Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Justin emerged from the office as the evening settled in. His suit jacket was slung over his arm.
Elena had just stood up when he said, “I’ve got a dinner meeting tonight. You should go home first.”
A dinner meeting? She hadn’t heard him mention it before now.
She looked up, meeting his eyes, which were still as intense and captivating as ever. She used to trust him completely, without a second thought.
Still, she replied evenly, “Got it. Don’t overdo it on the drinks.”
Justin ruffled her hair with a grin. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Elena hailed a cab and followed him all the way to the airport.
The place was packed, but she spotted Justin right away. He wore a custom black suit that made him look even sharper and polished. His striking features were impossible to miss.
A long-haired woman rushed into his arms, and he didn’t pull away. They held each other tight, looking like the perfect couple.
After the hug, she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He leaned back slightly and said something, but she didn’t relent, and in the end, she pressed her lips to his.
Seeing them kiss deeply made Elena feel sick. More than anything, she was shocked. The woman was Justin’s adopted younger sister, Nadine Riggs.
Nadine had lost her parents at three. Because her family had long-standing ties with the Riggs, they had taken her in. She had grown up alongside Justin as his sister.
When Elena and Justin first got together, he’d introduced her to Nadine. Back then, Nadine had always welcomed Elena warmly, treating her like a sister-in-law.
Nadine had gone abroad three years ago.
Elena never would’ve guessed that the supposed siblings were involved in such a secret, illicit relationship, and that they’d even gotten married!
So Nadine was the one behind that car crash?
Later, Elena was even more stunned to find that Justin had brought Nadine back home.
“Lena, Nadine’s back in town. Let her stay with us for a while,” he said, as casually as if nothing had happened.
Elena’s hands clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
She still remembered the first time Justin had brought her home. He had pulled her into his arms and
said, “This will be our home from now on, Lena. Just the two of us.”
She’d always thought this would be hers and Justin’s forever home, and she’d poured endless hours and effort into it. Every detail of the decor carried her touch, and every piece of furniture had been carefully
picked.
And now, Justin was bringing another woman into what had been their home.”
“Hello, Ms. Miller,” Nadine said, smiling, though her eyes held a hint of mockery and provocation.
The warmth she’d once shown Elena five years ago had disappeared. Now, she addressed her formally as
“Ms. Miller”.
Justin looked at Nadine. His gaze was filled with both a warning and helpless indulgence.
Elena thought bitterly that Justin really knew how to crush her pride. If she didn’t see the truth, she’d
probably still be foolishly playing the part of “sister-in-law” to Nadine.
How ridiculous that must look to them.
“Jus, does Ms. Miller not want me here?” Nadine asked, looking at Justin with fake innocence. Her eyes
were shimmering with tears.
“I know I must be bothering you two. Maybe I should just get a hotel. I can manage on my own…”
Justin frowned at Elena, about to speak, but she cut him off. “It’s fine.”
His words caught in his throat.
Elena’s expression was calm. “Stay as long as you like, Ms. Riggs.”
Then, she turned and walked back to her bedroom.
Nadine still treated Elena like an enemy, unaware that Elena had long stopped caring about the marriage,
or about Justin. If there was ever a reason to be at odds, it was only that car crash.
But Elena didn’t act on it, or let a hint of her feelings show.
Nadine felt uneasy. She’d expected Elena to lash out at Justin, but instead, she stayed unnervingly calm.
Nadine scoffed to herself, confident it didn’t matter. She’d just wait until Elena realized she was nothing more than a fake “Mrs. Riggs”, and then see if Elena could still hold her composure.
Justin felt uneasy and followed Elena into the room. “Lena, you really don’t mind?”
He knew she wouldn’t snap at him, but he’d expected her to be at least a little bothered. After all, he’d promised he wouldn’t bring anyone home without her say-so.
“No, I don’t,” Elena replied with her back to him. Her face was calm and unreadable.
“I always knew you were the sensible one, Lena.”
Justin hugged her from behind. His warm breath made Elena tense up, though he didn’t notice.
Chapter 2
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“Lena, Nadine is my sister, which makes her your sister too. And lately, I’ve been planning to work with the Millers from Hupolis. Nadine has close ties with them-”
Elena interrupted, “What did you just say? Nadine has connections with the Millers from Hupolis?”
“Yes. While she was abroad, she built connections with the Millers, and Mrs. Miller Senior took a liking to
her.”
Elena laughed out loud.
Justin looked at her, puzzled, but continued, “You know the Millers from Hupolis are one of the four most prestigious families. With Nadine involved, my work with them will go much more smoothly.”
“Great,” Elena said, still smiling. “Congratulations in advance, Mr. Riggs. I hope you get exactly what you want.”
