Chapter 2

“…You!”

He was so furious he couldn't speak, slamming the office door shut as he left.

We were in a cold war for the next few days.

On the first night, I cooked dinner.

He simply flipped the table over.

Gazing at the mess scattered across the floor, Marcus’s mom, Martha, didn't scold her son. Instead, she glared at me.

“Audrey, what did you do to upset Marcus again? Go apologize to him, right now!”

Leo also piped up:

“Mom, why are you always picking on Dad?!”

I almost laughed from sheer frustration.

I wasn't going to hold back anymore.

I kicked the overturned dining table.

After that day, I never cooked again.

Hearing that Marcus and I were fighting, Chloe started to secretly butter him up.

She’d make two lunches every day, sneaking one to Marcus at the office.

Once, I saw her feeding him bites of food.

A flash of guilt flickered in Marcus’s eyes.

Chloe, however, offered a knowing smile.

“Audrey, I brought too much lunch, so I figured I’d share some with you. Want to try my cooking?”

I shook my head, my voice cold. “No thanks.”

“Audrey, you’re not mad, are you?”

“I just feel bad for Marcus, working so hard every day. If you’re upset, I won’t do it anymore.”

She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with what looked like tears.

Marcus immediately felt a pang of sympathy for her.

He pulled Chloe behind him, lowering his voice.

“Audrey, stop stirring up trouble for no reason. Chloe is a sweet girl, nothing like you!”

I nearly scoffed, but I held it in.

Only three days left until the layoff list was officially announced. Then I’d make sure Marcus was out for good.

Right now, I couldn’t waste my time and energy arguing with him.

Three days later, the company held the layoff meeting.

Everyone sat with their heads bowed, terrified their names would be called.

But Marcus, who had already seen the list, was perfectly composed, even a little smug.

The CEO read the last name, then looked out at the room.

“And finally, Audrey.”