“You all know it’s Katalina Larson,” Camilla was the first to react, practically bouncing with excitement. “Oh my gosh, it’s Katalina! I heard she’s totally into Magnus Marshall. Their families go way back, you know? She’s so accomplished, they’d make such a power couple!”

“Yes, totally agree! They’re perfect for each other! She’s always been the one making the first move, but Magnus never seemed interested before. Could it be he’s finally catching on?”

Astrid finally let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

She’d nearly forgotten how much Katalina Larson was into Magnus, always dropping by to see him at Amazon. From everyone else’s point of view, Magnus should obviously marry someone like Katalina. So why would he pick her instead?

She didn’t have Katalina’s money. Sure, Astrid had talent, but her social status didn’t come close to Katalina’s—the heiress of the Larson Group, who’d been running the family business like a champ.

Astrid, on the other hand, was just… ordinary. Even if she’d earned some recognition in her field, anyone in their right mind would choose Katalina over her, right?

“Astrid, what’s up with you?” Camilla asked, giving her a curious look.

In the past, Astrid would’ve jumped right into the gossip, but not today. Now that Magnus was her husband—even if it was just a contract—gossiping about his private life felt… wrong.

“Nothing, just didn’t sleep well last night,” she replied, heading to her desk.

Everyone knew her situation, so no one pressed further. Since it was time to start the day, the chatter fizzled out as people turned to their screens.

Around ten, the supervisor announced that Magnus wanted to hold a meeting with their department.

Astrid and Camilla were on their way to the conference room when they nearly collided with Fallon Silva.

Fallon shot Astrid a cutting glare. “Watch where you’re going, will you?”

Camilla’s face went dark. “How could you—”

Astrid quickly tugged Katalina back, not wanting her to take the brunt of Fallon’s venom.

She turned to Fallon, plastering on a smile. “I believe I was walking just fine. You’re the one who bumped into me. Or are you saying you weren’t paying attention?”

Fallon sneered, “Astrid, remember, I’m your manager.”

“Oh, really? For how much longer, I wonder.”

Fallon’s brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Astrid just gave a mysterious smile and walked into the meeting room with Camilla trailing behind.

Camilla whispered, “Astrid, are you planning to go for her position? I’ve told you before, you’re crazy capable. You should totally go for it! I’ve got your back!”

Before, Fallon’s attitude had always puzzled Astrid. Then she’d seen Fallon with River Knight, and everything clicked.

After all, Fallon had a habit of using Astrid’s designs while putting her down. Did she really think Astrid was that easy to push around?

Astrid smiled. “I’m thinking about it.”

“Do it!”

Before, she’d worked her ass off for River Knight. But now that she knew how they’d both played her, there was no way in hell she’d let Fallon get another free ride.

Inside the meeting room, Magnus was already seated. Seeing him in this new light made her feel slightly off.

But she acted like nothing was different, settling in with the others—and catching Magnus glance her way.

That one glance was enough to make her grip her pen like a lifeline, feeling like she was sneaking around behind everyone’s back.

Once everyone was present, Jorge Knight spoke. “We’re holding this meeting because the city plans to develop a large public park. We got the bid, but we need a killer design. I want each of you to submit a proposal. You’ve got one week.”

Fallon tensed up immediately. “Mr. Marshall, does everyone have to submit?”

Magnus looked straight at her. “Is there a problem with that?”

“No!” Fallon shook her head quickly. “It’s just—some people might not be ready for such a big project. Isn’t that a bit risky?”

Magnus turned back to the group. “The city is heavily invested in this. They want a park with real character, something culturally rich, different from everything else out there. Usually, only a few of you would work on this, but this time, I want everyone involved. We need fresh eyes.”

Camilla whispered excitedly to Astrid, “Astrid, this is your moment to shine!”

Astrid had handled a few big projects before, but the plum assignments always went to Fallon. And those designs? They were Astrid’s anyway.

So yeah, for Astrid, this was a golden opportunity.

She turned to Katalina and smiled. “You should try too.”

Camilla nodded eagerly. “No way I’m letting this pass me by.”

Fallon looked like she wanted to argue, but Magnus shut her down before she could start.

“Any other questions? If not, we’re done here. And Astrid, please come to my office.”

With that, Magnus left without giving Astrid another glance.

It felt normal on the surface, but Katalina and a few others turned to Astrid with worried looks.

“Astrid, Mr. Marshall never calls you into his office. You took personal leave recently—he shouldn’t be upset. Why’s he asking for you now?”

“Yeah, Astrid, did you do something against the company?”

Astrid was just as confused. Why would Magnus summon her?

Unable to come up with a reason, she reassured them, “It’s fine. I’ll find out soon enough.”

Left with no choice, she followed him.

Fallon was a nervous wreck, but she didn’t dare act up in the meeting. She knew Magnus’s temper all too well.

If everyone was submitting designs, would Astrid still design for her?

Fallon hurried back to her office and quickly call River Knight.

“River, you’ve gotta help me out. Your uncle landed a huge city project and now he wants every designer to submit a proposal! Usually, I’m the one handling the big stuff. What is he thinking?”

River tried to calm her down. “Don’t worry, it’s just a formality. Your design is untouchable.”

“But you know those designs aren’t mine. They’re Astrid’s. Do you think she’ll still design for me now?”

River chuckled smugly. “She wouldn’t dare refuse. Relax, I’ll handle it.”

“Okay.”

With River’s assurance, Fallon finally relaxed. She’d gotten so used to being praised, to having the industry’s respect. When she’d heard River and Astrid broke up, she’d panicked. But still, Astrid was so head-over-heels for River. Surely she’d come running if he asked, right?

...

Astrid reached Magnus’s office and promptly shut the door behind her.

Half-expecting that move, Magnus gave a faint smile as he pulled out a lunch container and handed it to her.

“The doctor said you should be eating oatmeal every day now. I had some delivered for you.”

Astrid was touched by the thoughtfulness, but quickly tried to refuse. “I can grab some myself later.”

“Street food isn’t good for your stomach. Listen to me—I don’t want you not being able to eat when we get home.”

He had a point, so she accepted. But his words carried a strange intimacy that made her cheeks flush.

Walking out of Magnus’s office, she felt like a thief. What would she say if someone spotted her carrying food from his office?

Luckily, she made it back to her desk without running into anyone—until Camilla rushed over, eyes wide with shock. “Is that from Mr. Marshall? Are you and Mr. Marshall…”

That statement made half the office look up.

Astrid panicked, quickly denying it. “No, no! It’s from my aunt. I’ve been having stomach issues, so I picked this up after leaving Mr. Marshall’s office. It’s got nothing to do with him.”

Camilla hadn’t thought much of it at first, but Astrid’s nervousness was a dead giveaway.

“Astrid, the you I know wouldn’t act like this. Are you and Mr. Marshall—”

Before she could finish, Astrid blurted out, “Seriously, there’s nothing going on. Don’t overthink it. Just—”

In her rush, the marriage certificate slipped off her desk.

Everyone stared at the thing on the floor while Camilla bent down to pick it up.