The CEO's Sister, The Rival's Wife

He answered it, and after a few seconds, his expression turned serious.

He hung up and gave us a tight wave.

"There's an issue with the European branch. I have to get back to the office for an emergency meeting."

"Looks like I'm pulling an all-nighter."

He turned to me, his eyes full of brotherly concern.

"Audrey, it's late. It's not safe for you to go home alone."

"Have Edwin drive you."

Anaya immediately tightened her grip on Edwin's arm, her smile sickeningly sweet.

"Don't worry, Connor. Edwin and I will take Audrey home. We'll make sure she gets there safely."

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach, and I threw up a hand to stop them.

"No, it's fine. I've already called a car. It's waiting just at the corner."

I turned to leave, but Edwin grabbed my wrist.

"Connor entrusted you to me. It's my responsibility to see you home safely."

Before I could protest, he was ushering me into the back seat of his Mercedes.

As soon as the car door closed, Edwin leaned over to fasten the seatbelt for Anaya in the passenger seat, murmuring for her to hold on tight.

Anaya wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, her voice a soft, coy purr.

"I know, darling. Drive safely."

I sat in the back, my eyes scanning the car's interior.

That passenger seat used to be my spot.

The center console used to hold the custom cufflinks I'd given him for his birthday.

The sun visor used to hold our first photo together, a silly polaroid from a street fair.

Even the air freshener was my favorite citrus scent.

But now, the cufflinks were gone.

The photo had been replaced by a glossy selfie of him and Anaya from the gala.

The air was thick with the cloying rose fragrance Anaya adored.

Even the music was no longer the jazz I loved, but some trendy pop album that matched Anaya's age.

It was clear he had meticulously scrubbed every trace of me from this space, from his life.

I turned my head away, blinking back the hot tears that burned my eyes.

When the car stopped in front of my SoHo apartment building, Edwin smiled at Anaya.

"Wait for me in the car, honey. I'll be right down."

I ignored them and marched toward the building entrance.

Edwin followed me in silence.

When we reached my door, he finally spoke.

His tone was filled with an infuriating, self-righteous helplessness.