Chapter 2

2

What was supposed to be our anniversary dinner turned into a suffocating battleground for three.

By the time I arrived at the restaurant, Leanne had already ordered the entire table full of fiery Cajun dishes loaded with ghost peppers.

I had a sensitive stomach and could never tolerate extreme spice. Gavin used to adjust his taste to match mine, gradually giving up spicy food.

Looking at the red-hot grease coating every single plate, my appetite vanished completely.

Gavin and Leanne laughed and chatted happily, completely oblivious to my presence.

A loose strand of Leanne’s hair brushed against Gavin’s hand. Without missing a beat, he slid the velvet hair tie off his wrist and gently tied her hair back.

My nails dug deep into my palms. “Gavin! That’s my hair tie!”

Gavin clicked his tongue in irritation. “It’s just a cheap hair tie. It costs five bucks. Why do you have to be so damn petty?”

Leanne chimed in with fake innocence. “Gavin and I have always been like this since we were kids. Please don’t be mad. I’ll have Gavin buy you a new one tomorrow.”

I stared at the burning red food, completely sick to my stomach.

The moment I set my fork down, Leanne looked at me with wounded eyes.

“Did I ruin your special night? Maybe I should just leave.”

Gavin frowned deeply and tossed his own silverware onto the plate with a loud clang.

“Yvette, what kind of scene are you trying to make now?”

For the first time in my life, I lost my temper and slammed both hands on the table. “Leanne, he’s my husband! You abandoned him three years ago to go abroad. Don't you feel pathetic crawling back now?”

Gavin lunged forward and slapped me hard across the face.

Without hesitating, I swung my arm back and struck him, knocking his glasses crooked.

All three of us froze in stunned silence.

Gavin straightened his glasses, his eyes burning with malice. “Leanne came back to help our company grow! I was wondering what position to give her. Since you want to act like a crazy woman, you clearly aren’t fit to be General Manager anymore. Step down and give the seat to Leanne.”

I had already anticipated this outcome.

“Fine, Gavin. I’ll clear out my desk myself. Give her the position!”

Gavin stared at me in disbelief. “Yvette, you’re not going to fight this?”

Leanne poured fuel on the fire. “Gavin, maybe I should just go. Yvette clearly hates me.”

“Save your breath,” I spat coldly. “Enjoy your meal. I’m leaving.”

Sitting in the back of the cab, I recalled the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into building our startup over the past three years. I felt like the biggest fool alive.