Chapter 2

I didn't go back to the office. Instead, I drove straight to the city's CDC clinic.

Registration. Blood draw. Testing.

The doctor said post-exposure prophylaxis works best within 72 hours of high-risk contact. Taking it now? The effectiveness was uncertain.

I picked up the medication and swallowed it with cold water.

Whether it worked or not, I had to take it.

As I walked out of the clinic, I spotted a familiar license plate.

Connor's black Audi.

In the passenger seat, the secretary leaned against him, smiling sweetly.

They were at the clinic too.

I ducked behind a pillar and overheard the secretary asking in a sugary voice:

"Connor, did you hear? Someone at the company tested positive for HIV."

Connor frowned.

"Who told you that?"

"Jake from HR told me secretly. He said they didn't release the name to protect privacy."

The secretary lowered her voice.

"Who do you think it is?"

Connor scoffed.

"Who cares? It's got nothing to do with us. Just focus on the baby and stop worrying."

"But..."

"No buts." Connor pulled her closer.

"That kind of dirty disease—only people who sleep around get it. Not like you who gave me her first time."

She nestled into his arms, blushing.

"Then you better treat me right..."

"Of course I will."

I stayed hidden behind the pillar, my nails digging into my palms.

Her first time?

If she'd only been with Connor, she wouldn't have that disease.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

It was Marcus Reed, the headhunter.

"Have you thought about it? We're still holding the position for you. Fifty percent salary increase, plus equity incentives."

Marcus had been trying to recruit me for six months. I'd always turned him down.

Because Connor built his company from the ground up, and I was his first employee.

From a startup with three desks to a team of over fifty people—I'd given everything.

I thought we'd be together forever.

Now I see how stupid I was.

"I've made up my mind." My voice was calm.

"I can start next week."

"Fantastic!" Marcus sounded thrilled.

"I'll send the offer letter right away."

I hung up and watched Connor's car pull out of the clinic parking lot.

The last bit of reluctance in my heart vanished completely.

That evening, Connor came home early. For once.

Takeout boxes sat on the table. He'd even lit candles.

"You're back?" He looked up at me, smiling warmly.

"Long day?"

I stood in the doorway, unmoving.

"What's wrong?"

He walked over, reaching for my bag.

I stepped back. His hand froze mid-air.

"I'm not feeling well." I said.

"Might be coming down with something."

His eyes flickered, but he quickly smiled again.

"Get some rest then. Oh, by the way, I'm going on a business trip next week. About a week."

I sneered inwardly.

Going on a romantic getaway with the secretary , more like. I'd just seen her bragging about it on Instagram.

"Okay." I nodded.

"I'm going on a trip too."

He blinked. "You're traveling?"

"Yeah. A project I need to close."

I kept my expression neutral.

"Might be gone two weeks."

"That long?" He frowned, but quickly relaxed.

"Alright. Stay safe."

Then he leaned closer.

"It's been a while since we... you know. How about tonight?"

He smiled suggestively, his hand sliding to my waist.

Every hair on my body stood on end.

Not from desire. From disgust.

"I can't." I pushed him away.

"I'm sick. I don't want you to catch it."

He looked annoyed.

"It's just a cold..."

"What if it's the flu?" I stared at him.

"You can't afford to get sick right now. The company needs you."

He finally backed off, looking sheepish.

"Fine. Get some sleep."

I locked myself in the bathroom.

Turned on the shower. My stomach churned.

I scrubbed the places he'd touched, scrubbing until my skin turned red.

Thank God he hadn't touched me in the past six months.

Otherwise, I'd be the one at the clinic getting blood drawn.