Chapter 2

After work, I was organizing the files for tomorrow’s meeting.

Then, like always, I stood by the lobby entrance, waiting for Victor. We always commuted together.

But minutes ticked by. Victor, who was usually the first to bolt after work, was now thirty minutes late.

I sent him a text on Snapchat, but got no reply. I had no choice but to go back upstairs to find him.

He was still at his desk. The new girl, Alice, was holding his hand, whining and swaying gently against him.

I tapped on the partition.

They both looked up at me.

"Kate, is it time to go?" Victor blurted out, looking slightly flushed.

"Oh, actually... I won't be heading out with you today. I'm helping Alice sort out some of her work."

My hand froze on his desk.

My eyes met Alice’s. Half of her body was practically draped over his shoulder.

She gave me a fragile, pitiful smile, as if she were the victim here.

"I heard you two have known each other since you were kids and make a great team. I’m new and have so much to learn. Can I borrow him for tonight?"

"Don't be so stingy. I'll return him to you tomorrow."

Victor pinched her cheek playfully, though his tone held a mock complaint. "Why are you asking her permission?"

Alice giggled, placing her hands on his face, pinching him back. "What? Are you trying to reject me?"

It hadn't even been two days, and they were already flirting in broad daylight.

Without a word, I grabbed my bag and turned on my heel.

As I reached the door, I heard Alice’s teasing voice behind me.

"Oh, stop pinching me. Your little wife looks mad."

"What wife? We’ve just known each other a long time."

"Oh, really? So there’s nothing going on between you two?"

"Of course not."

A sharp ache bloomed in my chest. My eyes burned.

I slammed the door shut behind me.