Chapter 2

Cecilia's POV

I never thought I'd set foot in a place like the Wall Street Club.

"Cecilia, even though you're the most junior employee in tech, this cloud security system was entirely your design." My boss Richard Morrison patted my shoulder. "Mr. Hamilton specifically requested to meet the system designer, so you HAVE to go tonight. Remember, you represent our entire company."

I was practically jumping with excitement! Being personally requested by a client for this kind of high-level business dinner was the highlight of my career. I gripped my tablet tightly, heart racing. This system I'd spent countless nights developing was finally going to shine on the most important stage.

A ten-million-dollar contract! I calculated silently—if this succeeded, I wouldn't just get promoted and a raise, I might even get a hefty project bonus. Then I could surprise Adrian, and we could finally buy that two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan instead of cramming into that tiny rental in Brooklyn.

But when I actually stepped into this legendary elite gathering place, I felt suffocated.

Crystal chandeliers cast warm light, walnut panels displayed priceless paintings. Men in custom suits held whiskey glasses, discussing stocks and mergers. Women wore designer gowns, jewelry sparkling under the lights.

And I wore a black dress from Target with my only decent pair of heels.

"Feels like entering another world," I thought.

"Mr. Morrison!" A silver-haired man approached us, two young assistants following behind. "Pleasure to see you."

"Mr. Hamilton, this is Cecilia Thorne from our tech department." Richard introduced me. "She designed that cloud security system."

Mr. Hamilton studied me, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Impressive. In this industry, we rarely see such young female engineers capable of designing such advanced systems."

"Thank you for the compliment." I forced a smile. "I'll do everything to perfect this project."

For the next hour, I was introduced to various important clients, explaining my technical solutions in detail. Every handshake, every smile left me exhausted.

These people lived in a world I couldn't touch. The yachts they discussed were bigger than my apartment, their watches worth my annual salary.

"Excuse me, where's the restroom?" I finally found a chance to escape the suffocating small talk.

"Down the hallway, turn right," a server directed.

I walked along the Persian carpet-lined corridor, trying to adjust my mood.

The hallway was quiet except for soft piano music in the distance. Private lounges lined both sides, heavy walnut doors mostly closed.

Suddenly, familiar laughter came from a half-open door.

My steps froze instantly.

That laugh...

I held my breath, carefully approaching the door.

Through the crack, I saw a scene that made my heart stop.

Adrian!

MY Adrian sat on a leather sofa, holding a glass of amber whiskey. He wore a navy suit I'd never seen before—the fabric looked breathtakingly expensive.

Three men sat across from him, similar age, all in custom suits, radiating successful confidence.

"So how long have you been playing poor now?" one blonde man asked, laughing.

"Almost five years," Adrian answered casually. "Time to wrap it up."

My world started spinning.

"Jesus, Adrian, you're quite the actor." Another man shook his head in amazement. "I still can't imagine you in work clothes."

"Don't mention it—those clothes were rough as hell." Adrian frowned. "But for this experiment, I endured it."

Experiment? I was an EXPERIMENT?

"That girl still funding your struggling life?" the blonde continued.

"Just bought me pants yesterday." Adrian swirled his glass. "So dedicated. Levi's—she saved for a whole month."

They burst into laughter.

"God, Adrian, you're SO bad." A man with glasses wiped his tears. "A Wall Street elite having his girlfriend fund his living expenses—what incredible irony."

"Speaking of which, does Victoria know about this?" the blonde asked.

My heart completely stopped.

Victoria? Who was Victoria?

"Of course not." Adrian sipped his whiskey. "She thinks I'm just busy with work, no time for her. Women are easy to fool."

"So you're maintaining two relationships? One real fiancée and one..."

"One experimental subject." Adrian calmly finished. "I wanted to know how far an ordinary girl would go for love. The results were fascinating—exceeded my expectations."

I covered my mouth, struggling not to make a sound.

Fiancée? Experimental subject?

Five years... five years of love... was just an experiment?

"But seriously, don't you think it's a bit cruel?" the man with glasses asked. "That girl seems to really love you."

"Cruel?" Adrian chuckled. "This is sociological research. I'm observing different class perspectives on love. Her sacrifice proves the poor are more easily emotionally manipulated."

"Cold-blooded research." The blonde shook his head. "When are you ending this experiment?"

"Soon." Adrian checked his watch. "Next month is my engagement ceremony with Victoria. Time to return to reality."

Engagement ceremony...

I leaned against the wall, legs giving out.

They kept chatting, but I couldn't hear clearly anymore. Only buzzing filled my ears, the world becoming blurry.

I stumbled toward the restroom, pushing through the door as my stomach churned.

I rushed to the toilet, dry heaving.

Nothing came up because my stomach held only emptiness and despair.

I gripped the sink, staring at my pale reflection.

"Five years... five years of games... I'm a JOKE."

Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't dare cry aloud.

I remembered last night when Adrian held me saying "I love you" with such tender eyes.

I remembered him saying "I'll pay you back when I get paid" every time he received my transfers.

I remembered his satisfied smile wearing the cheap T-shirts I bought him.

All acting.

I was just an observed lab rat.

He had a fiancée—a woman named Victoria who was his real love.

And me... I was just an experimental subject.