Chapter 21
Those words shattered my defenses completely.
It’s always been you.”
I’mulled over the phrase, replaying over and over in my mind, almost torturing myself with it.
I didn’t know how far I walked before I finally leaned weakly against the corridor railing, my gave hollow and numb. Felix’s heart was occupied by Melody, leaving no room for me. It never had been
A bitter smile crossed my face as a decision took root in my heart. Perhaps it was best to let go–to free hoth of us and give him and Melody their chance. After all, I’d only been a convenient placeholder for five years.
At that moment, my phone rang. It veas Felix.
My hand trembled, and hung up immediately,
Atext message soon followed.
Where did you go?
Looking around. I realized 1 had unconsciously wandered almost to the restaurant’s entrance. I ignored the message, pretending not to see it. I didn’t want to face him right now.
On the other side, Felix frowned at the unanswered message.
Late that night, the sound of the door opening echoed through our shared apartment. L, sitting on the couch, turned my head to see Felix entering. rugging off his the. Our eyes met, and the atmosphere turned tense.
Felix’s expression was unreadable as he asked casually, “Why aren’t you adeep?”
I looked away, my emotions already under control. I replied as if nothing had happened, “Couldn’t sleep, just watching some TV”
Felix moved to sit across from me, hesitated, thon said, “I ran into Melody at the restaurant today. I didn’t expect her to be back from her consulting trip.”
as that… an explanation?
Was
Surprised, I looked up, a faint trace of hope and uncertainty in my eyes.
But then Felix added, “There’s nothing between us anymore. Don’t go bothering her. His tone carried a clear warning, as if I were some jealous_ employee who might cause trouble for his precious consultant.
I froze, feeling an indescribable sting after the absurdity of it all. My eyes reddened, and I asked, barely controlling my voice, “If if she’d returned two months ago, would you have still married me?”
Felix glanced at me, only saying. “We’re already married.”
Married. Such a close yet distant term. A business arr
arrangement disguised as roman
Even up to now, I never asked the question that lingered in my heart–Felix, did you ever feel anything for me, even a little? Or was I just the convenient assistant who happened to get pregnant?
Watching Felix’s retreating figure, I felt an inexplicable wearingss.
That night, my sleep was restless.
In one moment, I saw the decisive silhouette of Felix during our courthouse wedding–so cold, so businesslike.
In another, I saw Melody’s photos on his old laptop, the ones he thought he’d deleted but I’d accidentally discovered while helping him transfer files.
When I awoke, Felix was already gone.
da handing over my dalies in Peter When my colleague and friend Emilia stared in shock,
“What’s going on? Are you leaving? Why are you transferring your work? You’ve worked here for five years and were supposed to Senior Associate. Why are you stepping back now?”
1 gave a helpless smile and replied with the excuse 1 had prepared, “I’m not leaving. Fan just transferring some duties because I’m pregnant –
“Pregnant! When did you even get married, and who did you marry?” Fanilla’s eyes nearly popped oft of her head at this bombshell.
* Three months ago. 1 only answered the first question.
I knew even at the time of marriage, hardly anyone in the company would know. For Felix, work and personal life were strictly separate. Our marriage had been a quiet courthouse affair with two witnesses from HR.
Emilia was stunned. That’s way too fast! You never mentioned it before. Do you two even love each other? Marriage without love is like a house of cards, it’ll collapse at the slightest gust of wind.”
I could only respond, “I’m pregnant.”
“So what if you’re pregnant? You can still get rid of it, right? Who says you have to keep It? Marriage is a lifelong commitment. If you stay with someone you don’t love, it’ll only lead to resentment or divorce. What difference does it make?”
1 froze, a sour
a sour feeling welling up in my chest. Emilia’s words struck a deep chard.
Just then, Peter called. “Drielle, could you come to HR? The new senior consultant is here for an interview, and they need you to oversee the Transition.”
“Okay.”
I hung up and went to the interview room.
The door opened, and as I looked up, a familiar figure in a white dress entered my view.
Melody smiled warmly, “Hello, everyone.”
Melody exuded confidence and poise, her voice clear and assured.
I leaned forward slightly, glancing at the resume on Peter’s desk. Melody’s resume was impressive–advanced degrees in international business and aerospace management, five years of consulting experience with European space agencies, fluency in four languages.
Frowning, I turned and whispered to Peter, “This candidate is overqualified for most positions
fiere. What role is she interviewing for?”
Peter shook his head. “The CEO personally requested her as Senior International Consultant, reporting directly to him.”
