Chapter 2

I finally turned off my phone. The giant screen went black.

The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by frantic whispers. I faced the guests, my expression calm and composed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this farce is over. Reed Corp. will issue a formal statement shortly. Thank you for coming."

I walked off the stage. The whispers followed me.

"He' s just a doormat for Reed Corp."

"Did you see his face? He didn't even flinch."

"That composure… I'd hire him in a second."

I heard it all. Offers for high-paying positions were already coming in via text from guests who had my number. I was a recognized talent in the tech world, a prodigy since before I even graduated. I wasn't fazed by the attention.

Sophia' s relatives, her aunts and uncles, approached me as I made my way to the exit. They didn't offer ridicule; they offered comfort. They knew my pivotal role in Reed Corp.' s recent successes. They knew their substantial dividends depended on my continued presence.

"Ethan, we're so sorry."

"Anything you need, you let us know."

I nodded politely, appreciating the gesture even if I knew it was motivated by self-interest. Though I knew Sophia' s heart wasn' t truly mine, the sudden, public nature of her betrayal left a dull ache in my chest. It was a melancholic feeling, like a program that refuses to compile for no logical reason.

Back at the villa I was supposed to share with my new wife, I slumped onto the couch. The house was still filled with wedding gifts and flowers. It felt hollow.

My phone rang. It was Sophia. I answered.

"Ethan Miller, what was that?" she screamed into the phone, her voice shrill. "Projecting that video for everyone to see? You' ve ruined me! You' ve ruined my reputation!"

I held the phone slightly away from my ear. "You were late, Sophia," I said calmly. "The guests were getting impatient. I had to show them our texts to explain the delay. It was your idea to send them, remember?"

I paused. "I didn't know you' d send that particular video. I certainly didn't know you'd want to share your… intimate moments with the entire world."

"It was an accident! I didn't mean to send it to you!" she insisted, her voice still laced with fury. "And don't be sarcastic! I was just saying goodbye to Liam. We grew up together! After today, I' m still your wife, you know!"

"Hmm, I know," I said, my voice bland, devoid of any emotion.

There was a pause on her end. She sounded anxious now, confused by my lack of reaction. "Why aren' t you angry? Why aren't you yelling?"

I thought for a moment. "You' re the one who messed up, Sophia. Why should I be the one who gets angry?"

"Good," she snorted, regaining her confidence. "That's how it should be. Don't you dare cause any trouble over this. If you do, I' ll have my dad fire you! Don't forget who you work for."

"Fire me?" I almost laughed. The threat was so empty, so childish.

I hung up the phone.