Chapter 3 Stiff Upper Lip

Kelly's POV

I entered the studio wearing two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone turned to look as I walked down the hallway, greeting me with smiles, but my face remained stoic, not showing any emotions at all.

The conversation with Pierce this morning lingered in my mind, but I couldn't let it affect my work.

I couldn't fail my work after I had failed my marriage.

I took a deep breath to steady myself. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos.

"We can't! She's not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She'll be furious."

"We can just tell her the truth. She's nice."

"Not in this situation, Lily! She'll scold us—"

"What's happening here?" I asked, stepping further into the room.

The staff turned to me with worried expressions, and I knew then that something was wrong.

"G-Good morning, Miss Monroe."

Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurt.

I stared at her blankly, "What?

"W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model, has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we're changing the model, so…she doesn't want to come here. She's even threatening to file a case against us."

She bowed her head, and I gritted my teeth, scanning the room. "Where's the marketing manager?"

"S-She's still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe."

I massaged my forehead, squeezing my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger, causing everyone around me to jump in shock. I groaned, sucking in a breath before looking around.

"Miss Monroe…"

"What is this, Miss Hayley? You're the marketing manager. What's happening?"

"Miss Monroe, I don't know how it happened, but Miss Chen heard that you're changing our model. She's about to file a case against us—"

Changing the model? How had I not known about this? Miss Chen had always been a trusted partner, and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only create chaos for the company. I would never allow such a costly mistake.

"I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her off to save the time, "Fix this mess, or I'll have to fire you!"

"Miss Monroe… It's Mr. President who ordered the change." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He instructed us as soon as he returned from his business trip yesterday."

The truth hit me hard. Pierce's order? Why hadn't he told me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first.

"It shouldn't be..." Confusion clouded my mind. Pierce was not a clueless businessman; he maintained a clear distinction between work and personal matters, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret.

"Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back.

"M-Mr. President…" Hayley bowed in respect as the man suddenly appeared behind me.

"I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I snapped as I turned to face him.

He knew how much effort I had put into securing this project. I hadn't slept well for days, and Miss Chen was the perfect fit for us. He had agreed too. But now… he just changed the model as he liked without informing me in advance. It felt like a hard slap in the face.

"Go ahead with the work. I'll explain it to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger simmering in my eyes.

"Answer me, Pierce! Why did you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't contain my fury. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "This isn't the place to talk. Let me explain in the car."

I glanced around, noticing others sneaking glances at us. I shook off his hand and walked toward the parking lot, my heart growing heavier with each step. I had a sinking feeling I wouldn't like his explanation.

"Now, say it," I blurted once we were seated in his car.

He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again.; I couldn't bear his gaze. I couldn't withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He had no feelings for me and it hurt so much.

"I-I…" he paused, sighing. "I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She's also a good fit, so I agreed—"

"What?" I asked in disbelief.

He pressed his lips together and looked away, ruffling his hair in frustration before shaking his head and holding my hand.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor, and I couldn't say no."

I pulled my hand away, looking at him with a mix of pain and anger. "You can't say no to her, so you'd rather harm the company—our company. You've betrayed me, Pierce."

"Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She's my first love."

Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she was your first love. She's always the one you want, no matter the cost. As long as she frowns a bit, you turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You're so heartless, Pierce.

"Well, you've made your decision. I don't have a say in this since you're the President. Just go. I'll be in the office." I said coldly, opening the car door to leave.

"Kelly…"

I looked him in the eyes. "Go home early. Let's talk about our divorce at home tonight."