My groundbreaking new drug was about to hit the market. Yet, at the celebratory party, my husband insisted on crediting its patent to his female assistant.
Not only did my husband demand this, but many of the company's upper management echoed his request.
I questioned, "The new drug was developed by my team in five years. Why should I give it to others?"
My husband sneered, "You are old and ugly, which affects the company's image. Caroline is so young and beautiful; it is the best publicity to be crowned a beautiful researcher."
Caroline Lake sweetly held my hand and said delicately, "Demi, I don't want this either, but we must think about the company. Can't you just be reasonable?"
The celebration party for the new drug that was about to be launched was full of guests and friends and almost all the well-known people in the city came.
This new drug was developed by my team in five years and no one knew the hardships better than me.
I sat in the audience, watching Luke Stephens give an impassioned speech on stage. The smile on his face made me feel that all the hardships were worth it.
For five years, my husband and I had rarely seen each other. I practically lived in the laboratory.
I cherished every brief moment of rest, eagerly anticipating each tender moment with him.
Once the new drug was launched, I planned to take an extended vacation and spend quality time with him.
He and I have worked hard over the last five years. The guilt of not being able to be there for him especially weighed heavily on my heart.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause to invite the greatest contributor to our Santherion Pharmaceuticals to the stage!"
As Luke finished speaking, he began to applaud.
I got up a little nervously, busy with scientific research. In fact, I am terrified of such occasions.
However, how could I possibly disappoint Luke's efforts in preparing this celebratory party for me?
As I stepped onto the stage, a slender figure bumped into me from the side.
The steps were a little steep and I was wearing high heels that I was not used to wearing, so I fell down immediately.
I looked up and saw Luke hurried over with worry on his face.
He came to help me, just like every time I was tired and couldn't hold on, he encouraged me.
I stretched out my hand and waited for him to help me up.
Maybe he would pick me up.
Just like when we were in love, he would hold me in his arms like a princess.
However.
I saw him glare at me fiercely and stretch out his hand to hold the hand of the person who had just knocked me down.
It's Caroline, my junior high school classmate and now Luke's assistant.
"Caroline, are you alright?"
Luke's eyes were filled with concern and tenderness, an expression I had never seen before.
Caroline swayed like a delicate flower as if she might collapse at any moment.
But when she'd bumped into me, her shoulder had struck with surprising force.
She nodded pitifully, then glanced at me timidly. "Luke, I don't think Demi did it on purpose. Please don't blame her, okay?"
What did she mean I didn't do it on purpose?
I was walking ahead; she was the one who came from behind and bumped into me!
Luke nodded sympathetically, but when his gaze fell on me, it was filled with impatience and coldness. "Aren't you going to get up? I won't even mention how you almost made Caroline fall. Are you going to lie there and embarrass me?"
I was bewildered.
Why did it feel like, at this moment, she was his wife, not me?
I dazedly got to my feet and walked towards the stage.
There were too many people here today. I didn't want to argue in front of everyone.
After the party, I would get to the bottom of this.
But then I saw Luke blocking the steps, staring at me coldly and squeezing out a sentence in an unquestionable tone, "The patent for the new drug will be in Caroline's name. She is the star of today. You go down!"
