Chapter 2

I was lost in thought when my forks slipped from my fingers. My hands trembled as I bent down to grab them.

By the time I straightened up, Alexander was already at the door. Without even glancing back, he tossed over his shoulder, "Something came up at work. I'll drive you next time," before walking out in a hurry.

Half an hour later, I limped to my desk. For some reason, everyone around me seemed to be giving me pitying looks.

While I was grabbing some water in the break room, I overheard two coworkers whispering.

"So, Alexander really ditched Rachel for that Olivia?"

"Of course. You didn't see this morning, Olivia had a little blood on her skirt, and Alexander carried her like a princess into his top-floor office, right in front of all the managers."

I didn't even realize the mug had slipped from my hand until it shattered on the floor.

The whispers stopped abruptly.

I crouched down, quietly gathering the pieces and tossing them in the trash.

By 10 PM, I was still working overtime. I suddenly felt the weight of a suit jacket draped over my shoulders.

"Rachel, why didn't you reply to my messages?" Alexander's voice was tinged with irritation.

Without turning around, I checked my phone. The unread message flashed on the screen:

[What flavor of bubble tea do girls usually like?]

Three years ago, I had joined the bubble tea craze and asked Alexander to bring me "the first bubble tea of autumn." He had looked at me like I was out of my mind.

"Rachel, you're almost thirty. Don't embarrass me with these dumb trends."

Now, here he was, bringing me bubble tea.

I didn't even touch it, just kept working.

He glanced at me, his confusion growing. "You used to beg me for this."

I shrugged nonchalantly. "It's too late. I'll have trouble sleeping if I drink it now."

He sighed, a little defeated. "I'm heading to the restroom. We'll leave together after."

Less than a minute later, his phone buzzed on my desk. I glanced at it.

It was a message from Olivia.

[Big dummy brother~ Who buys dozens of bubble teas at once? Is brother really trying to turn little Olivia into a chubby piggy? Shivering~]

We got home after 11 PM.

I walked straight to the bedroom and began packing my things.

As soon as Alexander came out of the shower, he noticed the empty spots on the dressing table. His brow furrowed.

"Rachel, I'm going to Paris next month for work. If you want anything, just make a list."

I didn't hesitate. "No need. I don't want anything."

After all, I'd be gone in a few days. Why bother?

He tossed his towel on the bed and shot me a cold look.

"So, just because I bought you breakfast you didn't like, now you're in a mood all day?"

I was about to explain, but before I could, he sneered.

"You know I hate women who put on airs. You've crossed the line, Rachel."

He turned and slammed the door to the study.

In the seven years we'd been together, Alexander had pulled the silent treatment on me more times than I could count. And I'd always been the one to apologize. But this time? I couldn't care less.

He stayed in the study all night, and I didn't knock once.

The next morning, I made breakfast for both of us like I always did.

Just as I finished my portion and was about to head out, Alexander emerged from the study, his face set in a cold, hard expression.

Holding up his phone, he snapped, "Rachel, take the day off. Before 5 PM, I need you to make an exact replica of this fondant cake."