Chapter 2

I arranged to meet Nolan at the cafe below the company.

The system was pacing back and forth in my head.

[Have you really thought this through, Clement? Are you seriously joining Kensington Group? Nolan's only taking you in right now because he wants to keep you away from the heroine. Once your relationship with the heroine develops, he'll come after you even more ruthlessly!]

As I buttoned my shirt, I responded absentmindedly, "At least he can offer me a fair wage, so I won't end up destitute in a foreign land. Besides, Nolan didn't rise above all his siblings and secure his position as the heir of the Kensington family by being some empty-headed scion. So…"

I left it at that.

Five years ago, I traveled to the capital all on my own to look for my family. The security guards at the villa had looked down their noses at me and ruthlessly driven me away.

Aria had swooped in like a dame in shining armor, reprimanded the guards, and brought me back to Langston Manor. Consequently, no matter how cold she was to me in the last five years, I had always held on to that first ray of light.

Of course, I still remembered that five years ago, the person who had stood beside Aria, held an umbrella over my head, and draped his coat over my shoulders was Nolan. Perhaps if I hadn't made that ridiculous choice five years ago, the three of us wouldn't be where we are at the moment.

Nolan sat across from me, leisurely swirling his coffee.

"Do you really want to join Kensington Group? Why? Isn't Langston Group your whole world? For the last few years, you practically cooped yourself up inside the lab, and you would come running whenever Aria snapped her fingers. You were more obedient than their dog."

I lowered my head and took a sip of my coffee. "It's because I don't want to be a dog anymore."

Nolan was dumbstruck. After a long while, he had an unreadable expression as he handed me a contract. "Clement, I genuinely detest you, but there are times when I kind of admire you, too.

"I've always kept business strictly business. I respect your abilities, so I won't make your life hard at work. However, when it comes to personal matters, you and I are still rivals!"

He rose from his seat and extended his hand toward me. "Welcome to Kensington Group."

I looked up, flashed him a faint smile, and took his hand.

Before I entered the picture, Nolan and Aria were practically the main characters of this world. They were childhood sweethearts, a perfect match in social standing.

Everything changed five years ago when Aria's father, Albert Langston, was ambushed. Dad, who was his chauffeur, had taken the fatal blow meant for him.

Before drawing his last breath, Dad had asked the Langston family to take care of his only child. Hence, under the watchful eyes of the public, Mr. Langston had announced that I would marry his only daughter, Aria, and become his son-in-law.

Aria's expression had instantly hardened. The young woman who had gently comforted me just the night before now looked at me with nothing but disgust in her eyes.

…

When I returned to the company, my assistant, Joel Smith, immediately started making faces at me.

Bewildered, I pushed open the door to my office, only to find Aria sitting inside, her expression cold. "Clement Carlisle, you left your post during work hours. Is this your idea of professionalism? Your salary for this month will be withheld."

I pursed my lips and remained silent. So, with a jeer, she continued, "Oh, I forgot. Without your salary, you won't even be able to pay your rent. What, are you planning to shamelessly move back to Langston Manor again?"

The system abruptly started yelling in my head. [When has she ever come to the R&D department of her own accord? She's here to give you a way out!

[I bet the rent's just an excuse. She obviously wants you to move back into Langston Manor. She's just too proud to admit it!]

However, all of a sudden, I just felt exhausted. It had been five years. I was done living like this.

"Forget it."

Both the system and Aria were caught off guard.

"Forget it. Since I violated the company's rules, I'll just resign."

Aria sprang to her feet, gritting her teeth. "Do you think my resolve will waver just because you're playing hard to get? Who the hell do you think you are? You want to resign, right? Fine. Leave, and don't ever think about coming back!"

The very next second, she swept everything off my desk and slammed the door behind her as she stormed out. I silently lowered my head and picked up the scattered documents.

Just then, a message from Nolan popped up on my phone. "You're good to start on Monday, right? I bought you a few sets of clothes and had them delivered to your place. Dress presentably for work. Don't embarrass me!"

Staring at the message, I suddenly lowered my head and let out a low chuckle.