Chapter 1
“Hara, Ells is trending everywhere now. Reporters have
completely blocked the hotel entrance. Could you handle this?”
It was 10:00 p.m.
Sitting at her desk, Harriet Chavez pinched the bridge of her
nose, listening in silence as Patsy Medina, her mother-in-law,
talked on the phone.
She was married to Ellsworth Townsend for three years,
dealing with his scandals and mistresses almost every single
day.
The few times she saw him, it was always about handling his
affairs.
As Harriet remained silent, Patsy said earnestly, “Hara, it’s not
just about the company’s reputation or the stock price
anymore. Kelsey’s back. You know she isn’t just any woman.
You gotta protect your marriage with Ells.”
Kelsey Graham was back?
Harriet frowned slightly, a wave of weariness washing over
her.
After a few more seconds, she finally replied, her voice gentle, “I
see, Patsy. I’m on it.”
After hanging up, she stared at her phone wearily for quite a
while before grabbing her car keys and leaving.
***
Half an hour later, Harriet entered through the hotel’s back
entrance and went upstairs.
Zane Herman, the Townsend family’s servant, and Jolene
Martinez, her secretary, were waiting for her by the door.
With a luxury shopping bag in hand, Jolene walked toward
her. “Ms. Chavez, the clothes are ready!”
It was identical to Kelsey’s outfit tonight, prepared to help
Ellsworth out of this.
Zane knocked on the door. “Mr. Townsend, Mrs. Townsend is
here.”
“Come in.”
Chapter 1
Ellsworth’s flat voice rang out. He didn’t sound guilty or
flustered at all.
Zane opened the door for Harriet just as Ellsworth walked out
of the bathroom, his loose gray sleepwear doing little to conceal
the toned muscles of his chest and abdomen. He towel-dried his
hair casually, radiating effortless allure.
He was still calm when he saw Harriet, not guilty or
embarrassed at all for being caught having an affair.
After three years, they were both used to this.
Ellsworth bent down and picked up a cigarette case and a
lighter from the coffee table. He shook a cigarette out, held it
between his lips, and leaned in to light it.
He exhaled a smoke ring and greeted Harriet as if nothing had
happened. “Hey.”
Harriet nodded and said in a businesslike tone, “I’ll go get
changed.”
With that, she took the clothes handed by Jolene and walked
toward the bedroom.
Just then, Kelsey stepped out, tucking a loose strand of hair
behind her ear.
Harriet stopped abruptly at the doorway.
Kelsey… really was back.
At the sight of Harriet, Kelsey was momentarily stunned. But
soon, she regained her composure and smiled, “Hey, Hara.”
Then she patted Harriet’s head and said softly, “Thanks for
your help, Hara.”
Harriet instinctively tightened her grip on the clothes and
managed to say, “Don’t mention it, Kelsey!”
Back then, she was unaware that Kelsey was Ellsworth’s first
love and that he had never stopped loving her.
If she had known, she wouldn’t have nodded when Ellsworth’s
grandfather, Raymond Townsend, asked her if she loved
Ellsworth. Then Ellsworth wouldn’t have been forced to marry
her.
She wouldn’t have been a complete joke.
Ellsworth was decisive and meticulous in everything he did.
Under his leadership, the Townsend Group had risen to new
heights.
Even senior executives twice his age had to treat him with
respect, not daring to mess with him at all.
Yet this paragon of discretion had been so reckless in his
personal life.
Harriet could think of only one reason-he must’ve been furious
about the marriage. This was his way of humiliating her and
getting back at Raymond.
Kelsey withdrew her hand and walked past Harriet, who
instinctively turned around to look.
At the sight of Kelsey, Ellsworth handed her a coat and said
gently, “Put it on. I hate to see you catch a cold.”
“You’re so sweet!’ Kelsey smiled at him, looking genuinely
happy.
