Chapter 4

When I arrived at the company the next day, I headed to my workstation as always, but my colleague, Daisy Miller, stopped me.

"You're in trouble, Amelia."

I looked at her, confused. What kind of trouble would I have other than to pack up my stuff as a resigned employee?

As though troubled by something, Daisy carefully pointed to the front.

There, I finally noticed that the seat that used to be mine was now occupied by Bianca. She sat leisurely while she touched up her makeup in a fitted, high-end orange-pink pantsuit.

Thanks to Daisy's explanation, I finally understood what had happened.

With Aldric's help, Bianca had officially joined Cromwell LLP. Knowing her relationship with the CEO, the department head had fawned over her, letting her pick any seat she liked.

Mine was the one she chose at first glance.

Understanding the true intent behind Bianca's move, I silently walked over to her. Seeing me approach, she raised her perfectly trimmed brows and curled her bold red lips into a sneer.

With a smug chuckle, she said, "Aldric told me I could choose whatever I wanted—the department, office, and even seating. I like this spot the most, so you'll have to move. Thanks!"

My heart was as calm as the lake. I simply nodded and knelt to pack the belongings she had carelessly tossed aside.

"Sure. Let me gather my things."

My mind was set on leaving, and I didn't want any more complications. Thus, I kept my tone humble, my stance low.

The surrounding coworkers, however, had taken note of everything.

They already had opinions about me showing up in a wedding dress outside the company from time to time. Still, Bianca's entitled behavior, wielding her status as the boss' girlfriend to boss me, a long-time employee, was even harder to stomach.

Still, no one dared say anything outright, given that her backing was Aldric himself. They simply watched with quiet sympathy and, perhaps, a bit of judgment over his taste in women.

Just as I finished packing up, ready to walk away, Aldric appeared.

The moment Bianca saw him, her arrogance melted away. She fluttered over, clinging to his arm in a deliberately sweet display.

However, as the CEO of Cromwell LLP, Aldric didn't indulge her openly. He simply took her hand in his and began introducing her to the rest of the team.

"This is Bianca Alvarez. From now on, she'll be working in this department. Do help each other out, alright?"

A drizzle of applause echoed through the office. Aldric raised an eyebrow but didn't pay it much attention.

He was no stranger to changing girlfriends like the changing seasons. While his interest lasted, he was generous with his affection, so long as the woman didn't ask for anything unreasonable.

Still, these short-term flings—temporary muses who offered little more than fleeting emotional comfort—were no candidates for commitment and emotional investment to him.

"Have you picked your spot?" He diverted the topic. His tone toward Bianca might be affectionate, but it felt rehearsed, polished, and entirely formulaic.

Clearly, Bianca hadn't realized that. With an air of authority, she pointed at my table. "I have. Right… here."

Following the direction of her finger, Aldric finally noticed me and my box of belongings. His expression shifted unnaturally.

"That seat is occupied. Why don't you choose another one?" He turned her down, gaze swiftly averting away from me.

Still, Bianca was determined to prove to me that Aldric loved her more than he loved me.

Hence, she clung to his arm and playfully whined, "Come on, Aldric. Let me have this seat. It's close to the door, and I get to see you as soon as you come looking for me."

I had no interest in watching whatever that was. Without hesitation, I piped up. "It's okay, Mr. Cromwell. I'm willing to give Ms. Alvarez my table and seat."

Whether it was my workstation or my romantic partner, Bianca treated them both as something precious. Meanwhile, neither of those things was worth anything to me anymore.

My submissive display only brightened Bianca's expression even more. "See, Aldric? I didn't steal her table or anything. She's willing to give it to me."

Aldric's expression remained grim. After staring at Bianca for a second, he spoke with an undefiable authority. "Don't make me repeat myself. The seat is taken, so pick another one."

Was this the same Aldric who had always been gentle and indulgent toward Bianca? Was he actually getting annoyed with her?

For a moment, she was stunned into stillness by the look in his eyes.

Having made his stance clear, he had no intention of coaxing her. He simply cast me a thoughtful glance and walked away.

Panicked, Bianca stumbled after him in her stilettos, hurrying to the door in an almost comical fluster. Even then, she didn't forget to shoot me a glare before disappearing through the office doors.

I almost broke into a smile. She was just like the old me, wasn't she?

No matter how coldly she had been treated, she would still run after him like a hopeful puppy. The only difference was that I had confessed to him 143 times over the course of five years.

As I carried my belongings into the cab, I received a text message from Aldric.

"Let's have your 144th declaration tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you with the decorated car."

I laughed before removing my SIM card and tossing it away.

My luggage had been packed, and a one-way ticket to Eastmere had been booked.

The next day, Aldric waited early at the spot where I had proposed countless times in a perfectly tailored suit, standing beside that same limited-edition Koenigsegg, now covered in fresh flowers.