The weather in this city had been unpredictable lately, alternating between cloudy and sunny. Yesterday was perfectly clear, but by the time Emma Johnson stepped out this morning, rain was already falling.
The air was thick with moisture. Autumn was settling in, bringing a chill.
Because of her sprained foot, she had dressed simply today: off-white flats, skinny jeans, and a light pink T-shirt. Her long hair was twisted into a messy bun, with a few stray strands falling across her forehead like silk.
This outfit made her look more playful and youthful than usual. Her beautiful face and bright eyes made Liam Williams’ heart race.
“Something came up at the company today. I’ll drop you off at the New York Fashion Magazine office, then head to the construction site for an inspection. I’m not sure when I’ll be back tonight. Your foot is still injured, so take a taxi after work. Don’t walk home, okay?” Liam said, as always, driving her to the office. He made sure to give her these instructions before leaving.
“Alright, I understand. Don’t worry. I’m old enough to take care of myself, aren’t I?”
Emma looked down at her sprained ankle. It was definitely feeling better. Last night, before bed, Liam had insisted on applying ointment and massaging her foot, saying she didn’t know what she was doing.
Why did he think she didn’t understand anything?
She had helped him treat the wound on his forehead yesterday, hadn’t she?
Sure enough, when Emma walked into the office with small, careful steps, all her colleagues at the magazine looked at her differently. There was surprise in their eyes, but also something else... Was it contempt?
Emma felt annoyed. Even if they knew she was married to Liam, why would they look at her like that?
Even Ava, who was usually close to her, kept her face gloomy and didn’t say hello when Emma walked in.
Normally, Ava would have come over to congratulate her and ask questions. What was going on?
It wasn’t until nearly nine o’clock that Ava reluctantly walked into Emma’s office and placed last month’s sales report on her desk.
Without saying a word, she turned to leave, but Emma stopped her. “Ava, what’s wrong with you? The atmosphere today is so strange...”
Ava pouted, then turned back. Her tone was resentful. “Editor-in-Chief, how could you do this? I always thought you were open and aboveboard. But now... I’m disappointed.”
Before Emma could explain, Ava turned and hurried out of the office.
Her words left Emma even more confused. What was she talking about? Just because she secretly got a marriage certificate with Liam, did that make her dishonest?
Emma was angry too. Ava, who was usually so reasonable and sincere, was talking to her like this.
It wasn’t until noon, when she was about to leave for lunch, that Emma stepped out of her office to go to the restroom. She never expected to overhear this:
“I never thought our Editor-in-Chief, Jane, would be so two-faced. We wouldn’t have known if we hadn’t read the newspaper.” It was the voice of a colleague from the promotions department.
“That’s right. It’s unbelievable... She’s a homewrecker...”
“When you become someone’s mistress, even if you destroy their relationship, you still have the nerve to hook up with your boss, Liam. Hah. What a shame.”
“Do you think Liam actually likes her? He’s the male god in my heart. I dream of marrying the most elegant, talented, and handsome CEO in the city.” The speaker’s eyes were full of stars, like a brainless fangirl.
“Liam must have been bewitched to be with Editor-in-Chief Jane.”
“...”
Several colleagues chatted for a long time at the sink before walking out of the restroom in their high heels.
Hearing that the coast was clear, Emma slowly opened the stall door and dragged her heavy steps to the sink. Her eyes were conflicted. Just as she was about to wash her hands, she caught sight of a newspaper left on the floor. She paused, hesitated for a moment, then bent down to pick it up.
She opened it. Today’s cover of the city’s daily newspaper was almost entirely about the news that Liam was married. The photo on the cover was of Liam holding her in the coffee shop yesterday.
But the bold headlines made Emma’s heart sink to the bottom in an instant!
[It is rumored that the editor-in-chief of a magazine, Liam’s new flame, is suspected of being a mistress who broke up a relationship!]
[A famous model admits she has broken up with her boyfriend!]
...
All the accusations were directed at Emma. Overnight, she had become a household name as a mistress?
What made it worse was that the article claimed she had stolen a model’s boyfriend, shattering the model’s hopes. It also said she shamelessly took over Liam’s wife’s identity and showed off their love in public. It even stated that a mistress like her was not fit to marry Liam.
What was all this about? When did she become a mistress?
Admit it herself? What model?
Was it Isabella Miller!
Emma’s face turned pale with anger. She grabbed the newspaper and walked out.
Sitting at her desk, she couldn’t calm down. These media outlets were going too far. How could they report such baseless news?
Just to attract attention, they would make things up without seeking evidence!
Emma felt both wronged and furious. Somehow, she had been pushed to the center of this storm by these so-called media.
No wonder everyone had looked at her strangely when she came into the office. No wonder she had overheard those unpleasant remarks in the restroom.
Just then, Ava came in with some food. “Editor-in-Chief, I bought this for you. I wanted to ask you to come with me, but I didn’t see you...”
“Ava, tell me the truth. Do you believe all that nonsense in the newspaper?” Emma asked eagerly.
“At first, I didn’t believe it. But the reporter said it was exclusive information he had obtained, and the other model came forward to admit that you... destroyed her relationship.” There was still some resentment in Ava’s voice, but since Emma was her boss, she didn’t speak too loudly.
As a good girl, how could she be a mistress?