When the Masks Fell

Back when Elina Chandler was just starting out, she had no connections, no one to back her, and no investors willing to give her the time of day.

While others complained that working late-night shifts was exhausting, she could power through one after another. When her voice went hoarse, she would sip warm water before putting on a smile and carrying on.

Watching her, my heart softened—and watching her, I fell for her.

So I handed her the company.

She wanted a team, so I gave her one. She needed resources, so I provided them.

When she said she wanted a car to keep up appearances, I had someone deliver the keys. When she complained that her home was too far from the office, I gave her the apartment closest to the company.

Every time she told me, "Bridger Hart, I'll prove myself to everyone," I nodded.

"Alright," I’d reply. "Go ahead and prove it."

Three years later, she had truly made something of herself. She just happened to push me into the shadows along the way.

That day, I went to the office intending to retrieve nothing more than an old watch from a drawer in the break room.

The receptionist not recognizing me was understandable. The new employees not recognizing me was understandable, too.

But the way Lance Compton looked at me, as if I were some vagrant off the street, was another matter. He stood in front of me with the kind of authority you'd think he'd just bought himself a royal decree.

"Do you not understand? We don't keep dead weight here."

I glanced at his name badge.

Growth Manager.

Not a particularly high position, but he certainly had a big mouth.

"Are you sure you want me to leave?"

He laughed.

"I've seen plenty of people like you. You think a little history with Elina gives you the right to show up here and make yourself seen. The company is raising funds. This isn't a place for you to act out some old romance and hope to rekindle the spark."

The entire office fell silent. Even the keyboards stopped clicking. A few people glanced up at me before quickly lowering their heads again.

I didn't move.

I was waiting for Elina.

When she stepped out of the elevator, two assistants followed behind her, carrying stacks of press conference materials.

The moment she saw me, her brows drew together. She wasn't surprised. She was annoyed by the inconvenience.

Lance hurried over to her. "Elina, this man doesn't have an appointment. He even tried to force his way inside."

I looked at Elina.

She should have known I wouldn't force my way in. I'd never needed to force my way into a place that belonged to me.

But she paused for only two seconds. Then she said, "He's not anyone important. Go ahead and fire him."

Lance couldn't hide his smug grin. He turned to the administrative staff. "You heard her. Delete his temporary visitor access. Don't let him in again."

The administrator hesitated and looked at Elina.

She didn't look at me again. Instead, she lowered her head and flipped through her documents. She'd made her position clear.

I stood up and pushed my chair back into place. "Don't throw away the watch in the drawer."

Lance scoffed. "Don't worry. The company isn't interested in your junk."

I nodded. "Good."

As I walked toward the door, I heard people whispering behind me.

"So that's the guy Elina used to be involved with?"

"He doesn't look like much."

"Lance really has guts."

I didn't turn around.

The elevator descended.

My phone lit up. Elina had sent me three messages.

[Don't be difficult.]

[I'll come over tonight.]

[I'll make it up to you.]

I stared at the screen for a long time.

In the end, I replied with just one word: "Okay."