Chapter 2

Silicon Valley was a different world. Sleek glass buildings, palm trees, expensive cars.

Sophia' s company, "Elysian Inc.," had a whole floor in one of them.

The lobby was minimalist chic, all white and brushed steel.

A young, trendy receptionist looked me up and down. My clothes didn't fit.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice cool.

"I'm here to see Sophia. Ethan Miller. Her husband."

Her eyes widened slightly. She probably knew the official story, the supportive husband back home.

She buzzed Sophia' s office.

While I waited, I saw them.

Through the glass wall of a large conference room.

Sophia, radiant in a power suit, laughing.

Leo was beside her, handsome, smug, his hand resting casually on her chair.

Other executives too, all polished, all successful.

Then I heard her voice, amplified slightly by a speakerphone for someone remote.

"Ethan is my rock, truly. My biggest inspiration. He' s so supportive from back home."

Public praise. For the investors, for PR.

My stomach tightened.

Then she leaned closer to Leo, her voice dropping, but I could still read her lips through the glass, see the shift in her expression as she spoke to him, thinking no one else could hear.

"He' s just… not built for this world, Leo. Too small-town. You' re my real partner in this."

Leo smirked, squeezed her shoulder.

The words didn't sting like they would have before.

They were just confirmation. Cold, hard facts.

The receptionist called my name. "Sophia will see you in her office."

I walked past the conference room. Sophia saw me.

Her smile froze for a microsecond before stretching into a welcoming, surprised expression.

Pure performance.

Her office was huge, corner views, more sleek furniture.

She rushed to hug me. "Ethan! What a surprise! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

I didn't hug her back.

"We need to talk, Sophia."

She pulled away, her brow furrowing with faux concern. "Is everything okay? You look tired."

"I'm tired of a lot of things."

Leo walked in then, without knocking. He had that proprietary air.

"Everything alright, Soph? Oh, Ethan. Didn't expect to see you here."

His tone was condescending, like I was an unexpected, slightly embarrassing relative.

"Leo, this is a private conversation," I said, my voice even.

Sophia put a hand on Leo' s arm. "It' s okay, Leo. Ethan just surprised me."

She turned back to me. "So, what' s up? Did you need money? I can wire you some."

She gestured to her purse, ready to dismiss me with a handout.

That was her solution now. Money.

Not the future she promised. Not the partnership. Just a transaction.