Chapter 5 Who Might This Lady Be

Certainly, Theo's attempts to bring her back to work had no effect. Lena had resolved to resign regardless.

Her response to Theo's assistant's message was terse and cool. "Okay."

The assistant seemed to realize Theo had crossed a line, as he quickly added details about exceptions to policies.

Lena ignored the message. She rewrapped her shoulder, which was still healing, and made her way to the office.

As she approached the building, Lena's pace slowed. There, prominently parked, was Violet's car-a rare model, one of only three such cars worldwide, familiar from Violet's Instagram.

Violet was here, then?

Lena hesitated momentarily. What was Theo's intention now?

Was he trying to amuse Violet with her suffering?

Disgusting.

A sneer of disgust formed on Lena's face as she proceeded into the building.

At her arrival, Maia, caught napping at her desk, startled awake. "Why are you here? You should be resting at home. Are you that driven by work?"

Lena found herself at a loss for words.

Did she enjoy her job? Hardly. Working as Theo's secretary was exhausting and devoid of any joy. Her consistent attendance was driven only by her desire to stay close to him.

Yet, after three years, his affection remained elusive.

She glanced down, her lips twisting into a wry smile. "You could say... I need the money."

Maia paused before suggesting, "Why don't you take some of your leave days? Your well-being is important. Try talking to Mr. Haynes. With his girlfriend here, he's likely in a good mood."

Lena responded with a subdued murmur, her expression carefully neutral.

It was laughable how everyone believed Violet was Theo's girlfriend, unaware that Lena was actually his wife.

Approaching Theo's office, Lena caught the sound of a gentle, melodious voice from within. "Theo, what should I do? The exhibition I planned for tomorrow is jeopardized by the gallery's sudden collapse. It almost seems like deliberate sabotage."

Theo replied after a brief pause, "Don't worry. I'll sort it out."

His voice was steady and reassuring.

Regrettably, that kind of support was something Lena had never received from him.

After they got married, Lena had once sought Theo's support during a crisis with her family.

His response had been dismissive and cold. "Lena, could you try not being so burdensome? I don't have time to deal with your issues."

What a joke.

She no longer wanted to hear the ongoing conversation. With determination, she threw the door open forcefully.

The moment the door swung open, Theo's gaze immediately turned towards her. The warmth vanished from his eyes, replaced by a guarded, cold stare.

Pretending to be shocked, Violet inquired, "Theo, who might this lady be?"

Her seemingly innocent question stabbed at Lena's heart.

Even to this mistress, Lena's true identity remained obscured. It appeared that Lena, Theo's legal wife, had faded into oblivion within her own narrative.

Noticing Theo's ring finger was bare, Lena laughed mockingly.

His usual ring was conspicuously missing.

With scorn dripping from her voice, she said, "You failed to introduce me? It seems I have overestimated you. Playing the bachelor in front of an old flame-what a brilliant performance."

Pale as a ghost, Violet stammered, "I... I'm truly sorry. I just assumed... I thought Theo wouldn't marry someone else..."

"You believed he would wait for you like a fool, didn't you?" Lena said, sarcasm evident in her tone.

"Enough!" Theo cried out, his face etched with distress. "Lena, please, don't direct your fury at Violet. She's not well-she won't withstand this kind of shock. Apologize to her."

Lena's laughter was devoid of mirth as she gazed into his steely, unforgiving eyes.

When did it ever become a wife's job to say sorry to the mistress?

Lena had enough.

Without a second thought, she yanked off the wedding ring she had worn for three years and flung it at Theo's face. "I'm done with this marriage. Sign the divorce papers-and do yourself a favor. Don't make me despise you."