Chapter 4

That night, Lester didn't return. Letitia sent countless photos and videos. She laid everything before me, flaunting Lester’s affection for her. Those anniversaries, the fireworks Lester lit for me—the initial “L” wasn’t for Lorraine, but for Letitia. Because beneath every firework was the abbreviation for “Letitia” In every moment he shared with me, Letitia’s shadow loomed. The final video showed Lester holding Letitia tightly, their bodies entwined like a couple. Even knowing they'd crossed that line by having a child together, seeing it with my own eyes still made me break down in tears. The next day, I followed my original plan, dressing in formal attire for the auction. Though my resignation letter was just submitted, I still had to fulfill my duties. Usually, Lester and I entered auctions together, but now I could only wait at the entrance. The familiar license plate drew near. Lester froze for a moment upon seeing me. But he quickly composed himself and opened the rear door. Letitia emerged, dressed in a haute couture gown, exquisitely adorned. The Roberts Family had long since fallen on hard times, yet Letitia's outfit was worth at least ten million. Who had provided it for her was obvious. I halted my approach. “Why did you bring Letitia?” Lester frowned. “Letitia just wanted to see the bigger world. Be generous. I won't make you pay for her expenses.” I twisted my lips. Now, he and Letitia were one entity, while I had become the outsider. Lester led Letitia inside, her face radiant with a smile. Those around them gasped in astonishment. “We haven't heard news of Mr. Turner's marriage. Is this Ms. Turner?” “And who is the one behind him?” He gestured toward me. Someone nearby shrugged indifferently, “That's Mr. Turner's secretary. She usually accompanies him to these events, but now that he has Ms. Turner, she probably won't be brought along next time.” I clenched my palms tightly, swallowing the bitterness. Once inside, Letitia naturally took her seat beside Lester. As for me, the “secretary,” I was relegated to the very back. I had completely given up and no longer cared about this. Lester, however, frowned and glanced at me. He reached out, as if to offer some comfort. But almost immediately, Letitia casually spoke a few words, completely drawing his attention away. Once the auction commenced, Lester raised his paddle for anything Letitia fancied. If another bidder entered the fray, he’d even won at the end. Letitia gazed at Lester with a sweet smile, then offered her red lips of her own accord. Lester seemed taken aback by her gesture. His first reaction after the kiss was to glance back at me. Noticing my expression remained utterly composed, he didn’t relax. Instead, a peculiar unease grew in his heart. He turned to bid on several pieces he thought I might like, intending to give them to me afterward. Those around us marveled at how deeply Mr. and Ms. Turner were in love, even beginning to flatter Letitia. Such words no longer stirred any emotion in me. The auction ended quickly, and most people began to leave. Just as I was about to depart, Letitia stood before me, beaming with pride as she held the jewelry she’d just won. “Lester, I see Lorraine hasn't gotten anything this time. Why not give her this necklace?” Letitia offered it to me as if bestowing charity. My hand reflexively slapped hers away. Letitia let out a sharp scream, her eyes immediately welling up with tears. Lester frowned tightly and was just about to scold me when suddenly a crowd of people rushed in through the door. Their faces covered, they instantly surrounded me and Lester.