Chapter 2

2.

The next morning, Rhea did something she never does. She was in the kitchen making breakfast.

When she saw me come out, she silently handed me a cup of coffee. I knew what this was.

It was her peace offering. Every time she messed up or wanted something from me, she'd make me coffee.

I used to love it. She had even taken a month-long barista course just for me back when we started dating.

In the past, no matter how mad I was, a cup of her coffee would make me melt. But today, looking at the mug, I felt nothing.

Rhea came out of the kitchen holding a lunch box. When she saw the coffee untouched, her eyebrows shot up.

"What's this supposed to mean?" she snapped.

I glanced at the lunch box in her hand. "I'm not in the mood for coffee today," I said lazily.

Rhea noticed my gaze and quickly pulled the lunch box back. "This isn't for you anyway. If you're hungry, make your own food."

I stretched my sore muscles. "I wasn't planning on eating your scraps."

Under her confused and annoyed stare, I put on my shoes and headed out.

The company I work for is the main client for the firm Rhea works at. She had insisted on a secret marriage because she didn't want people saying she used me for her career.

I had agreed to it because I loved her. But the truth was, every major deal she signed was because I pulled strings behind the scenes.

She used those deals to build her persona as a powerful, independent single woman. I only found out the truth from a coworker of hers during a casual chat.

He also mentioned that Rhea was getting very close to their department head. That head was Xavier Vance.

He was Rhea's old college crush. I had confronted her about it months ago, my heart heavy with suspicion.

She had just sat on the sofa, looking at her new manicure. "We aren't doing anything," she'd said. "If you're going to be this jealous, let's just get a divorce."

Divorce was her ultimate weapon. Every time she threw that word out, I would back down and apologize.

On our third anniversary, she got promoted to deputy head. I suggested we finally go public with our marriage.

She refused instantly. She took my hand and acted all sweet. "Honey, if we tell them now, they'll think I only got the job because of you. I don't want people talking behind my back."

So, I stayed in the shadows again. I never told her that I was the one making sure her path was smooth.

My friends used to joke that I was a simp for my wife. I'd just smile and tell them that a woman is like a flower; you have to tend to her to see her bloom.

I just didn't realize she was blooming for another man.