Chapter 2 I was still in a daze when someone knocked on the door . I looked up . It was Chloe , standing in the doorway with a bright smile . " Ava , " she said softly , her tone deliberately gentle . " I just finished reporting to Mr. Carter . He seemed a little down and said he might go out for a drink . I came to ask , would it be alright if I went with him ? " Her words were straightforward and even polite on the surface , but the smug look in her eyes gave her away . She had always been like this the past six months , putting on an act whenever I was around . She played the humble intern , but beneath it was envy and that undeniable pride she could never fully hide . I looked at her quietly , wondering when Liam had started to change . What made him fall for someone so obviously fake , so performative in everything she did ? In the beginning , Liam couldn't stand her . He used to say she was immature and unprofessional , that she wouldn't even make it through the internship . But everything shifted the day he suddenly came down with acute gastritis during a major client visit . I had been out of town on a business trip . Word got around - Chloe'd cried her eyes out , camped out at the hospital for two straight days with no sleep . After that , Liam's attitude changed . They grew closer . Eventually , Chloe started calling him her mentor openly . By then , everyone in the office knew - Liam had taken in a " goddaughter . " And me ? I became the joke they all snickered about , calling me " the official wife . " Every time I heard it , my face turned cold . Liam would just laugh it off , pinching my cheek . " Don't let them get to you . You're the only one I love . " But now , could he still say that with confidence ? I curled my lips in a bitter smile , looking at Chloe with quiet contempt . She kept smiling " Ava , are you upset ? " she asked sweetly . Before I could answer , Liam came striding up . " Chloe , didn't I tell you to wait in the conference room ? Why are you here ? " " 1. I just wasn't sure if I should say yes , " Chloe said , nervously twisting her fingers like a scared little girl . " So I thought I'd check with Ava first . " : Chapter 2 W WebNovel 4.3 * FREE Google Play OPEN You think I'm gonna fall for illusion ? -128.57 % Liam's tone softened immediately . " If I want your company , why do you need anyone else's permission ? " " But ... " Chloe lowered her head , the corners of her lips barely lifting . She still managed to look hesitant and conflicted , as if she didn't already know the answer . Then Liam turned to me , his expression turning sharp . " Isn't that enough respect from her ? She even came to ask you if it's okay to have dinner with me , while you can't even take a joke . " To him , changing my transfer request behind my back was still just a joke . And I was still the one overreacting . But why ? Why did I have to be the one expected to accept that kind of " joke " ? I let out a short , cold laugh . " Respect ? You think this is respect ? " " For the past six months , she's been playing her little flirtation games with you in front of everyone . Are you really that blind ? " " She brings you breakfast with handwritten notes , clings to your side like a schoolgirl every day . That's what you call professional boundaries ? " " She practically forced you into this ridiculous mentor - mentee act . She might not feel embarrassed , but everyone else is disgusted . " " And you still can't see through it ? " Chloe's face turned pale . Her shoulders began to tremble , and tears started to fall . Liam's face darkened . " Ava , when did you become so harsh ? " He let out a short , mocking laugh . " With that attitude , forget being the official girlfriend - he just sees you as a fling . " Chapter 2