Chapter 27
Those words shattered my defenses completely
“It’s always been you.”
I mulled over the phrase, replaying it 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 gaze hollow and numb. Leo’s heart was occupied by Melody, leaving no room for me.
A bitter smile crossed my face as a decision took root in my heart. Perhaps it was best to let go–to free both of us and give him and Melody their chance.
At that moment, my phone rang. It was Leo.
My hand trembled, and I hung up immediately
A text message soon followed.
Where did you go?
Looking around, I realized I 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, Leo frowned at the unanswered message.
Late that night, the sound of the door opening echoed through the apartment. I, sitting on the couch, turned my head to see Leo entering, tugging off his tie. Our eyes met, and the atmosphere turned tense.
Leo’s expression was unreadable as he asked casually, “Why aren’t you asleep?”
I looked away, my emotions already under control. I replied as if nothing had happened, “Couldn’t sleep, just watching some TV.”
Leo moved to sit across from me, hesitated, then said, “I ran into Melody at the restaurant today. I didn’t expect her to be back.”
Chapter 29
Was that… an explanation?
Surprised, I looked up, a faint trace of hope and uncertainty in my eyes.
But then Leo added, “There’s nothing between us anymore. Don’t go bothering her.” His tone
carried a clear warning.
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 three months ago, would you
still married me?”
Leo glanced at me, only saying, “We’re already married.”
Married. Such a close yet distant term.
have
Even up to now, I never asked the question that lingered in my heart–Leo, did you ever feel anything for me, even a little?
Watching Leo’s retreating figure, I felt an inexplicable weariness.
That night, my sleep was restless.
In one moment, I saw the decisive silhouette of Leo during our last divorce.
In another, I saw my parents pulling Melody into the spotlight, branding her as a mistress, while Leo’s eyes darkened with helplessness.
When I awoke, Leo was already gone.
I gathered myself, put on makeup, and prepared for work.
Reed Corporation, Secretarial Department.
I was handing over my duties to 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 about to get promoted. Why are you leaving now?”
I–gave a helpless smile and replied with the excuse I had prepared, “I’m not leaving. I’m just transferring because… I’m pregnant.”
Chapter 27
Pregnant! When did you even get married, and who did you marry?!” Emilia’s eyes nearly. popped out of her head at this bombshell.
“I
Three months ago.” I only answered the first question.
I knew even at the time of divorce, hardly anyone in the company would know. For Leo, work and personal life were strictly separate.
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?”
I froze, a sour feeling welling up in my chest. Emilia’s words struck a deep chord.
Just then, Peter called. “Laura, could you come to HR? The new assistant is here for an interview, and they need you to oversee it.”
“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, interviewers.”
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 devoid of any work experience, instead listing an array of artistic skills–dancing, piano, painting…
Frowning, I turned and whispered to Peter, “This candidate has neither relevant experience nor the right qualifications. Shouldn’t she have been screened out in the first round?”
Peter shook his head. “The CEO personally appointed her.”
