Chapter 3 Stiff Upper Lip

Kelly’s POV

I entered the studio wearing just two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone was looking my way as I walked along the hallway. They’re all greeting me with a smile but my face remains stoic, not showing any emotions at all.

The conversation with Pierce this morning was still lingering in my head, but I couldn't let it affect my work.

I couldn't fail my work after I failed my marriage.

I took a deep breath to adjust my condition. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos.

“We can’t! She’s not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She’d get mad.”

“We can just tell her the truth. She’s nice.”

“Not in this situation, Lily! She’d scold us—”

“What’s happening here?” I asked as I graced the room.

The staff were now looking at me with worried expressions and I knew then that there was a problem.

“G-Good morning, Miss Monroe.”

Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurts.

I stared at her blankly, “What?”

“W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we’re changing our model so…she doesn’t want to come here. She’s even…threatening to file a case against us.”

She bowed his head. I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. “Where’s the marketing manager?”

“S-She’s still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe.”

I massaged my forehead and squeezed my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger. I felt everyone around me jump in shock. I groaned and sucked my breath before looking around.

“Miss Monroe…”

“What is this, Miss Hayley? You are the marketing manager, what is happening?”

“Miss Monroe, I don’t know how it happened but Miss Chen heard that you are changing our model. She’s about to file a case against us—”

Changing the model? How come I didn't know about this? Miss Chen had always been our trustful partner and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only cause a lot of trouble for the company. I would never allow such a cheap mistake.

“I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her words to save time, " Fix this mess or I have to fire you!”

"Miss Monroe...It's Mr. President who asked us to change it." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He ordered that as soon as he came back from his business trip yesterday."

I was hit by the truth. Pierce's order? Why didn't he tell me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first.

"It shouldn't be..." I was confused. Pierce was not a clueless businessman. He kept a clear distinction between work and relationships, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret.

"Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back.

“M-Mr. President…” Hayley bowed with respect as she saw the man who suddenly appeared behind me.

"I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I gritted as I turned around to question him.

He knew clearly how much effort I put into winning this project. I hardly had a good sleep those days and Miss Chen was the ideal one for us to work with. I remembered he agreed on it too. But now...he just changed the model as he liked without telling me in advance. I felt like a hard slap on my face.

"Go ahead for the work. I'll make it clear to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger that was about to spew out of my eyes.

"Answer me, Pierce! Why do you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't hold my anger and he just touched my shoulder whispering to me, "This is not the place to talk. Let me explain it to you in the car."

I looked around to notice others sneaking glances at us. Then I shook away his hands and walked toward the parking lot. But along the way, my heart was heavier and heavier. I had a feeling that I was not going to enjoy his explanation.

"Now, say it." I blurted it out as we sat in his car.

He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again. I couldn’t stand his stares. I couldn’t withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to look at me. He has no feelings for me and it hurts so much.

“I-I…” he paused and sighed. “I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She’s also fit to be our model so I agreed—”

“What?” I asked in disbelief.

He pressed his lips together and looked away. He messed his hair up before he shook his head and held my hand.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor and I can’t say no.”

I took my hand back and looked at him in both pain and anger. “You can't say no to her so you'd rather harm the company, our company. You betrayed me, Pierce.”

“Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She’s my first love.”

Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she's your first love. She's always the one you want no matter what it takes. As long as she frowned a bit, you could turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You are so heartless, Pierce.

“Well, you’ve decided. I don’t have a say in this since you’re the President. Just go. I’ll be in the office.” I said coldly as I opened the car door to walk out.

“Kelly…”

I looked him in the eyes. “Go home early. Let’s talk about our divorce at home tonight.”