CEO's Wife and The Intern

Married to Lucian for three years.

He's 35 years old.

I'm not even 21 yet, still finishing my senior year of college.

I hadn't decided whether I wanted to be a full-time housewife yet,

when I overheard him chatting casually with a group of industry big shots,

Besides being young, Sophie has nothing going for her.

Compared to her, she's not as polished as Bianca.

"I'm starting to regret getting married. How much would it cost to keep a young mistress? A divorce now would mean too big of a financial hit."

I turned around and handed him the divorce papers.

When he saw the clause stating I'd walk away with nothing, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, with pretended generosity, he said, "I'll transfer twenty million to you as compensation."

I smiled and refused, "I'm still young enough to enjoy my freedom."

What he didn't know is that my brother is royalty in elite business circles.

All these years, the only reason he's been able to break into those high-powered circles is because of my brother's backing.

Divorcing me

his real losses have only just begun.

During my senior year internship.

Just to catch a glimpse of my handsome husband every day,

I joined Lucian's company without hesitation.

As a junior employee,

I kept such a low profile that even Lucian had no idea I was there.

I was afraid of causing him trouble or becoming a distraction.

Occasionally, I'd overhear other interns talking about Lucian.

I listened carefully but never joined in.

"Mr. Vance is so handsome. 35 is such a prime age for a man."

"Too bad he's married. Rumor has it he married some average girl from nowhere."

"Ugh, why can't I get that lucky"

When I was 18,

Lucianwanting to show his sinceritytold me on the first day he pursued me that he was in it for marriage.

He gave me an engagement ring right then and there.

I matched his passion.

We dated for a year before getting married.

It was impulsive and intense.

Sweet and dizzyingly blissful.

He gave me a love more dreamy than anything I could have imagined.

A CEO's love is direct, overwhelmingit sweeps you off your feet like a tidal wave.

If I hadn't taken this internship at his company,

I might never have uncovered his secrets.

Bianca.

Lucian's secretary.

Sexy and beautifulthe classic bombshell type.

She often accompanies Lucian on business trips and to social events.

She handles all matters, big and small, in the companyeven understands the operations better than Lucian himself.

So,

before everyone found out Lucian was married,

they all assumed Bianca was the lady of the company.

Even in the cafeteria, I'd hear veteran employees who'd worked with Bianca gossiping,

"Mr. Vance must be blind, not appreciating a beauty like Bianca who's right by his side."

"She even left her executive role at a listed company to become his secretary."

"Just you waitonce the new-wife excitement wears off,, he'll divorce and end up with Bianca."

There were plenty of rumors,

but I didn't pay them much mind.

After all, the passion between Lucian and me played out every night.

Until one time at a business dinner, Bianca got drunk and confessed her feelings to Lucian in front of everyone.

It sounded like a confession,

but really, she was forcing his hand.

Bianca asked Lucian if he had feelings for her.

Lucian stayed silent for a long time.

Bianca pressed, "If you don't have feelings for me, why won't you approve my resignation?"

Lucian looked serious and finally replied, "I do."

Then, he gazed deeply at Bianca, "I have feelings for you. I can't lose you. That's why I couldn't approve your resignation. Is that explanation enough?"

Bianca smiled, downed every glass of whiskey on the table, grabbed her purse, and walked out.

The air froze for a couple of seconds.

Then Lucian chased after her.

Everyone at that gathering had been with Lucian and Bianca through years of grinding.

I wasn't there.

But a chubby girl I'd befriended, who loves gossip, recorded the scene and sent it to me privately.

She asked me,

Do you think something will happen between Mr. Vance and Bianca tonight?

I replied,

Probably not

They're adults, they've known each other for years, have such deep feelings, had drinks, confessed and you think nothing will happen?

I typed firmly,

Since Mr. Vance is married, he should know his limits. Besides, Bianca wouldn't want to be the other woman!

You've got a point. But whether something happened or not, we'll find out tomorrow.

I didn't understand what she meant by "we'll find out tomorrow."

But the moment I closed our chat, I got my answer.

Lucian texted me,

Not coming home tonightlast-minute business dinner.

My heart sank.

I called him immediately.

At first, no one picked up.

I tried several times.

Finally, Lucian answered,

"Babe, my phone was on silent. I didn't hear it. What's up?"

I held back my emotions, nails digging into my palms.

"Honey, you're really not coming back tonight?"

"Yeah, everyone's here for the dinner. I can't just leave. Be understanding, babe."

I clenched my teeth and asked, "Are there any women at the dinner?"

He paused, then chuckled, "No. Since when do you check up on me? Want to video chat so I can prove myself?"

While he was talking,

I heard rustling soundslike the friction between a dress shirt and hotel bedsheets.

In the past,

when we were wrapped up in each other,

we often heard those same sounds.

"Hmm"

A low groan escaped Lucian's lips.

All the tension in my heart vanished in that instant.

After three years with Lucian, we'd shared countless intimate moments. I knew all too well what that "hmm" meant.

It was the sound of him letting goa release of pent-up pleasure.

It was a detail

he probably wasn't even aware of.

Fine.

I didn't even need to stop him from cheating.

He'd already crossed the line.

I forced a bitter smile, "No need for the video"

I didn't want to see something that would haunt me.

"Take your time. I'm going to sleep."

My heart felt hollow as I prepared to hang up.

Lucian spoke again, his voice hoarse and low.

"Babe, we closed a big deal tonight. Starting tomorrow, everyone's working overtime. I might be back very late these next few days. Don't wait up for dinner."

Was it working overtime, or spending extra time with Bianca?

It didn't matter to me anymore.

I hung up.

Didn't sleep a wink all night.

I went to work the next morning with dark circles under my eyes.

My mind was still hazy when Miathe chatty intern everyone calls "the gossip girl"leaned over to me.

"Something definitely happened between Mr. Vance and Bianca last night."

I just shrugged.

Then she said,

"Mr. Vance's shirt was all wrinkled today. And he's wearing the exact same outfit as yesterday. Doesn't that mean he didn't go home last night?"

I nodded weakly, too tired to act surprised.

She went on, "Bianca was late this morning too. But she looked... glowing. Like, totally different. Usually, she's all serious, but today it's like she's a whole new person."

I asked, "Different how?"

She chose her words, "Brighter, sexier, more delicate See for yourself."

I lifted my gaze, and saw Bianca walk in wearing a tight, elegant bodycon dress.

I knew that dress before.

I'd picked it out while shopping with Lucian last month.

But my size was out of stock at the time, so we'd special-ordered it to be delivered to his office

Now here it wason her.

Bianca was all smiles, offering to buy coffee for the whole team.

Everyone cheered.

I sat in the corner, feeling mixed emotions.

I tried to focus on work, but my mind kept drifting.

I drifted through the day until lunchtime.

I was at my desk eating takeout when Bianca carried elegant bags of food into Lucian's office.

She stayed in there the entire afternoon.

By the time she came out, it was almost evening, nearly time to clock out.

The chubby girl next to me nudged, "What a waste. Bianca's smart and gorgeouswhy go after a married man? Nina, who sits closer to the CEO's office, said Bianca jumped into Mr. Vance's arms the moment she stepped in. They almost turned the office into a hotel!"

She slid her phone over. A blurry photo showed Bianca sitting on Lucian's lap, feeding him a strawberry.

They looked intimately close.

"Can you imagine being his wife and seeing that?"

The chubby girl sighed softly.

Manager Smith across from us frowned.

"If they're happy, why are you two so invested?"

The chubby girl, not picking up on Manager Smith's tone, joked, "Yeah, you're rightshe is the other woman!"

Manager Smith wasn't pleased. He tossed a workbook to the chubby girl, "Since you've got so much free time to gossip, finish this these before you leave."

The chubby girl looked deflated.

I texted her under the desk,Manager Smith and Bianca go way back. He's definitely on her side, so watch what you say from now on.

She replied with a crying emoji.

I comforted her, I'll help you with the workbook. Let's finish up and get out of here. My treatcrawfish.

She brightened instantly.

That evening, after we finally finished the overtime work and were about to head out for crawfish, Manager Smith stopped us again.

"You two, come join us for drinks. Team bonding."

It wasn't a request.

He took us to a restaurant nearby, and after, we ended up at a private karaoke lounge.

Mia and I hid in a corner, playing games on our phones, trying to stay invisible.

But then I heard his voice.

Lucian was holding court in the center of the room, surrounded by industry heavyweights.

At first, they talked business.

Then the conversation turned personal.

They discussed kids, wives, in-laws and, of course, affairs.

One of them laughed. "Saw Bianca's Instagram story'when it's meant to be.' So you finally caved, huh?"

I pricked up my ears.

Lucian said calmly, "You don't get the situation that night. I had no choiceBianca backed me into a corner. If I didn't want her, she'd quit. You all know how long she's been with the company. We can't function without her. Or maybe I can't function without her."

"But is Bianca okay with being the side piece? Lucian, don't play yourself."

"Remember how hard you chased that young wife of yours? We all saw it. Even if the affair stays under wraps, if your wife finds out, won't she go nuclear?"

"Maybe not," another voice reasoned. "What's she gonna do? She's got no money, no career. She's been living in his bubble. Even if she finds out, she'll stay quiettoo much to lose."

They went back and forth like that, eventually agreeing that as long as Bianca was happy, the wife wouldn't be a problem.

They even toasted Lucian for "having it all."

Mia listening nearby grimaced and whispered to me, "Disgusting."

Then she added, "But... they're not wrong, are they? His wife is still in college, right? No family background, no skillsmaking a scene would just leave her with nothing."

I nodded slowly, "She won't make a scene. We're all adults here."

Everything can be handled calmly.

Divorce included.

Then Lucian set down his glass and said the words that sealed it,

"Sophie's young, but that's all she's got. Compared to her, she's not as polished as Bianca.

"But Bianca has her pridewho knows how long this will last.

"Honestly, I'm starting to regret getting married. How much does a mistress even cost? A divorce would hit me way too hard right now."

So that's what he was worried aboutthe money.

Of course. Lucian and I are legally married.

A divorce would mean splitting everything.

Fine.

I'll give him what he wants.

I'll walk away with nothing.

But he has no idea what "nothing" will really cost him.

After the last guest departed,

Bianca led a drunken Lucian away.

I watched from the shadows as they fell into each other's arms, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of long-suppressed desire.

They stumbled into his car, and soon enough, it began to rock with a rhythmic, telling motion.

My hands were steady as I quietly recorded the entire sordid scene.

Then I called my brother.

"Hey, sweetheart? Didn't expect a call from you so late."

Just the sound of his voice touched the softest part of my heart.

I couldn't hold back any longer.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, hot and silent.

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you crying?"

I was too choked up, words failing me.

My brother immediately asked where I was.

I managed to mumble my location.

Half an hour later, he showed up.

I was curled up on the cold sidewalk, shivering in the light air.

Without a word, he took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders, then sat down beside me in silence, his presence a silent anchor

"Where's Lucian?"

"He cheated."

My brother went still. I could see his jaw clench in the dim light.

"Where is he? I'll kill him."

I grabbed his hand and shook my head, "Don't. He's not worth the trouble."

He slammed his foot on the pavement in frustration.

Then, he turned to me, his voice softer, "Are you getting divorced?"

I nodded without a moment's hesitation.

"Could it be a misunderstanding?"

I simply showed him the videos and photos on my phone.

No further explanation was needed.

My brother had already made up his mind.

He pulled out his phone and made several calls.

One was to his lawyer friend, a divorce attorney, instructing him to draft papers immediately.

The next were to suppliers connected to Luciantelling them to cancel contracts that were agreed upon but not signed, not renew expiring ones, and revoking all personal discounts, insisting on full market price from now on.

After those calls,

my brother took my hand, "Let's go home."

I shook my head, tears still in my eyes, "I can't go home yet. I need to get my things first."

My brother didn't hesitate. He drove me to the home Lucian and I shared.

Lucian had bought the house.

I had never truly felt like mine.

But after three years, the thought of leaving like this left a hollow ache in my chest.

"If you want this house, I'll get the best lawyer to help you keep it."

"No," I whispered. "I don't want anything that reminds me of him. It all feels tainted now."

Once I was settled out of that house,

I decided to waited for Lucian to contact me first. I wanted to see how long it would take.

But unfortunately,

a week passed,

and he didn't even notice I was gone.

His only communication was his usual, perfunctory text,Working late tonight. Don't wait up.

But in reality,

I saw him and Bianca every single day.

Miathe one who'd called Bianca "the mistress"was suddenly buried under an impossible workload from the department manager.

She was swamped with work. I couldn't bear to see her struggle alone,

so I started staying late to help her.

During those late nights, we'd often hear unmistakable sounds coming from the CEO's office.

Mia would shake her head and mutter, "Mr. Vance is so cheap. He won't even pay for a hotel room."

I'd forced a bitter smile, "I suppose the office adds a certain... thrill."

Sometimes, when passing by,

I'd discreetly record a few explicit evidence, saving it all securely.

I had a growing conviction they might come in handy later.

We worked diligently, and finally, our internship was coming to an end.

Mia told me she wanted to stay on.

"A job's a job," she said with a shrug. "Even though I dislike Mr. Vance, a girl's gotta eat."

I wished her the best.

She asked if I wanted to stay too.

I told her I just wanted my internship certificate and to be free of that toxic environment as soon as possible.

But then, at the final hour,

I was betrayed by the very friend I'd helped.

I was the only intern in the entire group who didn't meet the standards.

I demanded an explanation from the department head.

He coolly informed me it was Bianca's decision.

I thought Bianca had found out about my identity and was targeting me.

But later, Mia confessed to me in tears.

"Someone must've overheard me. The word got back to her. All that overtime hours weren't assigned by Manager SmithBianca was targeting us. I was sure I'd be fired, but because you stayed and helped me, I"

She sobbed.

"I really need this job. I'm not as pretty or as smart as you, so I went to Bianca and blamed you for calling her 'the mistress.'

"I thought I thought Bianca just wouldn't let you stay, but I didn't expect she'd withhold your internship certificate too. I'm sorry"

I let out a short, sharp laugha sound born of pure fury.

Yes, I was angry at the betrayal,

but even more angry that Bianca was abusing her power for personal revenge.

"It's fine. I forgive you. Stop crying. Thank you for the friendship these past weeks. I wish you all the best in the future."

With that, I gathered the documents I'd prepared and started to leave.

She grabbed me, hopeful, "So, about what I said regarding Bianca"

I looked her straight in the eye, "Don't worry. I'll take the blame."

Then, I raised my voice,

and shouted to the entire office, "Bianca is the mistress! Why shouldn't we say it?!"

Instantly,

the office fell into a dead silence. Every head turned.

Their eyes were wide with shock.

I, holding my failed evaluation, marched straight into the main conference room.

At that moment,

all the company's executives and managers were in a meeting.

My sudden entrance was a blatant breach of protocol.

The senior managers frowned, their annoyance palpable.

Of course.

After three years of marriage to Lucian,

not a single person in his company knew what his wife looked like.

Even Bianca didn't know.

Only Lucian looked up, his face a mask of pure astonishment.

But he said nothing.

The first to react was Bianca, who was leading the meeting.

Bianca lifted her chin, her expression dripping withf disdain and impatience, "What's so important that you have to interrupt now?"

I didn't hold back, "Ms. Bianca, are you failing me because I called you Mr. Vance's mistress?"

The others of surprise went around the table.

Bianca's face stiffened. She probably didn't expect a mere intern to be so bold.

She narrowed her eyes, "If you're already aware of the consequences, why are you here?"

Denying it was pointless.

The rumors were already widespread.

She was making an example of me.

I met her gaze and raised my voice, "I apologize, Ms. Bianca! I shouldn't have called you Mr. Vance's mistress!"

Bianca looked momentarily flustered, but still crossed her arms defiantly, "It's a little late for apologies late!"

I shifted my gaze to at Lucian.

His face was dark with anger.

But why was he unhappy?

He's the one who started this.

I gave a cold laugh, "It's not too late. I'll clear your name right now!"

I pulled the door open wider and raised my voice even more, "Ms. Bianca isn't Mr. Vance's mistress! In ancient times, to become a mistress, you'd have to pass through the main wife's door first! You'd have to bow to me, the legal wife! A woman who hasn't been formally accepted is just an outside woman! She can't even enter the family's ancestral hall!"

My words drained the color from Bianca's face.

Everyone else realized who I was.

So did Bianca.

All eyes shot to Lucian.

Lucian was furious. In one year of dating and three years of marriage, this was the first time I'd seen Lucian truly angry.

"Have you had enough?!"

How could it be enough?

I wanted to be civil too.

But you didn't let me!

"I have only one demand. Give me my internship certificate!"

Lucian's chest heaved with rage. He was still trying to protect her.

:Intern evaluations are a departmental matter," he said coldly, "Take it up with your manager. You shouldn't blame Bianca. You should talk to your direct supervisor."

Bianca was already unsteady, but hearing Lucian defend her, she gained some confidence.

Hearing him defend her, Bianca found her footing,

"Y-yes, I'm just Mr. Vance's secretary. I don't decide intern matters."

The hypocrisy was staggering.

Both of them.

The company was his. Whether I get my internship certificate or not is up to him.

He said that because cared more about shielding Bianca than he did about my feelings or my dignity.

The moment he spoke, I understood Lucian never intended to take my side

Fine.

I locked eyes with him, my voice clear and unwavering, "What if I trade it for divorce papers?"

I slapped the divorce agreement onto the conference table.

I added, "I'll leave with nothing, in exchange for my internship certificate. It's a good deal for you."