Chapter 3

But now, I just took the file my boss handed me and answered calmly, "I appreciate the opportunity. I won't let you down."

Eight years. While everyone else got promotions and raises, I stayed in the same spot—stuck in between, going nowhere. I knew people laughed at me behind my back, thinking I was a fool. They said I had talent but threw it away for a man.

My boss gave me a hesitant look, then asked in surprise, "What about Rolf?"

Judging by his reaction, it was clear he'd expected to spend a few more days convincing me. He didn't think I'd agree so easily.

"I can make my own decisions. You're right—no one wants to reach middle age with nothing to show for it."

"That's good to hear. I believe in you. Start getting ready."

He patted my shoulder with approval, and I let out a long breath.

I'd spent eight years chasing after Rolf and be left behind over and over. I never got anything real from him and just kept giving. But it was different with work—work was simpler. As long as I gave it my all, I'd reap the rewards.

Handling overseas business meant a lot of preparation. I barely had time to think about Rolf. I stayed busy until sunset.

Most of the office had cleared out by then. George Winfred, a close colleague, tapped me on the shoulder.

"Gloria, your boyfriend's been waiting outside for a while. Aren't you gonna go see him?"

I froze for a second, and he chuckled in surprise.

"Didn't you hear everyone talking about it earlier? We all thought you were still mad at him."

He nudged me playfully to leave work, grabbed his stuff, and headed out.

I walked to the window and pulled out my phone. Rolf had called and texted me many times—at first sounding annoyed, then slowly more apologetic.

[I know I messed up. I even booked a really great restaurant tonight. Don't be mad, okay?]

My eyes lingered on the message. He sounded like he was placating a child.

I let out a cold laugh. People really are pathetic sometimes. When I was clingy and kept texting him, he got annoyed. But the moment I stopped caring, he came running like a man possessed.

Downstairs, Rolf spotted me by the window and waved excitedly, like he was calling over a puppy.

I checked the time, grabbed the documents I needed, and walked out.

It was dinnertime anyway. Besides, things between Rolf and me needed a proper ending.

"Hey, Gloria."

The second I stepped out of the building, Rolf rushed up to hug me with a bouquet of roses behind his back.

I looked down at his wide, doe-like eyes and felt a wave of irritation. I awkwardly pushed him off me.

"Let's go."

I quickly slid into the back seat to cover up my discomfort. Rolf stood there for a second, surprisingly not losing his temper.

"Do you like the flowers? Didn't you always want to do things normal couples do?"

He held the bouquet like it was some grand gift. I cleared my throat and turned away. The truth was, I hated roses. But they were Miranda's favorite.

He couldn't even remember something that simple, yet here he was, acting like he was being sincere.

On the way to dinner, Rolf kept trying to make small talk. But instead of playing along like I usually did, I just stared out the window and answered half-heartedly.

He must've gotten the hint because eventually, he stopped talking and focused on driving.

He took me to some trendy spot popular online, one of those places couples love to take photos at. As soon as we got out of the car, a crowd of couples walked past.

Rolf frowned and grabbed my wrist.

As if afraid I'd try to pull away, he held on tightly with a wide smile plastered on his face.

I pushed down the discomfort in my chest and walked in with him anyway.