Virginia pressed a prettily decorated glass bottle into Leo's palm.
She lifted her doe eyes, her gaze shimmering with unshed tears, soft enough to melt anyone watching.
No one who saw them together could possibly believe there was nothing going on between these two.
Virginia bit her lip, reluctance written all over her face as she turned to leave. Passing by me, she lowered her voice in explanation:
"Gladys, this was my mistake. I let Mr. James drive off before the car was properly inspected, and then the accident happened."
"Please don't misunderstand—that bottle contains origami wishing stars I folded myself, praying for Mr. James's leg to heal quickly."
The car wasn't properly inspected?
But the luxury auto dealership had specifically called me to pick it up.
And that last time my brakes failed—was that also because the car "wasn't properly inspected"?
"Gladys, I've been meaning to explain about the dealership."
Leo's voice pulled me back to the present.
We were alone in the hospital room now. A smile spread across his face as he carefully set the glass bottle on his nightstand, then reached out to pull me closer.
"She just graduated, and it happened to be her birthday—I only gave her a small gift. Don't tell me my CEO wife is jealous?"
He said it so casually, as if he'd given away nothing more than some forgettable stuffed animal.
I stepped aside, avoiding his touch.
"So this is your type?"
The air went still.
Leo's expression flickered. He rubbed his brow. "I didn't tell you because I was worried you'd overthink things."
"Virginia and I are completely innocent. We—"
"I don't care."
I cut him off, my tone bored.
"I haven't caught you in bed with her—yet. But I don't tolerate even a grain of sand in my eye, Leo. You'd better bury whatever inappropriate thoughts you're entertaining. Don't force me to tear this whole thing wide open."
Leo looked up at me, disbelief written across his face.
"You don't trust me?"
I gazed down at him, my eyes flat and unreadable. My silence was answer enough.
He opened his mouth to say something more, but the phone on his nightstand chose that moment to ring.
The name "Virginia" glowed on the screen, impossibly bright.
Leo hesitated, then answered. Virginia's soft, fragile voice immediately floated through:
"Mr. James, is Gladys giving you a hard time? Even if she's angry, please don't fight with her, okay?"
"I ordered bone broth from Fuji Kitchen for you. I was afraid Gladys might misunderstand, so I won't deliver it myself."
Two sentences. She'd managed to play the sweet, considerate angel while subtly reminding everyone just how close she and Leo really were.
I didn't move.
Leo glanced at my expression and hung up.
I laughed coldly to myself. I had no interest in playing these games with him any longer. I turned and walked toward the door.
"Gladys!"
Leo called out urgently.
"You're really angry?"
"I promise I'll stay far away from her. I won't contact her ever again. Please don't be so cold to me?"
"My leg hurts..."
I paused, turning my head just slightly. My voice could have frozen steel.
"If your leg hurts, call the doctor. I have work at the company. Rest well."
Outside the hospital, the cold wind hit my face, finally tamping down some of the fury coiled in my chest.
I pulled out my phone and called my assistant, Evan Brooks.
"Dig into Virginia Matthews. I suspect she had something to do with my brake failure last time."
After that last maintenance appointment, my brakes had given out on the highway. I'd swerved into a median strip—the only thing that saved me from a catastrophic accident.
That evening, the regional manager of a high-end jewelry boutique arrived at my door on Leo's orders, presenting dozens of exquisite pieces for me to choose from.
"Mr. James is so good to you! To be cherished like this—it's truly enviable."
I swept my gaze over the glittering display, feeling nothing but bitter irony.
"Don't you know? The night a man cheats, he always comes home telling his wife 'I love you'—over and over—just to ease his own guilt."
