I had been married to Aiden for five years when, at the company banquet, his assistant showed up wearing the same outfit as me.

Even her hairstyle matched mine.

Aiden's face turned cold. "Go home and change your clothes right away, or don't come to work tomorrow."

Though his words were indifferent, I caught a flicker of panic on his face.

Only I knew that she was Aiden's mistress.

*****

It was the company's tenth-anniversary celebration.

Aiden had booked the banquet at the Happytree Hotel, and all the employees were busy preparing for the event.

For the occasion, I had ordered a gown from Drenden City well in advance.

It was a long, dark teal dress with delicate sequins shimmering on the sheer fabric.

When Aiden saw me, he stood frozen for a moment.

I twirled in front of the mirror. "Do I look good?"

His gaze finally shifted as he responded, "You look stunning.

"At tonight's banquet, you'll definitely be the most beautiful one."

Sure enough, at the party, I heard endless compliments.

"Mrs. Miller's dress is gorgeous! She and Mr. Miller are a perfect match."

"No wonder she's the CEO's wife. She is captivating."

"Well, fairy tale romances really are meant for others."

The female employees gathered in small groups, chattering away. I smiled at them from over Aiden's left shoulder.

But then, in an instant, Aiden's expression darkened. His gaze fixed icily on Karen, who stood not far away.

When I turned around, my smile faded too.

At the entrance of the hotel stood Karen, wearing the same dress as mine, even styled with the same hairdo.

Everyone was watching us, anticipating some drama between me and Karen.

I just stood there, frozen.

Finally, Aiden lost his temper and stormed over to Karen. "Go home and change your outfit right now, or don't bother coming in tomorrow."

Karen, shaken by his powerful presence, looked like a frightened rabbit.

Tears welled up in her eyes and dripped onto her dress.

As everyone murmured, Karen turned to me with tear-filled eyes and apologized.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Miller. My brother brought this dress back from abroad. I had no idea you'd be wearing the same one."

Her tears streamed down uncontrollably as she glanced back helplessly, her sobs echoing through the room.

Aiden's face remained cold, though his fists were tightly clenched.

"Get out."

Karen, looking wronged, walked past him, hoping for some comfort.

But a moment later, she clenched her hands, digging her nails deep into her palms.

Aiden then returned to me, wrapped me in his arms, and said, "Garcia, don't be upset. This won't happen again."

I gently pushed him away and locked eyes with him, I said, "Aiden, I don't like her. Fire her."

With that, I turned and walked away.

The following day, I was woken up by Aiden's voice on the phone.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but for now, don't come into the office."

I got up and walked to the balcony. There, I saw Aiden smoking, speaking in a soft, indulgent tone.

"Aiden."

I said, "Who are you talking to?"

Hearing my voice, he fumbled with his phone and quickly put it away.

"I remember what you said last night.

"I've already notified the HR department," he lied smoothly.

His blatant lie almost made me want to laugh.

That dress from last night was custom-made for me. Without my approval, the designer wouldn't have created a second one.

Besides, Karen didn't even have a brother, let alone the means to buy a custom gown.

I leaned back on the sofa and gestured for Aiden to sit next to me.

Last night, after I left, Mr. Duncan from the finance department stopped me in the parking lot and offered me a word of advice.

"Mrs. Miller." he said, "though it's not our place to meddle in the boss's private life, I despise shady dealings."

Aiden was young, successful, and handsome, so he had his share of admirers.

But he had never done anything out of line until now.

When Mr. Duncan mentioned Karen, I knew where she stood in Aiden's heart.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Mr. Duncan sighed. "About half a month ago, Mr. Miller took Karen on a business trip. After they returned, she started acting like she owned the place, giving orders left and right."

"Business trip?

That was on my birthday. Aiden said he had to leave for a last-minute trip." I thought.

"Why are you only telling me this now?"

I asked, my brow furrowing as my face darkened.

Mr. Duncan awkwardly smiled and brushed some stray hair away from his face. "Mrs. Miller, there's no doubt Mr. Miller loves you, but sometimes men get frustrated.

"A man like Mr. Miller, wealthy and attractive, is always in demand.

"They say men get better with age, but what about women?

"As women age, we start to lose that youthful allure, while energetic men often find themselves drawn to younger women.

"Especially the kind of girl who knows she has a bit of charm and will do anything to climb her way up."

As I stared into Aiden's eyes, doubt started to form in my mind.

"Had he really been unfaithful?"

Aiden noticed my change in mood. He took my hand, trying to explain.

"Garcia, Karen has an elderly grandmother who's been living in a hospital for years. If Karen loses this job, she won't be able to pay her grandmother's medical bills."

I frowned at him. "What does that have to do with you?"

Aiden fell silent for a moment before replying in a soft voice. "You know that I was raised by my grandmother, too.

"Garcia, I admit I gave her that dress, but I never intended to betray you.

"You're the only one I love. Karen... I only saw a reflection of my past in her.

"Garcia, I promise nothing like this will ever happen again."

I stared at him in silence.

I didn't say a word.

I wanted to believe him, to believe he hadn't betrayed me. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

After all, I'd been by his side since I was eighteen years old, and what I felt for him went far beyond love.

And for the past ten years of our marriage, he had fulfilled his duties as a husband.

But my instincts told me there was more to his relationship with Karen.

Before I could say anything, Aiden's phone rang.

"Mr. Miller, Ms. Reed has been in a car accident."

Aiden immediately let go of my hand, grabbed his coat, and rushed out the door.