Chapter 3

The next morning, I went straight to the office.

I left my resignation letter and handover documents right on the HR manager's desk.

When I stepped back into the hallway, Chloe ran over and wrapped her arm around mine.

"I still can't believe Jax forgot about your mango allergy!" she chattered. "I gave him a total earful on the ride home!"

She puffed out her cheeks and did a fake cute punch in the air.

Yet he remembered your sensitive stomach, I thought to myself. He remembered you couldn't handle ice.

The words almost slipped out.

I bit my tongue. It felt too bitter, too desperate.

I gently pulled my arm out of her grip.

"We didn't fight," I said flatly. "I'm just tired."

Chloe didn't seem to notice my coldness. She kept looking at me with wide, concerned eyes.

"Then get some rest! I'll take you out for a huge dinner tonight to make it up to you!"

Looking at her bright, innocent smile, my stomach turned.

When she first moved to the city, I felt protective of her. I wanted to help her out. I took the hit whenever things went wrong.

I forgot that I had moved to this city all alone, too.

Back then, I didn't know a single soul except Jax.

At least when Chloe arrived, she had me to count on.

Later, she had Jax to pamper her, too.

"No, thanks," I said coldly. "I have plans tonight."

I turned and walked back to my cubicle.

The second I sat down, the team chat popped up.

It was a message from Jax.

[Congrats to Chloe on her three-year anniversary with the company! Afternoon tea is on me today.]

Below it was a screenshot of an order receipt.

It was from that high-end French bakery downtown, the one with the weeks-long waitlist.

I bought a small pastry from there just last weekend.

That day, Jax looked at the box and asked, "Do all girls like this place?"

I thought he was taking notes for me. I excitedly listed all their best signature cakes.

He wasn't taking notes for me. He was already planning Chloe's anniversary surprise.

A crowd gathered around Chloe's desk, showering her with congratulations.

Jax stood right next to her, looking down at her with soft, fond eyes.

For a brief second, they looked like the real couple.

I was just an outsider who had blundered into their story.

Chloe walked over, holding out a delicate slice of cake. She gave me a cute wink.

"I saved the most expensive one just for you, Elena!"

No matter how expensive this single piece was, it didn't compare to Jax buying out the whole bakery for her.

I didn't want to cause a scene. "Thanks," I said.

Chloe immediately pressed her palms together, pouting.

"I have this strategy proposal due, but I haven't finished it yet," she whined. "Elena, you're the best! Could you please help me out?"

She dropped the thick file onto my desk.

She was completely confident I would take it, just like I always did.

She knew I would pull an all-nighter for her and let her put her name on the cover page.

The new diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the fluorescent light. It dazzled my eyes until they stung.

I shoved the file back toward her. "I have my own work to do. Find someone else."

Her eyes filled with tears instantly.

"Elena... are you mad at me? You've never said no to me before!"

Jax was by her side in a heartbeat. He pulled Chloe behind him, shielding her from me.

"Elena," he barked, his voice sharp. "What the hell is your problem now?”