Chapter 3

I stood up.

Ethan’s gaze swept over me. His eyes held nothing but cold indifference, as if the man who had held me so passionately last night didn’t exist.

"Yes."

His tone was detached. The sheer lack of emotion in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.

"Lily, come in."

I followed them into the office.

I stood in front of his desk. Anna was sitting comfortably on Ethan’s lap like a clingy girlfriend.

They looked perfect together. Anyone looking at them would think they were a match made in heaven.

I clenched my fists, biting my lip so hard I could taste copper, forcing myself to remain calm.

"Lily, I don't want any ridiculous rumors reaching Anna's ears."

His first words to me felt like a slap in the face.

Rumors... did he mean the gossip outside?

So, he didn't come out to defend me. He came out to protect Anna from hearing about *us*.

And his visit to my apartment last night was probably just because he was jealous, thinking Anna had another man.

I looked at the beautiful, delicate girl in his lap.

Then I looked down at myself.

We were nothing alike. I wasn't even qualified to be her substitute.

"Understood. I'll handle it," I said, turning to leave.

But Anna's sweet voice stopped me. "Ethan, the company seems so much fun! Can I work as your secretary too? Just like Lily."

My breath hitched.

Would Ethan fire me to make room for her?

I stood frozen, waiting for his answer.

"Sure. You can sit right next to me and keep me company."

I let out a silent breath.

At least... I could still stay near him.

"Lily, you can go now."

The days that followed were pure torture. I had to watch Ethan and Anna walk in and out of the office together.

Whenever Anna was around, Ethan’s eyes never lingered on me for even a second.

She was cheerful, bubbly, and full of life. When they were together, even Ethan's cold demeanor melted into something gentle.

"Lily, get in here."

I walked into the office. Anna was sitting at his computer playing a video game.

Ethan threw a contract onto the desk. "You've been working here for years. How do you still make such amateur mistakes?"

I picked it up. This was the contract Anna had asked me for a few days ago.

She had complained about being bored, saying she had nothing to do.

Thinking she had studied abroad and could handle a basic agreement, I handed it to her.

Now, looking at it, the terms were a mess, and even the formatting was completely wrong.

I closed the folder. "I'll revise it and bring it back."

I just wanted to get out of there. Being scolded in front of Anna made me feel utterly humiliated.

"Oh!" Anna let out a soft gasp. "Ethan... about that contract... I wanted to help Lily out, but I messed up. I'm so stupid."

Ethan pulled her into his arms, his voice dripping with affection. "You did this? You're so smart!"

"Don't blame Lily. It's all my fault."

I let out a dry, silent laugh in my mind.

A simple contract had become a stage for her little victim play.

"You don't need to do anything," Ethan said softly. "Just sitting here makes me happy."

I forced down the lump in my throat and walked out quietly.

Ethan's words echoed in my ears like salt being rubbed into an open wound.

I rushed into the restroom and splashed cold water on my face, trying to wake myself up.

Suddenly, someone stood next to me.

It was Anna.

Her smile was still sweet, but her eyes held a trace of undisguised smugness.

"Lily, are you okay? I didn't know Ethan would raise his voice at you... He's always so gentle with me."

She wasn't lying.

Ethan was indeed infinitely patient and gentle with her.

0