He Gave My Gift To Her, I Divorced Him

Chapter 3

Plagiarism?

Genevieve's heart clenched. But when she looked at the comparison charts Zenith had sent, she found it utterly ridiculous.

Aside from the basic structural framing, there wasn't a single similarity. If this counted as plagiarism, then every building in the world was a copy of another.

She immediately called Austin and said flat out, "I didn't plagiarize anything."

Austin remained noncommittal, his voice flat. "The project team has already decided to go with Summer's design."

With that single sentence, all of Genevieve's explanations died in her throat.

'Did the team choose her, or did you?'

A lump formed in Genevieve's throat. The question was on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.

She looked at the Crystal Compass Ruler Austin had gifted her, which sat on her desk. Closing her eyes, she whispered, "Do you believe me?"

"You've made enough money from us over the years."

The voice on the other end of the line was completely devoid of emotion.

Genevieve froze, the underlying meaning of his words slowly sinking in.

Back when Austin was just getting started, he'd worked hand in hand with her studio. She'd charged him well below market rate on every single project.

And yet, the way Austin saw it, all of that had apparently just been her working an angle to pad her own pockets.

It hit her like a fist to the chest, and something inside her went cold.

*****

Although their partnership with Zenith had ended, Jessica was actually thrilled, giggling to herself.

That evening, Genevieve received a call from the hospital informing her that Amelia was being discharged.

When she went downstairs, she was surprised to see Austin's car parked outside.

"Get in."

Genevieve looked at his indifferent face, a wave of mixed emotions washing over her.

They drove to the hospital, and Genevieve went up to help Amelia pack her things.

Just as she was about to leave the room, she noticed an unopened package in the trash can. It was the specialty food her grandmother had sent all the way from Norwich.

A tight knot formed in her chest. She carefully retrieved the package and slipped it into her bag.

Amelia walked faster and immediately claimed the front passenger seat, shooting a disdainful glance at Genevieve in the back.

She griped to Austin, "Your grandfather's always played favorites with Gideon anyway. Gideon's about to get engaged to the Bennett Group heiress, and that's the whole reason he's President and you're stuck sitting here as VP."

"I still don't understand why you insisted on marrying this useless girl. She's of absolutely no help to you."

Austin was an illegitimate son.

After Austin's father passed away, the chairman of the Hayes Group placed both of his grandsons in the company, forcing them to compete for the succession.

Because Genevieve's background couldn't help elevate Austin's status, Amelia had never liked her. She had made comments like this more times than Genevieve could count.

Sitting in the back seat, Genevieve watched Austin's silent reflection in the rearview mirror. Her heart sank further.

In the past, Austin would defend her when Amelia started in on her. But over time, he seemed to have grown numb to it.

Eventually, his silence was taken as agreement. Amelia's remarks grew harsher, yet Austin never uttered a single word to stop her.

By now, Genevieve could no longer tell if Austin's silence stemmed from resignation or agreement.

After dropping Amelia off at her villa, Austin turned the car around to head home.

Leaning her head against the window, Genevieve watched the swirling snowflakes outside. Suddenly, she asked, "Do you regret marrying me?"

Austin didn't answer.

The silence in the car grew heavy.

Genevieve began to feel cold. Even with the heater blasting, a deep chill seeped into her bones.

She curled into herself. After what felt like an eternity, Austin finally spoke. "We're already married. There's no point in asking that."

Genevieve's eyes stung. "Pull over," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Austin pulled over to the curb. She immediately got out, the biting wind and snow lashing against her face, freezing her tears instantly.

Austin frowned and rolled down the window. Snow dusted his handsome features, but his gaze was colder than the storm.

"What are you throwing a tantrum for?"

Genevieve shook her head, too choked up to utter a single word.

Austin scowled. Losing the last of his patience, he stepped on the gas and drove off, leaving her behind.

Genevieve stood in the snow for a long time, trying to blink back the tears. When she finally looked up, she saw a massive billboard at the intersection advertising the Starry Sky Bracelet.

The ad said every single Starry Sky Bracelet came with a unique serial number engraved on the star charm.

Genevieve stared at the screen. Then, almost without deciding to, she found herself walking into a jewelry store.

She had the clerk pull up the serial number on the bracelet Austin had bought.

1314.

The second she saw it, the color drained out of her face.

The number on Summer's bracelet was 1314.

Summer's words from the other day came rushing back.

"My boyfriend gave me this. It's for our second anniversary."