Chapter 2
I went to the restroom, wiped away my tears, fixed my makeup, and used some eye drops.
Then I glanced at myself in the mirror.
Once I confirmed that no signs of crying remained on my face, I turned around and opened the door to another private room.
There was already a woman sitting inside.
She was stunning, and every small gesture revealed how well–bred and elegant she was.
She was my client’s wife.
I’ve been handling an important project lately.
If I can pull it off, the bonus, along with the money I’ve been saving for years, would finally be enough for me to afford a down payment on a spacious house in this first–tier city.
I haven’t told Kaiden about it.
I was planning to surprise him once everything came together.
But now, it feels unnecessary.
The client is known to be moody and hard to satisfy, but he treats his wife, Hanna Calby, like a queen.
That’s why I decided to get on her good side first.
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Hanna was born into wealth. She speaks her mind and can be a bit blunt, but she isn’t a bad person.
Lately, she’s been fascinated by the art of making perfume.
Coincidentally, one of my close friends works as a perfumer.
So, I tried to introduce them, hoping it might help build a connection.
I composed myself and gave her a warm smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Calby.”
Hanna looked up at me without a word, lifted her chin slightly, and gestured for me to take a seat.
I sat down across from her.
She was busy on her pho
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This book had been added on your bookshelf.
Just then, my phone buzzed. She had just posted something new on her Facebook.
I clicked on her post, and along with the photo of the perfume, there were two photos of her at a party held on a cruise.
One of them caught my attention. I zoomed in on the top right corner.
There stood a man in a black suit, and even from the side, I could recognize him instantly.
It was Kaiden.
My emotions spilled over before I could stop them. “Ms. Calby, do you happen to know Kaiden Xavier?” I asked.
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She lifted her head, surprised that I mentioned his name.
“Yes,” she answered.
Then she looked at me and asked, “Do you know him too?”
I gave a vague reply, “I’ve seen him from afar. I just noticed him in your post and got curious.”
She gave a slight smile. “Oh, that one. I was at his engagement party and meant to take a picture of the view. He ended up in it by accident. I should probably take it down.”
Engagement party?
My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t breathe properly.
Trying not to show anything, I forced a calm tone. “When did he get engaged?”
“On the 25th last month. Why? Is something wrong?” she asked.
When she said the date, my body stiffened.
That was my birthday.
Kaiden wasn’t around that day.
He told me he was away on a business trip and even claimed the company gave him a nice bonus.
I’d felt proud of him then.
He’s not someone who cares much about money. He never volunteers for extra hours and avoids travel for work.
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I thought he had finally decided to step up and take things seriously.
I didn’t see it coming. He got engaged without even telling me.
For a few seconds, I felt completely foolish, and my eyes started to sting.
Hanna noticed something was off with my face. Her expression shifted, and she cautioned me, “Don’t even think about getting involved with Kaiden. He’s not someone you should be dealing with.”
I chuckled lightly and replied, “You’ve got it wrong. I just feel a little disappointed that I lost a chance to win some favor with Mr. Xavier.”
Hanna seemed to relax after hearing my response.
“Since you’re being straight with me, I’ll lend you a hand. Kaiden’s wedding is on the 10th of next month. I’ll try to get you an invitation so you can be seen there.‘
Even though my nails dug into my palm from the pressure, I managed to keep smiling.
“Thank you, Ms. Calby.”
My friend, the perfumer, and Hanna chatted happily.
As Hanna was about to leave, she glanced at me with a knowing smile.
“I can tell why you’re being so nice to me. But I don’t interfere in what my husband does. Still, since you’ve put in the effort, I’ll try to say something good about you if I get the chance.”
Even though she didn’t promise anything solid, her words gave me a boost of hope.
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It was already dark by the time I got back.
The kitchen lights were on.
Through the glass door, a tall shadow moved around, and the sound of a knife tapping on a cutting board echoed steadily.
The smell of dinner floated through the air.
In that small space, just the two of us leaned on each other.
To me, this is the coziest place I’ve ever known.
I lost my parents when I was very young.
My uncle and aunt–in–law took me in and looked after me.
They treated me kindly, but it never truly felt like home.
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