Chapter 2:  Everything Remains the Same

She's back.

What does that make me? A backup? Prisley felt a pang of bitterness.

After years of being together, she had already fallen in love with Heather, but she couldn't say it. In Heather's eyes, she was just the other party in the contract.

Heather, now the esteemed head of the Warner conglomerate, held a prestigious position. He certainly wouldn't allow any stories beyond the contract.

Prisley had believed that simply loving him in secret was sufficient. Aside from Heather’s occasional temper and gruff demeanor, he treated her well overall.

But now that Filla was back, would he still treat her the same? That was the woman he had once desperately longed for, the one who almost drove him to despair.

During work hours, she couldn't dwell on personal matters. Prisley quickly adjusted her mood.

"Eric, is the report ready for the meeting?"

"Just finished reviewing the data."

"Send me a copy. The meeting is about to start."

"Lisa, expedite the contract with SSA Company."

"Tom, have you finished reviewing business proposal from Exlon company? Give me the report after the CEO's meeting."

She operated like a precise clock, busy yet accurate. She always finished her work perfectly. Emotional wounds could be well hidden beneath a strong exterior.

After delegating tasks to her subordinates, Prisley returned to her own office and sat down, feeling somewhat weary. Her eyes, once beautiful and lively, had now lost their sparkle.

She took out a few jewelry boxes from the drawer and absentmindedly opened them.

Heather had gone on this trip without her, presumably to see Filla. But how could he come back and immediately engage in such passionate lovemaking after leaving the realm of Filla's tenderness? The Heather just now was fiercer than usual. How could this be? A nauseating feeling washed over her.

She didn't know how Heather planned to handle this love triangle. The only thing she was certain of was that she wouldn't share a man with someone else. If he chose Filla, she would definitely walk away.

From the gossip news, it seemed Heather had already made his choice. Moreover, as the CEO of a major conglomerate, Heather wouldn't even consider choosing someone like her, who came from an orphan background.

The boxes contained jewelry from top brands, each piece valuable. They were all gifts from Heather. She didn't fancy elaborate jewelry and only wore them when she went out with him for social events.

Prisley picked out a ring from the box, one they had designed together and had custom-made by a jewelry company, each having one. To save face for everyone, she decided to take the initiative and leave. Of all the jewelry, she would only keep this ring. As for the rest, she would return them to Heather.

Prisley knocked on the CEO's office door.

"Heather, the meeting with David is in 15 minutes in the first conference room. The latest data needed for the meeting is ready, and I'll forward it to you shortly," Prisley said to him in her usual work tone.

"Okay," Heather replied, still focused on the documents in his hands.

Prisley placed the jewelry boxrd on his desk. Her fingers gripped it nervously. And the knuckles turned slightly white.

She handed him a piece of paper. "Boss, I'm not suitable to continue working at the company. I'm resigning." Her voice was firm, but her heart was tumultuous.

"I'm returning all of these to you. Thank you for your generosity all these years. I'll keep only one ring as a memento." She gestured with her finger.

Heather understood her meaning with just a glance. "Take it back. Everything remains the same," he said, his voice cold but his expression unchanged.

"She's back, so... I don't have a reason to exist anymore," Prisley's voice trembled slightly.

When Heather first chose Prisley, it wasn't just because she was his secretary, but mainly because she looked like Filla. Right from the start, he wanted Prisley to deliberately mimic Filla's dressing and behavior, which was a part of the contract.

Despite feeling somewhat humiliated, Prisley accepted it for the money.

"Her return has nothing to do with you. The contract is not yet expired, and you must continue to fulfill it," Heather said slowly, staring coldly at Prisley, tearing up the resignation letter.

Prisley felt scared. Such expression of him usually meant a storm was brewing.

Heather stood up and slowly approached Prisley. His tall figure enveloped her in his shadow. She kept her eyes lowered, afraid to meet his gaze. Sensing the icy aura surrounding him, she knew that her worst fear was about to come true.

Heather reached out and held her chin, lifting her face. "Who gave you the audacity to think about leaving me?"

His aura exuded the dominance of a grown man. Prisley's breath grew erratic; she still dared not look him in the eye. She tried to speak, but fear silenced her, leaving her unable to make a sound. She tightly clenched her fists, bracing against the table for support.

Heather increased the pressure on her chin, causing Prisley to wince in pain.

"Since you signed the contract, do you really think you can decide your own future?" His voice was low, yet it carried a chilling coldness.

Prisley's eyes welled up with tears, but she dared not let them fall, gasping for air in fear, her chest heaving up and down.

She clearly remembered every clause in the contract. If she unilaterally terminated it, she would have to pay a hefty compensation f*e. She knew it was unfair, but how could she possibly afford to challenge Heather in court over such clauses?

Just as she feared Heather was about to tear her apart, he suddenly let go of her and gently caressed her cheek.

"Don't be afraid. As long as you behave as before, nothing will change," he kissed her lightly, appearing nonchalant. "But if you dare to have any thoughts of escaping..." he intensified his kiss, "I can't guarantee what I'll do."

"Mm... mm..." Struggling for breath and in pain, Prisley pushed Heather away.

She felt her lips hurting, with a faint taste of blood in her mouth.

"Heather, but I'd feel really awkward like this. I hope you can understand..." Prisley's tears fell from fear.

"I don't want to understand.”

“And I don't care."