Chapter 2

Celine POV

I recognized that girl. Her name was Sophie Evans.

She was an intern secretary in the CEO's office at Ford Corporation.

Initially, when Westley mentioned Sophie Evans to me over video calls, his tone was so bland it bordered on displeased.

"The new intern spills half the coffee on documents. I don't know how the HR department hired her."

At the time, I didn't think much of it and always advised him to be more tolerant.

Later, Westley mentioned Sophie Evans more and more frequently.

"This intern may be clumsy, but she's quite hardworking. She works overtime until late every night. Even when I leave at dawn, I can still see her organizing materials at her desk."

"Sophie is actually pretty good. She even noticed that I get headaches when I drink, and every time I finish entertaining clients, she prepares water for me."

"The coffee Sophie makes lately suits my taste more and more. She really takes this job seriously, and she has quite a lively, interesting personality."

His perception of Sophie Evans gradually changed, and her title went from "the intern" to "Sophie."

Actually, all the signs were there.

I just trusted him too much, never imagining that Westley, who loved me so much, would eventually change.

I can't remember how I left the club.

I walked aimlessly and dazedly along the sidewalk until my phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.

Looking at the caller ID on the screen, I didn't answer until the call was about to automatically disconnect.

"Celine?"

Westley's voice on the phone sounded somewhat nervous and urgent.

"I just saw your message about returning home early. Where are you now? Have you already arrived at the club?"

In the past, hearing his familiar voice would have made me feel sweet inside.

But now, recalling the scenes in that private room.

A suffocating coldness spread through my heart, painful as a knife twisting in my gut.

My nose tingled as my throat choked up for a long time. All the questions I wanted to ask him finally coalesced into one sentence:

"I just got off the plane..."

Hearing this, Westley breathed a sigh of relief.

His tension and unease dissipated, and his tone softened a bit.

"Then wait for me at the airport. I'll come pick you up."

I forced down my sob.

"No need. I'm feeling a bit airsick and uncomfortable. I'll just take a cab home."

"Okay."

Westley didn't think much of it.

"Then I'll see you at home."

I hummed in agreement, then paused and added,

"Happy birthday."

Westley's tone became even softer.

"Why didn't you wait for me to get home to wish me happy birthday in person?"

I didn't want to have an unpleasant scene with him on his birthday, so I forced a light smile.

"I was afraid your party would end too late, and if I waited until after midnight to wish you well, it wouldn't mean as much."

"It won't end too late. No one is more important to me than you."

Westley's voice was as tenderly indulgent as always.

"I'll be home soon. Wait for me at our new wedding villa, okay?"

No one was more important to him than me...

If I hadn't heard those words in the private room with my own ears, if I hadn't seen with my own eyes that he didn't push away Sophie Evans when she deliberately fell into his arms, I might have believed him.

When the call ended, I stood by the roadside under the dim streetlights, pulling my suitcase.

I looked up, about to hail a passing taxi, when I inadvertently glimpsed a black sedan speeding past.

In just under three seconds, through the half-lowered window, I still clearly saw Westley's handsome profile in the back seat, and beside him, a smiling Sophie Evans.

My heart trembled violently, as if something had torn it apart viciously.

I suddenly remembered three years ago when I was leaving, Westley held me tightly at the airport and said reluctantly,

"When you come back, we'll never be apart again."

Now I had returned, but our relationship could never go back to what it was.

After only three short years of separation, that passionate, profound love had already changed.

He no longer anticipated my return, and he even let another woman fall into his arms.

I forcefully pushed back the tears in my eyes.

Then I took out my phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, is it still possible for me to accept your company's job offer now?"

"Of course it is."

The male voice on the other end paused, then asked in confusion,

"But Miss Sterling, didn't you say before that you wanted to return home to get married and focus your career domestically to be with your husband?"

I smiled bitterly.

"He doesn't need me by his side, and this wedding can't happen anymore."

The other party was silent for a few seconds.

"Alright, can you start in half a month?"

"Yes."

"Miss Sterling, then we'll see you in half a month."