Chapter 2

I never imagined that my husband of five years would hand over the creative proposal I'd worked on all night, exactly as it was, to an intern who'd only been with us for two weeks.

When I saw Chloe, standing confidently at the company's monthly report meeting, presenting my brand strategy proposal – the one I'd crafted over three sleepless nights – the feeling of betrayal washed over me like ice water from head to toe.

My colleagues in the audience shot admiring glances at Chloe, and the department manager nodded repeatedly.

Some even whispered about the newcomer's exceptional creative talent.

I sat in the last row of the conference room, watching the girl seven years my junior in her perfectly tailored business suit.

She elegantly gestured at my brainchild on the projection screen, introducing "her" creative concepts to everyone.

Marcus sat at the head table, his eyes brimming with pride and satisfaction, as if he'd discovered some incredible talent.

He even publicly praised Chloe, calling her a rare creative star the company had seen in years, worthy of everyone's emulation.

My fists were clenched so tight under the table, my nails practically digging into the flesh of my palms.

After the meeting, I cornered Marcus right outside his office.

He still had that excited look on his face when he saw me, his eyes sparkling, completely oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

"Cassidy, you saw it, didn't you? Chloe really is talented. That proposal was absolutely brilliant."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Marcus, that was my proposal."

He paused, then waved a hand dismissively, his tone light.

"Oh, you mean that.

"I thought Chloe just joined the company, and she needed an opportunity to prove herself, so I let her practice with your proposal."

Practice.

My three days and nights of hard work had, in his words, become a tool for an intern to "practice" with.

"Do you know what that proposal meant to me? It's my submission for this year's Asian Creative Awards."

Marcus's expression finally flickered with a hint of discomfort, but it quickly reverted to that familiar, entitled look.

"You win awards every year anyway. What's the big deal about letting her have one?"

"Besides, this was just an internal report, not the actual competition."

A fire raged in my chest, blood churning through my veins.

"Marcus, what am I to you?"

He seemed startled by my sudden serious tone, a flash of unease in his eyes.

"Don't be like this, Cassidy. Chloe's just a young girl, fresh out of college. I was just trying to help her grow quickly."

I turned and walked away, not wanting to hear any more of his excuses.

I heard him call my name behind me, but I didn't have the strength to turn back.