Chapter 2

"Sis-in-law, my sister just came back from overseas today, so we prepared a welcome-home dinner for her. It's a happy occasion, and Benedict had a little too much to drink. You don't mind, do you?" The one who broke the silence was Ocean Sabey, Benedict Cole's high school classmate and closest friend. He was also Vivian Sabey's younger brother. "Of course not." I smiled and answered gently. Being gracious and understanding was part of my image. Around Benedict's friends, I always presented myself as a gentle, devoted wife. I had a reputation for being the perfect wife. Benedict froze when he saw me, then immediately pushed Vivian away. "What are you doing here?" I sat down on his other side and pointed at Ocean. "He said you were drunk, so he asked me to come get you." Benedict whipped his head toward Ocean, his expression darkening. Ocean scratched the back of his head, visibly uncomfortable. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Vivian slipped her arm through Benedict's and smiled. "I was the one who asked Ocean to call you. I didn't get to meet you when you and Benedict got married, so I've always wanted to meet his wife." Her gaze settled on me, carrying a meaning I couldn't quite read. Benedict pulled his arm free from Vivian's grasp. After giving her an unreadable look, he turned and wrapped an arm around me. He lowered his head and explained in a quiet voice. "I ran into her at the airport while I was picking up a client. Vivian Sabey is Ocean's older sister. We haven't seen each other in years, so we decided to have dinner together after running into each other. I meant to come home early to keep you company, but they wouldn't let me leave. They insisted I have a drink with them." I believed his explanation. With a bright smile, I reached out my hand to Vivian. "You're Vivian, right? Nice to meet you." Vivian studied me for a moment before forcing the corners of her lips upward. "Nice to meet you." It was getting late, so I said I was tired. Benedict set down his glass and announced that it was time to call it a night. Before we left, the men slung their arms over one another's shoulders and headed for the restroom. The bar was too loud, so I stepped outside to wait. Vivian followed me out. "Mandy Yale, why are you so spineless?"