Chapter 14
It seems like for the past few weeks I’ve had to work extra hours. Overtime has become my agenda every day. If I don’t have time to finish it at the office, I’ll bring it home.
But tonight, I was at home in the office. It was already ten o’clock at night, but I was still sitting in front of the computer screen, trying to finish the report that had to be sent tomorrow morning. The office is almost empty, there are only a few people who are also still busy with their work.
I rubbed my temples, the numbers on the screen starting to look blurry, and my head felt heavy after a long day of work without much rest.
“Are you planning to stay overnight at the office?” someone asked.
The deep voice I knew so well made me look up. Caius was standing in the doorway, resting one hand on the frame with a relaxed expression, but his eyes were looking at me with concern.
“I just want to finish this report before tomorrow morning,” I replied with a faint smile. My answer was informal at the request of Caius himself who forbade me to call him Sir if it was beyond working hours.
Caius walked over, glancing at the document on my computer screen before glancing at his watch, “It’s past ten in the evening, Althea. I’m sure that report can still be completed tomorrow without you working yourself to exhaustion,” he said as he looked at me with a slightly folded face.
I straightened my back, trying to show that I could still hold on.
“I’m fine. I’m used to this kind of schedule,” I replied with a wide smile.
Caius sat in the chair across from my desk, crossing his arms over his chest. His face began to look sour. “Being used to it doesn’t mean it’s the right thing.”
I stared at him, silent for a moment. His words were true, but there was something in his tone of voice that made me feel like I was being reminded of something I had been taking for granted.
I was being overshadowed by Damien. It’s not that I still love him. It’s just that all this time my eyes have been closed by ignorance. Many men still appreciate a woman.
I thought, how lucky is the woman who will become his lover? She’s full of care.
Damien? If he wants me to help him, I have to do it, no matter what time it is or how I am. She’d even once asked me to accompany her to an important meeting after I returned from a grueling business trip, without asking if I needed a break.
I pressed my fingers against the table, trying to ignore the thought. This was not the time to compare the past with what was happening now.
“I just want to make sure my work gets done on time,” I said finally
Caius stared at me for a few seconds before sliding my laptop slightly away from me. “You can finish it tomorrow. It’s time to go home.”
Chapter 14
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13:05 Wed, 28 May GG
I frowned. “Mr. Leclair, I-”
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“Caius. I told you, didn’t I?” he cut in with a calm tone. “And, it’s not an order, just a suggestion. But if you keep working, I won’t leave until you’re done.“.
I blinked, not expecting him to say that. “Why?”
She leaned back in her chair. “Because I don’t want any employees fainting from overexerting themselves under my leadership.”
I paused, not knowing what to say. Caius, without going overboard, showed his concern in a small act that I had never gotten before.
I finally closed my laptop. “Alright. I’ll finish it tomorrow.”
Caius nodded and stood up. “Good. Now let’s go home!” he said as he moved his head up.
I looked at him confused. “What do you mean?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I’ll take you home.”
I opened my mouth to refuse, but considering it was late at night, I finally nodded.
We walked out of the office together.
All this time, I had always thought that working hard without limits was the only way to prove my worth. But tonight, Caius showed me that I didn’t need to sacrifice myself to prove anything.
I glanced at him walking beside me. His difference with Damien was becoming more and more obvious.
And, I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
We walked towards the parking lot at a leisurely pace. It was late at night, and the surroundings were quieter than during the day. The streetlights illuminated the sidewalk, giving me a sense of calm that I’d rarely felt before. It turned out that being driven home wasn’t so bad for a lone woman like me.
Caius opened his car door and signaled me to get in.
“Thank you,” I said getting in and sitting on the passenger seat without much argument. As the car began to drive, I stared out the window, watching the city lights glow. A few minutes passed in silence, but instead of feeling awkward, it felt comfortable.
“Do you always work this hard?” Caius asked while keeping his focus on the road in front of him.
I gave him a glance, before returning my gaze to the outside. “I don’t know any other way to work other than trying my best.”
He nodded slowly. “Ambition is good, but you should also know your limits,” he said, glancing back at me.
I smiled slightly. “I’m starting to realize that,”
Caius didn’t reply, but I could sense that he understood my point. As the car pulled up in front of my apartment, I opened the door and stepped out. The night breeze blew softly, bringing a calmness that I rarely felt after a long day of work.
Chapter 14
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“Thanks for taking me home,” I said as I looked at Caius who was still sitting in the car.
He nodded. “Get some rest. We still have work to do tomorrow.”
I smiled a little. “Sure.”
Without waiting any longer, I stepped towards the door of my apartment. When I looked back, Caius‘ car had already driven away, leaving a strange feeling in my chest.
I didn’t know what was going on. What was clear was that I was beginning to see that my life had completely changed.
And, I wasn’t going to avoid that fact.
13:05
Wed, 28 May
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