All Chapters of GUILTY DEVOTION: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The moment I saw Ryan’s name pop up in the new HR group chat for the final planning report, my anger increased multiplefold. I had been in a cranky mood because my mom wouldn’t stop bugging me about why he hasn’t been around lately.My phone chimed with his suggestion that became suspicious the more I read it. I realized that it wasn’t about room assignments or planning talent night, which he claimed to be curious about; It was about me.In anger, I just ignored him and threw my phone to the side before fixing other works I couldn’t finish in the office during the day. The next day at work, he walked into the conference room like he owned a seat at the table. Even though Nicholas had removed him from the logistics team a few days ago, he still sat with us and beside me, to be precise.Previously, the HR had merged all planning groups for the final coordination phase before the getaway, and apparently that was enough of a loophole for Ryan to wedge himself back into the team from whic

Ryan wasn’t used to being ignored, especially not by Cassie who was always happy to talk to him. But now, things had changed between them.That morning, she walked past him in the corridor like he didn’t exist. Her eyes never left the stack of files in her arms as she marched to her destination. It had been the same thing every morning for a while now.She was cold, detached, and distant. The months they’d spent tangled in each other’s lives had been just a footnote and a memory he couldn’t even hold on to.He clenched his fist tight as she disappeared into her office after ignoring him in the hallway.It kills me that you're pretending I never mattered and I will make sure you come back crawling.He didn’t say it aloud but the words sat heavy in his chest. The more she turned away, the more determined he became to make her see him again.****The whir of the copier covered the soft sound of the door closing. Cassie stood with her back to him, eyes on the screen, and kept tapping the

|Cassie|The situation made everyone quite disorganized for a while. The fact that Nicholas told Ryan to leave the hangout made it awkward. Some of the interns were blaming Zara for overreacting when she could have just explained how the order process went, while others called Ryan a burdensome fellow.I hated the tension that stirred up and polluted the atmosphere. It felt like the fun had evaporated with Nicholas’s decree.“I don’t think it’s best to chase him out, sir. I will check through the orders and see what can be done.” One of the team leads humbly pleaded with NicholasHis eyes went shut for a split second, as if trying to weigh several options. The team leads that accompanied her also pitched in on the concern of the grudges affecting teamwork and the atmosphere at work.Their concerns made him rethink the decision and he decided to retract his order. By this time, Ryan had packed his bags for his departure. His team lead rushed to stop him and after a few minutes, he was

The night of the talent hunt buzzed with energy and laughter as the energy shot through the roof. It was the final night and everyone had been looking forward to the fun before we resumed work life once again.The open space had been transformed with twinkling lights, a makeshift stage, and plastic chairs lined up neatly. Everyone was dressed down but cheerful, eyes glinting with excitement, alcohol, or the heat of competition as the night rolled away.When Ryan climbed the stage, everyone settled to see what he would do. He held the microphone a little too tightly, and his nervous smile betrayed the tension riding through his body as he stared at everyone.Murmurs echoed from the crowd because he was taking a little too long to start. Cassie, sitting near the back with a drink in hand, raised a brow before looking away.“This next song...” Ryan cleared his throat. “It's for someone I hurt with my recklessness. I don’t expect everything to be perfect again, but... I hope my sincerity

|Cassie|I had to visit Mia and Chloe after the getaway. My energy was so drained that I needed them to lift up my spirit. On getting there, we talked about so many things, danced, partied in the house, and even drank to some point but I avoided getting drunk to avoid spilling rubbish like I had done the past night.“I’m home. What about you?” Zara’s message came in and I just tossed my phone somewhere before resuming the phone.I had forgotten to respond to her text. Honestly, I just didn’t want to. She has been trying to come closer to me ever since she saw me and Nicholas together. I don’t understand why she was trying to pry into my life.“Got something going on? You look so stressed.” Mia nudged me after collapsing on the sofa“Just the work stress. I need some sleep.” I liedShe wasn’t convinced but my tone was enough to tell her that I wasn’t in the mood to be stressed. From there, I fell into a deep sleep for about two hours before heading home to rest for the day.Never in my