One evening, I walked in to find Donovan, who usually sequestered himself in his study, sitting on the living room sofa watching television. He stood up, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, took my bag from my shoulder, and asked how the restaurant preparations were going. I was so exhausted I didn't even register what he'd done. It wasn't until I was in the shower that it hit me: the easy way he'd greeted me, the casual conversation... it was all eerily similar to how a normal husband and wife might interact. After my shower, while Donovan was on the phone on the terrace, I quickly found my recipe book. I'd beer running on fumes for weeks, usually falling into bed the moment I got home. On the rare nights when a thou ght of Donovan stirred something in me, I'd immediately jot down a warning to myself in my phone's notes app. I took a moment now to transcribe those frantic notes into the notebook. Then I added today's entry: September 16th: Less than two weeks left until everything goes back to the way it was. Remember who you are. Stop dreaming. Work harder. Don't let these small moments get to you. I shoved the notebook back into its hiding place and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the moon outside the window. I knew this was a foolish way to guard my heart. But it was the only way I could think of. A slow, painful des ensitization until the day finally came. "Why aren't you in bed? What's on your mind?" Donovan's voice startled me. I quickly pulled myself together. "Nothing. The renovations are moving fast. I was just thinking if there were any details I might have overlooked." He nodded without comment. After he lay down, he spoke suddenly into the quiet room. "When I came home today, the housekeeper mentioned that Sterling's girl has been coming by to see you. When did you two get so close?" 617 13:54 Chapter 1 13:54 Hearing his dismissive name for Tiffany, a sharp pain lanced through my chest. I subtly rubbed the spot over my heart. "We're not close," I said, feigning indifference. "She started saying all this weird stuff, so I blocked her. I have no idea why she keeps showing up." Donovan made a soft "hmm" sound. "She's probably trying to get close to you on Sterling's orders. Ignoring her is the right move. Stay away from people like that." He rolled over and went to sleep. But I lay awake for a long time, the words "people like that" echoing in my head. For the next week or so, I made a point to leave earlier than Donovan and come home later, minimizing ou contact. During that time, I heard from Arthur that Donovan had unilaterally terminated his partnership with Mr. Sterling. A few days later, I saw chatter in a group chat with some of the other girls. Tiffany had been confronted by Mr. Sterling's wife. She was beaten, stripped naked, and thrown into the parl across from her apartment. They said she'd lost her mind by the time someone found her. Seeing her fate, so drastically different from the last time, made my chest feel tight. A chill ran down my spine. The day Camilla Rhodes flew back into the country, one of the girls tagged me in the group chat: Nancy, the real one's back. You better watch your step. Don't end up like Tiffany. I didn't reply. I just left the group. On this day in my last life, Donovan went to the airport to pick Camilla up and didn't come home all night. Sc I wasn't in any hurry to get back. I ordered takeout, sat in my nearly finished restaurant, and drank until I was pleasantly drunk. It was just before midnight when I finally stood outside the penthouse door. The moment I stepped inside, the alcohol buzz vanished. There, on the sofa, was the man who was suppos ed to be with Camilla. He was leaning back with his eyes closed, and in his hand was my recipe notebook. After a long, heavy silence, Donovan opened his eyes. His gaze was dark and intense as he stared at me. He held up the notebook. 'Come here," he said, his face a mask of neutrality. "We need to talk." 717 13:54 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 13:54 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!