Part 3Seven Years Late To His Wifes Funeral

I was the one who inadvertently introduced the other woman to him.

It was pouring rain that day, and my father had come to pick me up from school.

I saw my classmate, Hailey, and her mother standing on the curb, soaked to the bone.

My heart softened, and I suggested he offer them a ride.

Later, that Mrs. Price came to the house to thank us, and over time, she became familiar with our family.

It wasn't until I saw her at my father’s company that I first sensed something was wrong.

I was young then, only vaguely uneasy.

Pierce Harrison’s explanation was smooth:

“Mrs. Price is a single mother, struggling to raise a child. I had an opening at the company that fit her skills perfectly.”

“I asked your mother about it, and she thought it was fine, so I hired her.”

I frowned, ready to argue, but he smiled and lightly tapped my nose.

“What are you thinking? Isn't it good to help your classmate’s mother?”

“Mrs. Price has a certain drive… she reminds me of your mother and me when we were first starting out.”

That comment reminded me of the story I was writing, and I quieted down to listen.

The next time I saw Candace Price, she had been transferred from the logistics department to the Executive Office, becoming Pierce Harrison’s personal assistant.

The sudden shift was jarring, and it made my stomach churn.

I even heard colleagues joking.

“Only Candace can handle the boss’s temper.”

“If Mr. Harrison weren’t married, you’d think she was his girlfriend.”

“They just have such incredible chemistry.”

I couldn’t take it anymore.

I rushed to his office and told him everything I’d heard.

He just laughed.

“You know how strong your mother’s and my feelings are. Mrs. Price is your friend’s mother. What could possibly be going on? Can I stop every single whisper of gossip?”

He stroked my hair. “Aubrey, don’t mention this to your mother. She’s not well, and it will only upset her.”

He promised me, “I’ll transfer her to another department. The rumors will die down eventually. Don’t worry, Dad will handle it.”

Candace was transferred eventually, but he also forbade me from visiting the company, telling me to focus on my studies and leave adult business alone.

I thought my mother remained blissfully unaware.

Until the day I skipped class and came home, walking in on a terrible fight.

The realization hit me like a blow to the head. I struggled to breathe.

Pierce Harrison truly was cheating with Candace Price.

My mother had walked in on them having sex in his office.

His so-called attempts to “put distance” between them were all just excuses to keep me stable.

He stopped me from going to the office only because he feared I’d discover more.

As I strained to hear more, Candace rushed into the room.

She stood in front of Pierce, tears streaming down her face. “Julia, it’s all my fault. Please, take it out on me…”

Looking at her hypocritical face, I snapped.

I lunged and slapped her hard. Pierce instinctively pushed me away, and my mother, trying to shield me, fell to the floor with me.

He coldly tossed out one final phrase.

“Calm down. We’ll talk later.”

Then, without a backward glance, he led Candace out the door.