Page 4 of Wife By Accident

“I…” Olivia swallowed her anger. The event was a huge photography conference in Las Vegas. Professionals and hobbyists from all over the world flocked there to find the best equipment — as did cinematographers and large companies. It was an invaluable experience and a chance to make lasting connections in her field. Connections that could eventually allow Olivia to quit this job and find something better. If Marley had asked her first, she wouldn’t have hesitated.

As it was, she needed to do this.

“I can fly out tonight,” she said.

“Now would be better.”

“The conference only starts tomorrow,” Olivia pointed out. “I’ll be there in plenty of time.”

Marley sighed as though Olivia were bent on purposefully ruining his life. “Fine. You need to be at the conference hall at six a.m. tomorrow for setup.”

This time, Olivia stifled a sigh. As usual, Marley would expect her to take the majority of the tasks, especially the ones he considered beneath him. Even though Olivia had been working for CameraOptics for several years now, Marley still treated her as though she were an inexperienced intern while touting the skills of her male colleagues.

“I’ll be there,” she said.

“Good.”

Without a goodbye, Marley hung up. Olivia hurried outside in time to see Lily cut the first slice out of the cake, which she offered to Olivia.

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

Olivia stepped back and was joined by her sister.

“Let me guess.” Rachel gave her a look. “Even though he called you useless, your boss needs you.”

"Yeah.”

“And you’re leaving.”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“Tonight.” Olivia couldn’t meet her sister’s eyes. “I’ll fly out after the party.”

“Just… promise you’ll think about finding another job.” Rachel squeezed her hand. “You deserve way better than Mr. Meany. You’re a talented photographer and a wonderful person."

"Thanks. Although you being so nice makes me feel even worse about cutting my visit short.”

“That’s what sisters are for, aren’t they?” Rachel winked. “Making you feel good and bad at the same time.”

Olivia laughed. “You may be right.”

“I’m going to leave it up to you to tell Lily, though.”

“Fair enough.”

As Olivia watched the kids run and play in the backyard, little Tommy toddling after them, Cory supervising the cake, her heart ached. It was nice to visit and feel like part of a family, even though she knew she was just watching from the outside.

Maybe this conference would be the big break she needed. Maybe she would finally be able to prove herself to her boss, and, in turn, he’d back off a little. Or maybe she’d make connections that would allow her to land a better job, one with a more understanding boss and better hours, that would make better use of her skills. Then she could have a life outside of work… maybe even start dating. Nothing huge. It wasn’t like she was looking to get married yet, or anything like that, but it would be nice to see what was out there. She could dedicate a little time to looking for romance and a little time to nurturing her photography skills.

But first, she had to ace this conference. She had to network like crazy and do everything perfectly.

She could do it.

For now, Olivia quickly booked a flight on her phone with the company card, then rejoined the partygoers. It was still Lily’s birthday, and she’d make it as wonderful as she could.

CHAPTER 3