Humiliation churned with anger deep inside me. I had always known I was merely a substitute in Caleb’s life, a shadow to someone else’s love. But realizing that I had been groomed to resemble Marina—the real woman who had captured his heart—shattered something deep within me, leaving an ache I couldn’t name.
Under her triumphant stare, my composure fractured. I felt my carefully constructed walls crumble, and a bitter, restless energy surged within me. I could no longer bear her presence. With a tight swallow, I turned sharply and fled.
Back in the private dining room, the warmth of my colleagues slowly melted the icy tension in my veins. Their laughter, their casual chatter, their genuine smiles—they almost managed to distract me from the sting of Marina’s words. I let myself breathe, allowing the moment to soothe me, however briefly.
Then, without warning, the door slammed open with a force that rattled the room.
Caleb stood there, eyes scanning every corner until they locked onto mine. For a heartbeat, he froze—his expression a storm contained by sheer willpower. Then, without a word, he clenched his fists and barked my name, commanding me to follow him into the corridor.