Chapter 006

~ KATERINA~

After giving Lucas the divorce papers and resignation letter, I left his office and headed to my office which is located not that far from his. Lucas told me that he will send me the alimony money in my bank account since he knows my bank details.

However, I told him there was no need for him to send me the money. He asked me if I was sure I didn't need the money and I told him I was sure about it. It's not that I didn't need the money or something. The reason why I turned it down was because I didn't want Lucas to think I was after his money. I know that was a trap for me because he thinks I agreed to marry him as Monalisa's substitute bride because he was rich. The truth is, I didn't care if Lucas was a billionaire when I agreed to the marriage.

I accepted to marry him because I loved him. It was not because he's the C.E.O of Thompson Fashion company. It broke my heart to learn that Lucas thought I had a hidden agenda. It broke my heart into a million pieces. Monalisa is the reason why Lucas doubted me. She planted the seed of doubt in his mind and from the look of things, the roots had run so deep.

I have been defending myself each time Monalisa accused me falsely to make me look bad in the eyes of Lucas. I didn't have the energy to defend myself anymore. I couldn't do it anymore. It was exhausting...

Lucas should know better than anyone else that I would never do anything to harm him. However, he chose to believe Monalisa instead of believing me. Sometimes it's tiresome to be an anti-hero.

Heaving a deep sigh, I pushed open the door of my office and walked inside. I looked around the office, my lips curving into a sad smile. I couldn't believe that I was saying goodbye to this place because it felt like my second home since I spent more time at work.

God, I'll miss it so much.

Taking a deep breath, I walked to the shelf and grabbed a cotton box then began to arrange in my belongings including my picture that was laying on the vintage table, the medals that I won in a fashion competition and important documents.

A single teardrop rolled down my cheek when I was done packing my stuff in the cotton box. God, it was so much harder than I thought. I didn't know it was this difficult to say goodbye to a place that you considered like home. As much as it hurt so fucking bad, I think it was the best decision for my peace of mind. No one asked me to resign, I did it willingly because I know it was the right thing to do.

I didn't want to feel awkward working at the same place with my ex-husband.

I darted my eyes around one last time, the memories that I made in the office playing in my head. Heaving a deep sigh, I grabbed the cotton box and walked to the door, my legs feeling heavy. I never imagined that there would come a day when I would leave this company in such a way. I had big dreams for Thompson's Fashion company. The dream that I wanted to share with the rest of the world in fashion industry.

However, I think all the dreams and plans that I had for the company would never come to life. It'll forever remain a dream. I hope the company will still flourish even in my absence. I wish Lucas all the best in his future plans with the company. He's a good leader because he always values his employees and he's always open to new ideas. That's why Thompson Company is among one of the biggest and successful fashion companies in the country.

I know Lucas too well, I have spent a lifetime with him to know his potential. I know he can do it without me. I didn't feel bad for leaving the company. In fact, I'm grateful because Lucas gave me a chance to share my ideas with the rest of the fashion industry. Things might have not turned out great between us, however, I'll always be thankful for what Lucas has done for me. He has taught me many things which I didn't know in fashion industry.

Somethings are not made to last forever and we have to admit it no matter how much it hurts.

" Mrs Thompson?"Judith,the secretary, called me in surprise, staring at the box in my hands. I know she had a million questions buzzing in her mind.

" A- Are you leaving the company?" She asked hesitantly, not sure if she had asked the right question or not . I know she was afraid to ask me the question because I was her boss.

" Yes, I'm leaving." I nodded in confirmation, the corner of my lips curving into a sad smile. Judith was shocked when she heard my words. It seemed as though she had heard the most shocking news of the year.

" What? Why?" She asked, not believing what she had just heard. I was quiet for a while then heaved a deep sigh.

" It's due to personal reasons." I explained briefly since I didn't want to go into details. I watched as her face change subtly from shock, to realisation then to sadness.

" I can't believe you're leaving the company, Mrs Thompson." She said sadly. I wanted to tell her that I was no longer Mrs Thompson but chose to remain quiet.

" You have been the best boss to all of us. You always listened to us and provided a conducive environment for all the employees. I wasn't expecting this…you know." Her words were touching which made me feel emotional. I didn't have any idea that I had such an impact to employees. I thought that no one would feel my absence when I leave. I thought that…they wouldn't even notice I resigned. Hearing Judith's words made me feel some type of way which I couldn't explain.

" It's going to be alright." I encouraged her because I didn't want to see her sad. " Thank you for being a good teammate. You've been the best secretary that I have ever worked with." She smiled broadly.

" Will you come back?" She asked hopefully, " I don't think so." The little hope that she was holding onto slipped away when she heard my response. I didn't want to give her false hopes. I would rather tell her the truth than lie to her face to make her happy…

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I released a deep breath which I had no idea I had been holding when I exited Thompson's building. I turned my head momentarily to give it one last glance. Even though I didn't want to admit it out loud, I'll miss working at the company because I had this unhealthy attachment to it.

I'm only human, you know.

Heaving a deep sigh, I turned around and walked to the parking lot where James was patiently waiting for me. He helped me put the box in the trunk then opened the car door for me. A black SUV pulled into the parking lot and parked next to us. I didn't give that much thought about the black SUV since I wasn't a part of the company anymore.

'Perhaps it's one of the company's investors.' I thought, turning around to get into the car since I had no reason to hang around.

" Hello, dear sister." I froze in place when the familiar feminine voice cut through the air. Even though years had passed by, I still recognise that voice….