Three minutes later, I received another video from Cassidy.
On the screen, Joaquin was holding her in his arms.
Her long red nails trailed across his muscular back, leaving scratches that burned into my eyes like fresh wounds.
I blinked away the sting, but sleep dragged me under.
By morning, I was jolted awake by the overwhelming scent of gardenias.
Joaquin sat by the bed. When he saw me stir, he cleared his throat.
“Allison, just apologize to Cassidy and the kids. Then we can move on.”
I shook my head, saying nothing.
He glanced at me and sighed again. His expression was so absurd, I almost laughed out loud.
Why should I, the one who’s been hurt, apologize to the people who hurt me?
How could I apologize for something I didn’t even do?
When I stepped outside the room, I found Cassidy already seated at the dining table, directing the nanny to feed the twins.
“Sis, come join us. Brother-in-law and I prepared your favorite breakfast,” she said sweetly, eyes flashing with ill intent.
I ignored her and turned to leave, but Joaquin grabbed my arm and pulled me to the table.
“Auntie! I want Auntie to feed me!”
“Auntie! Auntie!”
The twins suddenly began shouting. Joaquin laughed and set them on his lap before pushing them toward me.
“They like you. Come on, feed them.”
I stared at the bowl of mango puree in my hand, and my skin instantly prickled.
I’m allergic to mango.
But at that moment, I had no way out.
Forcing myself, I gave each child a spoonful.
They both spat it out immediately.
“I don’t want it! I want Auntie to eat it! Auntie eat it!”
Joaquin remained oddly patient. “Allison, just eat a little. They really like you.”
“I can’t eat it. I—”
“Boohoo! Auntie’s being mean again! Bad Auntie!”
Their cries cut me off. Joaquin’s face darkened.
“Allison, how much do you hate these kids? Why do you keep hurting them?”
“Exactly,” Cassidy chimed in sweetly. “They’re only doing this because they like you. You’ll scar them for life if you keep acting this way.”
The children wailed louder, and I snapped. “I can’t eat it! I’m allergic to mango!”
Cassidy’s voice slithered like a venomous snake. “Sis, please don’t raise your voice. You’ll frighten the kids. They’ve been through so much lately.”
The next second, Joaquin slammed his hand on the table, grabbed the bowl from me, and forced the mango puree into my mouth.
It choked me so badly that juice sprayed out my nose.
And then everything spun. I collapsed, retching violently.
My throat burned like it had been seared by fire.
My vision blurred, my breathing weakened, and just before I passed out, I saw Joaquin’s panicked expression flicker across my eyes.
“Water... Help... Help me...”
—
When I opened my eyes again, the house was empty.
It was the last day.
I packed my things and went to the office to hand in my resignation.
But as soon as I entered, I noticed the strange looks from my coworkers—sympathetic, uncomfortable glances.
Given how wrecked I looked, I was surprised they hadn’t mistaken me for a homeless lunatic.
“Could you help me get to the top floor?” I asked the front desk receptionist with a faint smile.
She hesitated for a moment, then gently advised, “Miss Allison... maybe it’s better if you come back tomorrow.”
I shook my head. There was no more time.
She sighed and escorted me to the elevator. Only when I reached the top floor did I realize a major investment conference was happening.
No wonder she was hesitant—she probably thought my appearance was inappropriate for such a formal event.
Before she left, she looked at me seriously. “Miss Allison, I think you’re an amazing woman. Maybe... you don’t need a man or marriage to be happy.”
I wasn’t sure why she said it, but I smiled and nodded.
She was right. A woman’s happiness shouldn’t be tied to a man or a marriage.
I made my way to the Davies Group’s CEO office, familiar with every step.
I was here to submit my resignation.
But as soon as I opened the door, I felt everyone’s eyes on me.
“Well, well. Isn’t it Secretary Flores? What’s with the getup today?”
“She can barely walk and she’s still throwing herself at President Davies. His charm must be something else.”
“Didn’t she drink 99 shots for him at that party once? Shouldn’t she at least get a title by now?”
Their mocking laughter buzzed in my ears like flies. And suddenly, a terrible sense of foreboding washed over me.
