Chapter 3

Serena's POV

"Are you sure?" My superior was stunned by my sudden change of mind. "You won't be home for at least a year or so."

"I'm sure." After sending the text, I heaved a sigh of relief and lay on the bed, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my chest.

That night, Xavier didn't show up at the hotel or send me a text. But I did come across Tiffany's latest post on social media.

"Growing up: no longer needing my superior edition." Featured with the caption was a picture of Tiffany sitting on the curb, a large hand slipping off the blistering high heel from her foot.

I knew that hand as if it were my own, courtesy of my eight-year relationship with its owner. I knew right away that it was Xavier.

Perhaps Tiffany didn't think someone might stumble upon her post, for she droned on in the comments section: "Mr. H was worried walking might hurt me, so he picked me up (aww!)."

"And even after he brought me home, he put an ice pack on my ankle. He's so considerate! I'm so in love!"

I went still for a few seconds, my fingers trembling slightly. Then, I took screenshots of Tiffany's post and comments and sent them all to Xavier. "Who would've thought you'd be such a caring superior to your subordinate, Mr. Harrington? I'm so close to rooting for the two of you.

"Well, if Tiffany is so in love with you, I should do her a favor and let her have you!"

No sooner had the message been sent than Xavier called me maniacally. I ignored his calls, watching my phone screen light up and grow dim.

Half an hour later, knocks came from my hotel room door, followed by Xavier's voice. "Serena, it's me! This isn't what you think!"

I opened the door to see Xavier panting like he'd just run a marathon. "S-She's young. She posted that for fun."

"And you saw the need to act her age as well? She may not understand boundaries, but I imagine you do," I retorted mercilessly, stunning him. "You actually enjoy this feeling, don't you, Xavier?"

"What are you talking about, Serena?" Xavier practically roared at me.

I paid him no mind, and instead read every one of Tiffany's posts on social media out loud.

"It's Mr. H's birthday today! He actually agreed to let me celebrate it with him! He looks so cute when he's asleep."

"Day off for Memorial Day today! I told Mr. H I wanted to go hiking on a whim, and he came with me! When I got tired halfway through the hike, he actually piggybacked me! His scent is so comforting."

As it turned out, Xavier had given all his time to Tiffany on the days he told me he was busy.

He'd lied to me even when my mom was critically ill, her life hanging by a thread. I'd hidden in the stairwell and called him, crying helplessly on the phone. I told him I was scared and wanted him there with me.

But all he did was sigh, as if his hands were tied. "I wish I could be there, too, but I'm stuck with work. We'll circle back on this when I'm done, okay?"

A self-effacing snort escaped me as I snapped out of my thoughts. For a moment, I didn't know if I should be furious at Xavier for lying to me or mourn the relationship we'd had and lost.

"I… I'm sorry, Serena."

When I didn't respond, Xavier panicked. He reached out to embrace me. "I promise this won't happen again! I'll transfer Tiffany to the branch company tomorrow! We'll never see each other again!"

I shoved him aside and began packing my stuff, keeping my head down as I bit out, "There's no future for us."