“Just look at Marina–she’s now a full–time employee at FY, thanks to her stellar scores from the Grand Piano Collection project. A white–collar at a major company, pulling in a six–figure salary. Then look at someone else here, who’s gone from housewife to janitor… I suppose you could say that’s moving up in the world, in a way?” Lily doubled over with laughter.
“Come on, comparing her to Marina is just an insult to Marina,” Preston Winslow sneered, shooting Niamh a look of open disdain.
Niamh had never cared much about Preston Winslow, but ever since Marina returned, two conversations between Preston and Jonathan had turned her indifference into outright dislike.
“What, got a problem with that?” Preston caught the hostility in Niamh’s eyes and rolled his own.
He and Jonathan had been close since high school–practically brothers. He’d seen firsthand how Jonathan and Marina were the perfect couple, the kind everyone
envied.
Their whirlwind romance was something he’d witnessed from the sidelines, so when Jonathan ended up marrying Niamh instead, it just seemed wrong.
As far as Preston was concerned, Niamh had simply lucked out.
If Marina hadn’t gone abroad and ended up in that silent standoff with Jonathan, there was no way he would’ve turned to Niamh.
Not that Niamh had any self–awareness–she’d shamelessly married into the Thomas family without a second thought.
Preston and Jonathan both had a taste for accomplished women.
Raised in upper–crust society, they valued achievement. Who could possibly be attracted to a frumpy housewife whose only skills were laundry and cooking?
“Here, let me show you what real talent looks like,” Preston said, handing Marina’s design portfolio to Niamh. “I know you probably can’t grasp her creative vision, but surely you can see you’ll never measure up.”
Niamh stayed silent.
Not only could she understand Marina’s design, she also recognized the grade in the corner–it was one she’d given earlier that day..
1/2
17:19
υπαμειν
“So, you placed third in the FY intern competition. Congratulations,” Niamh said with a gentle smile, her voice calm. But her words hit Marina like a slap; she stiffened in shock.
How could Niamh know she’d only taken third place?
Niamh noticed Marina’s panic and felt confused. Wasn’t she just paying a compliment? Why did Marina look so rattled?
“What nonsense are you spouting?” Olive burst out. “Marina took first place! You’re just jealous, and it’s honestly pathetic.”
Niamh thought back–if this really was Marina’s submission, it definitely hadn’t received the highest marks from her. She was sure she wasn’t mistaken. Which explained the fear in Marina’s eyes all too well.
“Don’t pay attention to her, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Jonathan cut in, barely glancing at Niamh.
That single look made Niamh’s heart turn cold.
Jonathan gently stroked Marina’s silky hair. “I know you must have been first.”
“Jonathan…” Marina’s eyes brimmed with grateful tears.
Niamh found it all painfully bright, her chest tight with suffocation.
She said nothing–after all, it wouldn’t change anything. As long as Jonathan believed in Marina, whatever Marina said was the truth.
She turned to leave, only to find Jonathan suddenly blocking her path.
Niamh looked up–they were face to face.
“Take it off.”
She heard the irritation and impatience in Jonathan’s voice.
When she didn’t move or speak, he repeated himself, this time more forceful.
“I said, take off that uniform and go home. Now.”
Niamh understood. Jonathan was embarrassed–because she was a janitor.
“Exactly, if you’re not ashamed of yourself, at least Jonathan is,” Preston chimed in, fanning the flames.
