." She nodded.

"This venue is perfect for weddings, but we've booked it exclusively. If you need it, I can recommend other halls."

"No need, but thank you." I smiled.

"This venue is beautiful. Your husband really put thought into it."

Vivian's smile stiffened slightly.

Very subtly, but I caught it.

"It's Mr. Hughes who put thought into it."

She corrected, her tone gentle.

"I'm just helping with execution."

"Mr. Hughes? Is he single? He booked such a large venue and set up double main seats. I thought it was prepared for his wife."

The air went quiet for a few seconds.

Vivian looked at me, her eyes churning with curiosity, wariness, and perhaps a trace of barely detectable triumph.

"I don't know much about Mr. Hughes's personal matters."

She looked away, speaking to the staff,

"I'm going to confirm the menu. You all continue."

She turned and left, her heels clicking crisply.

My friend tugged my sleeve:

"Morgan, why were you asking those questions? That was weird."

"Just curious." I withdrew my gaze.

"Let's go. Let's check out the other halls."

We headed toward the elevator.

Before the doors closed, I looked back.

Vivian stood in the center of the stage, looking down at her tablet.

Dome lights fell on her, enveloping her in an ethereal glow.

She looked up, glancing toward the elevator.

Our gazes met one last time through the closing gap.

She smiled.

It was a victor's smile, full of pity.

The elevator descended.

"Do you know her?" my friend asked.

"No." I watched the numbers changing.

"But I will soon."

That evening, Matthew came home early for once, looking irritated.

"What's wrong?" I served him soup.

"Nothing." He rubbed his temples.

"Just a small issue at the company. It'll be resolved soon."

"That's good." I pushed the soup bowl toward him.

"By the way, I went to the Imperial Hotel today."

His movements paused. "What were you doing there?"

"Helping Jade look at wedding venues." My tone was natural.

"I saw the Starlight Hall being set up. That's your banquet, right?"

"...Yeah."

"The double main seat design is really thoughtful."

I looked at him. "Was that your idea?"

Matthew put down his spoon:

"It was the event planning company's proposal. Don't overthink it."

"I'm not overthinking anything." I smiled.

"I just thought, if we ever renew our vows, we could reference this kind of design."

His expression softened a bit, and he held my hand:

"Once the company goes public, I'll definitely give you the grandest vow renewal ceremony."

Another promise.

I held his hand back, palm warm, fingertips ice cold.

"Oh, I was organizing the study yesterday and saw some photos on your old computer."

I said casually,

"It looked like a team-building event? There was a girl who looked familiar. Is she the one who came to the house to deliver documents last time?"

Matthew's hand tightened:

"Which girl?"

"The one with long hair, big eyes, looks pretty capable."

I blinked. "I think her last name is Cross?"

Silence.

Long silence.

He released my hand, his tone returning to gentle:

"She's from the administrative department. She is quite capable. Why the sudden interest in her?"

"I just thought she was pretty."

I stood up to clear the dishes, turning my back to him.

"I'm glad you have such capable employees. Puts my mind at ease."

He said nothing more.

I carried the dishes into the kitchen and turned on the faucet.

Water rushed, drowning out my rapid heartbeat.

That night, Matthew slept deeply.

I got up and retrieved the brooch camera from its hidden compartment, pinning it to the inside of the black coat I planned to wear tomorrow.