Chapter 6: A Sliver of Doubt

Rumors swirl in the office about an upcoming corporate event—a lavish charity gala hosted by Mr. Vasquez himself. People gossip about Elena's impeccable style, how she'll surely dazzle on her husband's arm.

I pretend to be uninterested, but inside, I'm dreading the sight of them together. The memory of her crimson dress in my apartment collides with the image of them as a power couple. A surge of jealousy gnaws at me. Why do I care so much?

That afternoon, I pass a coworker in the hallway. She gives me a pointed look. "Saw you chatting with Mrs. Vasquez at the elevator this morning," she says lightly. "You two close?"

I force a laugh. "Not at all. Just a polite greeting." My heart drums wildly. The coworker shrugs and moves on, but my nerves sizzle. If random people notice, how soon before Mr. Vasquez catches wind?