Chapter 3

Elara's POV

To appease his mistress, Dominic, for the first time ever, brought Chloe to a private business dinner that evening.

The irony was, Chloe was there as a "translator," but she was decked out in a custom-made gown flashier than anything I, the actual wife, would wear.

From the moment she walked in, her eyes never left Dominic, that clingy intensity practically screaming their inappropriate relationship to everyone present.

"Ms. Hayes, long time no see."

A few business partners came over to toast, and Dominic smiled, pulling me close by the waist, playing the part of the model husband. "My wife doesn't understand much about business. I'll drink this for her."

An important Italian client approached with a glass, and Dominic released me. He turned to Chloe behind him and whispered in Italian, "This old man is a lecher. Go have a few drinks with him, don't let him bother Elara."

Chloe looked reluctant, pouting in Italian, "Darling, I'm not feeling well today. Shouldn't Elara do the blocking? She doesn't understand business talk anyway, it's such a waste for her to just stand there like a flower vase."

Dominic hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between us.

Ultimately, his heart, predictably, went out to his mistress.

He turned to me, his voice gentle in English. "Honey, Chloe isn't feeling well today, and this client is quite important. Could you help me toast him? Just smile, you don't need to say anything."

I looked at his face, so full of feigned affection, and scoffed inwardly.

In his eyes, his mistress held a higher position than I, his wife.

"Of course." I took the wine glass, smiling gracefully and generously. "Since Ms. Chloe isn't feeling well, as the boss's wife, it's only right that I look out for the staff."

I walked towards the Italian client, glass in hand.

Chloe, standing behind Dominic, flashed me a smug, defiant smile. She thought I hadn't understood their Italian conversation.

As I passed her, my high heel slipped.

A full glass of red wine, without missing a beat, spilled directly onto Chloe's expensive gown.

"Ah!" Chloe shrieked, clutching her chest in embarrassment.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" I stood steady, feigning panic, my expression innocent. "Ms. Chloe, are you alright? You looked a bit pale, so I tried to steady you, but my hand slipped."

All eyes instantly converged on us.

Dominic's brows furrowed. He instinctively reached out to help Chloe, but seeing all the business partners around, he abruptly redirected his hand, steadying a seemingly startled me instead.

"Elara, are you okay? Did you hurt your ankle?" His voice was concerned, but his eyes swept over the red stain on Chloe's chest with unconcealed pity.

Chloe's eyes welled up with tears of indignation. She bit her lip and complained to Dominic in Italian, "Darling, she did it on purpose! This dress is the one you gave me-"

"Shut up." Dominic coldly snapped at her in Italian, his eyes warning her. "Go to the restroom and clean yourself up. Don't make a scene here."

Turning back to me, he put on his doting husband persona, gently smoothing my hair. "It's nothing, just a dress. If it's dirty, it's dirty. What matters is that you didn't fall."

I leaned into his embrace, watching Chloe's retreating figure, clutching her dress in embarrassment. A barely perceptible smile touched my lips.

After the dinner, Dominic used the excuse of seeing a drunk client home, telling the driver to take me home first.

I knew he was rushing to appease his wronged mistress.

Back home, I didn't turn on any lights.

My phone screen glowed in the darkness, an unread message from my lawyer.

"Ms. Hayes, your overseas account has been activated. All asset transfer procedures will be completed within a week. Please confirm your travel plans."

I glanced at the date circled in red on my calendar.

That was the anniversary Dominic and Chloe were so eagerly anticipating.

It was also the day I would finally leave.

I calmly replied with two words. Confirmed.