I opened my cloud backup. Inside lay my original Riverbend Project blueprint, the very first version, protected by an encryption I had set.

Caleb wasn't just betraying our marriage. He was stealing my career, my future, to pave the way for his mistress.

I had to grip the desk to keep myself from collapsing.

This wasn't just emotional deceit. This was the outright theft of everything I had built with my own hands.

The company's annual proposal bidding conference was held in a packed conference room.

I took a seat in an inconspicuous corner and watched as Caleb walked in with Chloe. They settled into prime seats in the front row.

He wore a perfectly tailored suit, his hair impeccably styled, and he leaned slightly to speak to a client beside him, his tone composed and confident.

Chloe sat next to him in a white pantsuit, her makeup polished and professional. The veneer of innocence she once wore was gone, replaced by the confident polish of a rising star.

Her eyes, as she looked at Caleb, were filled with adoration and love.

The two of them exchanged an easy smile, looking for all the world like a match made in heaven.

Soon, the presentation began.

As the lead presenter for the Riverbend Project, Chloe strode to the podium. She took a deep breath and began to explain the design concept.

"The core of the Riverbend Project is an original 'urban oasis' concept. Imagine it as a beating heart, creating a living, breathing space within the city's densest concrete jungle."

Every word she spoke was something I had shared with Caleb during countless late nights. I had explained these ideas to him, sentence by sentence, believing we were soulmates.

I had once thought this was a true partnership.

I understood now that it had been nothing more than my one-woman show, with him as the most patient of thieves.

Chloe's presentation went smoothly, and when the final renderings appeared on the screen, a low murmur of awe filled the room.

When she finished, thunderous applause erupted.

The host came forward. "Thank you, Ms. Archer, for that brilliant presentation. We will now move on to the Q&A session."

A man with an imposing presence in the front row raised his hand.

It was Marcus Sterling, the COO of Sterling Group, known in the industry for his sharp eye.

"Ms. Archer," Marcus began, "the proposal is intriguing. But it feels a bit risky to have a newcomer lead such a significant project. After all, Ms. Prescott's previous designs have already set a benchmark for the industry."

The question hit its mark.

Chloe's composure wavered for a split second, but she quickly steadied herself and cast a pleading look at Caleb.

He gave her a reassuring smile and picked up the microphone in front of him.

"Thank you for your question, Mr. Sterling."

He stood up, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing on Chloe with unconcealed pride.

"My wife, Juliet, is indeed very experienced in the field of design. However, architecture needs new blood. What makes Chloe's proposal stand out is that it's more in tune with the zeitgeist—and that's not something experience alone can replace."

He paused, looking tenderly at Chloe.