The CEO’s Fake Wife Exposed in Front of Everyone

At that moment, Leander’s brow furrowed in confusion, his mind racing at the mention of the CEO's wife.

His body shook like a leaf, but with everyone's eyes darted on him, he knew he had to maintain some dignity, even in this mess.

Instead, he shifted his annoyance in my direction, snapping, “Seren, toss that ridiculous ring aside immediately! Don’t ever let me see it on your finger again. Remember your place!”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, feeling a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

“I haven’t said a single word since this morning. How exactly am I pretending to be the CEO’s wife?” I shot back.

“This ring was given to me by my boyfriend back in high school. It may not look like much, but it holds great sentimental value,” I added, hoping to make my point clear.

Theia’s cheeks flushed with indignation.

“You’re lying! You just started wearing that ring today. All you’re doing is trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes!” Theia exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief.

I casually pulled out a few photos and declared, “These are from a few years ago, and some from just a few months back. You can spot this ring in every single picture. Did I start scamming people ten years ago?”

My irritation seeped into my voice, making it less than gentle. After I finished speaking, I shot Theia with a disdainful glare.

Laughter bubbled up from somewhere in the office, making Theia’s cheeks burn a deeper shade of embarrassment.

3

Leander cleared his throat.

“Alright, everyone, it seems we have a misunderstanding here. Seren, I suggest you take a moment to apologize to Theia sincerely. Then we can consider this ring mess behind us. And as for that ring,” he added with a dismissive wave, “it’s best if you leave it at home. Have your boyfriend treat you to a diamond instead. If he can't afford it, why not buy one yourself? We pay you well enough; you shouldn’t feel the need to pinch pennies.”

Theia let out a sigh of relief, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she said, “Seren if this was all just a misunderstanding, why didn’t you clear the air sooner? Were you just waiting for me to embarrass myself on purpose?”

“I get it. You’ve got that sparkling diamond ring and a great husband, while I’m left with a simple band I’ve worn for over ten years. I can see why you might feel a twinge of envy,” she added. “But remember, everyone has their own path in life. Don’t let jealousy cloud your judgment about those who are better off.”

After hearing my words, the colleagues who had just laughed at Theia suddenly seemed to recall her status as the CEO’s wife. Their laughter faded, replaced by nods of agreement.

“Yeah, Seren, just apologize and put this behind you,” one colleague interjected, trying to smooth things over.

“Honestly, Theia has such a big heart. Don’t be ungrateful,” another added, admiringly glancing at Theia.

“If it was a misunderstanding, you should’ve spoken up sooner,” a third colleague pointed out. “Just look at how upset Theia got!”

I could sense the weight of pressure as the situation began to turn in their favor.

The entire situation seemed completely outrageous.

With nothing more than a cubic zirconia ring and a few backhanded comments, my colleagues eagerly turned their admiration toward Theia, leaving me to bear the brunt of their scorn. It struck me as more contrived than the most predictable movie script.

With a playful smirk, I declared, “Apologize? Not a chance. Let's take this to HR if you’re convinced of my guilt. I’ll gladly discuss it with the CEO if they side with you!”

Leander’s face flushed with embarrassment, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

Just as he was about to unleash his fury, Theia interjected with a voice as cold as ice. “Let’s not create a scene. I won’t allow my first day of marriage to be tainted by this foolishness. We’ll sweep this under the rug. Now, everyone, resume your duties!”

Leander swallowed his words and awkwardly pointed at my desk, “Well, uh, stop causing drama every day and focus on your actual work. Get that project proposal done.”

4

And just like that, this ridiculous scene was brushed aside.

In the days that followed, Theia strutted around the office like royalty. Someone was always ready to fetch her water, while others took turns treating her to meals. She was living the dream.

As for me, I was cast aside like an unwanted object, ignored by my colleagues.

No one extended a hand of kindness, and gossip buzzed around the office like flies, speculating on when Theia was bound to scheme for my downfall, paving the way for my dismissal.