Ch. 411..420

Chapter 411

Michael moved quickly. He leaned close to my ear and spoke sensually.

When he spoke, I could feel his warm breath puffing against my ear, tickling it.

Michael grunted as his expression turned even more solemn.

“How desperate are you? Even words can make you feel aroused. Didn't Nicholas satisfy you on the bed?”

Michael continued speaking beside my ear. However, when I heard what he said, I had an urge to punch him.

If he wants to do it, just do it! Why must he drag Nicholas into this? There's nothing between Nicholas and me—absolutely nothing. Why is he saying this now? Does it feel good to insult me?

“I think that his is much bigger than yours. Also, he lasts longer than you. Compared to doing it with you, it felt much better and satisfying with him!”

Since he had already insulted me like that, there was no need for me to show him any mercy. Despite knowing how possessive Michael was, I went on to say that. I wanted him to experience how I felt.

When he heard what I said, he stopped mid-action. He propped his arms beside me while a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes.

“Did you say that you felt more comfortable doing it with him? That his is bigger than mine and that he lasts longer?”

Michael gritted his teeth furiously. There was a dangerous look in his eyes as he stared at me, making me feel like the surrounding air turned colder.

Gazing into Michael's eyes, I started to feel flustered. I did not know what he would do next, but I did not want to give in. After all, he was the one who insulted me first.

“Yeah! His techniques are better than yours!”

Looking straight at Michael, I suppressed my panic and replied loudly.

However, I regretted it the second after I said that. Michael started moving violently and I could barely stand it.

I pressed my hand against his chest, wanting to lessen the pain. However, it was like he had gone mad —he did not even care that I was in pain.

“Michael, stop! You're... hurting me!”

I frowned in agony. Although I was aroused by how passionate Michael was, my body would not be able to take it for a prolonged period of time.

“You can't take it anymore? Didn't you say that Nicholas' was bigger than mine and that he lasts longer in bed? Since I haven't satisfied you in the past, I'll let you enjoy it tonight. Let's see who can make you feel even more satisfied!” spat Michael resentfully.

Even though he was speaking to me, his body did not slow down at all.

I had never seen Michael act so crazily. At that moment, I regretted saying those words to provoke him —I was digging my own grave. If I did not say that and just endured his mocking comments, I would not have to suffer like this.

That night, I barely had any time to rest. Michael kept wanting more and more.

The entire night passed by in a rush of madness. I screamed so much that my throat became hoarse. Michael only spared me when morning arrived, but he did not forget what I said.

I lay on my bed like a ragged doll, my limbs spread wide apart. When Michael gazed at my face, a look of heartache flashed across his eyes before disappearing quickly.

He leaned down beside my ear and demanded frostily, “Did it feel good last night? Did you hit climax many times? Is he better on bed or me?”

Michael's voice was tinged with coldness and fury. According to my understanding of him, he was furious about what I said.

I closed my eyes, no longer looking at him. There was no energy left within me and I did not want to argue with him anymore.

Based on my personality, I would never give in to him. However, I knew clearly that if I continued to provoke him, I might not be able to withstand what would come next.

After this experience, I learned a lesson—never praise another man in front of someone like Michael,

especially when it came to their skills in bed. Otherwise, he would not let you off the hook easily.

“If you're silent, does it mean that you're still unsatisfied? Do you want me to continue?”

Michael was not ready to forgive me just yet. As he whispered beside my ear, his voice became even more devilish.

Before I could give any response, his hands started roaming around.

After a night of passion, my body still ached a bit. When he touched me, I stiffened subconsciously. Having been tormented for an entire night, I was a bit scared.

“Michael, what does it take for you to spare me? Are you happy to see me in such pain?” I asked emotionlessly as I opened my eyes and gazed at him calmly.

My voice was mixed with dejection and disappointment, especially toward Michael. I would have never expected him to treat me like that.

When Michael heard what I said, he stopped stroking me down there. He raised his eyes and glanced at me, his eyes filled with fury and a complex look.

I met his gaze calmly. Michael had never treated me like this in the past.

After a few seconds, he withdrew his hand. He stood up, carried me, and strode toward the bathroom.

He placed me in the bathtub. As I had no more strength left within me, I let him do whatever he wanted. He filled the tub with water and started cleaning my body.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to look at Michael. Had it not for my wish to see Amaury more often, I would never allow him to order me around like this.

His actions last night reminded me of when we first started. Back then, he resorted to all sorts of tricks to force or lure me to bed. The current situation was really similar to that.

A mocking smirk played on my lips. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as an indignant feeling washed over me.

 

Chapter 412

When Michael noticed the change in my emotions, a glint flashed across his eyes as he gazed at me with a complex look.

“Do you like Nicholas that much?”

Michael's hands moved across my body gently. His voice sounded indifferent, but it was mixed with a tinge of disappointment.

“Does it have anything to do with you whether I like Nicholas or not? Michael, I hope that you'll be clearer about our relationship. We've already ended it a long time ago.”

Opening my eyes, I stared at the ceiling and spoke nonchalantly.

I no longer harbored any hope for our relationship. All I hoped for was that Amaury could return to my side after I finish bathing.

“Ended? I'm the only one who can decide when our relationship ends, not you! Anna, as long as I refuse to let you go, you'll always be my woman!”

Michael stopped moving his hands. He stared at me coldly, his eyes raging with fury.

He was still as domineering as before. In the past, my heart would pound rapidly whenever I heard that. Yet, I was extremely calm now. Perhaps, the hope in my heart had already withered, so there was only numbness in me.

I opened my eyes calmly without any expressions on my face. I wanted to ignore Michael's

domineering statement. He could say whatever he liked, but no matter what, he could never change my mind.

“Michael, do you love me? Do you hate me for what happened to your mother?” I asked indifferently as I turned my head to look at Michael's angry expression.

Perhaps because he did not expect me to ask something like that, he frowned and fell silent momentarily.

“That's in the past. Don't you know very well whether I love you or not?” Michael's tone became solemn as he gazed into my eyes.

I know very well?

Yeah, I know very well that he doesn't love me. If he did, why would he let his father pass me a divorce agreement that he has already signed?

I was foolish enough to ask such a question now. Even though I know the answer, I still haven't given up. By asking that again, I'm just hurting myself.

“I get it,” I replied aloofly before closing my eyes and ignoring Michael.

After bathing, he wrapped a towel around my body and carried me to the bed. After venting it out for an entire night, his fury had already dissipated. The anger in his eyes was mostly gone when he looked at me.

“Does it still hurt?” asked Michael softly as he glanced at me and moved his hand to the lower half of my body.

When I felt his touch, my body stiffened. After that passionate night yesterday, my body was still sensitive and uncomfortable.

I turned my head away furiously, not wanting to respond to him.

He's asking this on purpose! Was he equally crazy when he slept with other women in the past?

“I'll help you apply some ointment.”

Michael was not angry when I stayed silent. Casting me another glance, he got up and took the medical kit.

He parted my legs. It was still daytime, so I panicked when I felt that. Instinctively, I tried to evade him.

It had almost been a year since both of us met, so we were already unfamiliar with each other. Now that he was staring right at my private area, I felt very embarrassed.

“It's fine. I'll apply some ointment myself after going back.”

I did not want Michael to do such intimate things anymore. I kept reminding myself that both of us were now strangers, so things like that should not happen.

I closed my legs, not wanting Michael to look at my private area. Although all I could feel toward him was hatred, he was still a man. I could not help but blush.

“It's not like I've never helped you apply ointment. Why are you acting so dramatic? I've seen that part so many times already.”

It was as if Michael could read my mind. He frowned slightly before parting my legs apart forcefully. He was not doing it out of lust—he genuinely wanted to apply the ointment for me.

I frowned, displeased by Michael's action. However, since he had already started, it was too late to reject him. Hence, I just let him apply the ointment while a weird emotion surfaced within me.

After Michael was done, the ointment left a cool sensation on my skin, which made it feel much more comfortable. I rested on the bed for a while before getting up. When I went to the bedroom and saw Amaury, who was still fast asleep, I could not help but stroke his face.

I really wished that I could watch him grow up.

However, the Shaw family would never hand him back to me so easily. I had no choice but to rely on my own capabilities. Planting a gentle kiss on Amaury's forehead, I turned around and looked at Michael.

“I'll go now. I've got a lot of work waiting for me in the office.”

As for Michael, my attitude was still very distant and cold. I did not know how I should face him. I was grateful that he allowed me to meet Amaury last night. However, when I remembered that it was all because of the Shaw family that I had to be parted from my own child for a year, I did not know if I should continue hating Michael.

“Have you decided to work at Nifty Group as Nicholas' subordinate?” interrogated Michael sternly as he stared at me with a frown.

My eyebrows knitted in displeasure when I heard his abrupt question. He was in no position to ask about my matters. However, since he wanted to know, I should reply and let him know how much I hate the Shaw family.

“I've been working at Nifty Group for the past year. Are there any problems? Furthermore, I think that Nicholas is a very good mentor and business partner.”

I was reminded of Nicholas. Now, I needed his help to secure custody over Amaury. Since I was not capable enough to do it alone yet, I had no choice but to stay with him.

When Michael heard me praise Nicholas, his frown deepened and a hint of fury crept into his eyes.

“Nicholas is not a simple man. It's not a good thing for you to stay by his side. I'd advise you to leave him and the Nifty Group,” warned Michael icily.

I came back this time to oppose Michael, so he should be the one worried. Yet, he was threatening me every time he spoke. That made me feel a bit frustrated.

“Are you afraid that I'll become more powerful and that Amaury will return to my side? I'll tell you this clearly. I'll never leave Nifty Group! I want to watch our company trample over Joyful Success,” I replied coldly as I stared straight into Michael's eyes.

I did not know whether he wanted me to leave because he was scared I would be a threat to him, or

because he was so ridiculously possessive that he did not want me to have anything to do with Nicholas.

 

Chapter 413

“Anna, you must be dreaming. Do you really believe that Nicholas can survive in Avenport?”

Michael took a few strides toward me, all while staring at me coldly, his dark eyes emanated rage.

I panic almost instantly but managed to calm myself down. Our eyes locked before I uttered without any sign of weakness, “Why not? I don't think he's any lesser than you!”

The one year I spent with Nicholas opened my eyes to his abilities. In fact, I wouldn't be able to guess who would have the upper hand if he were to compete with Michael. Regardless, I must stand by Nicholas' side, as he was the only hope that I could be reunited with my child.

“Anna, you sure are confident of Nicholas' abilities. Since you trust him so much, then we shall see who will turn out to be the eventual winner!”

Michael's eyes flashed with disdain and grew even more glacial. Evidently, he was infuriated by what I said.

I glanced at him calmly and fell silent. At the end of the day, an argument between the two of us served no useful purpose. After all, when it comes to the business world, it's one's abilities that are crucial and not whether an argument has been won.

“Then I wish you all the best,” I said calmly before turning and walking away.

“Wait!” Michael's voice sounded behind me. I could feel the rage that was emanating from him.

Frowning, I turned around, and asked indifferently, “Is there anything else?”

“If you want to see Amaury, come here every Friday!”

I stiffened for a moment. He's giving me a chance to spend time with Amaury!

I could no longer maintain my distant and cold expression. I gave Michael one last look before leaving swiftly.

I was not sure of the motive behind Michael's offer. One year ago, he made me utterly disappointed. But now, he was giving me another chance to spend time with Amaury. What's his motive? What is he thinking?

He had always been like this, and his unpredictability had perturbed me since forever.

He's always like this, giving me hope whenever I feel hopeless. I really hated enduring the emotional turmoil he caused me, as it made me feel helpless.

Sometimes, I would be inclined to trust him. However, his past conduct made me extremely hesitant.

As I walked slowly on the pathway, my mind was consumed by images of Michael and Amaury.

I forcefully shook my head to brush away all the negative thoughts. His motive was irrelevant as long as I get to spend time with Amaury. Ultimately, what he offered was something good for me.

Initially, I thought that I could only meet with Amaury after all the matter had been settled. However, Michael gave me a chance to spend time with Amaury last night. His action caused my hatred toward

him to diminish slightly.

Nonetheless, it did not influence my decision. Even if he let me meet Amaury every day, I would still want to fight for my child's custody. Only when I successfully obtained the custodial rights would I be in peace.

I knew that if Amaury's custody rights remained with the Shaw family, the same incident that happened a year ago might happen again in the future.

My thoughts were cut off when I felt a pang of pain coming from my nether region. Although I had already applied medication, last night was too intense. Besides, it had been a year since I had any sexual intercourse. As such, it was only natural that my body could not take it.

Only after cursing at Michael in my heart did my rage manage to subside.

Just then, my phone rang. Looking down, I saw that it was a call from Nicholas. Immediately, I felt guilty as I was reminded of what happened the night before.

Regardless, I still answered his call to avoid any suspicion.

“Hey, why are you calling me so early in the day? It's not even time for work.”

I immediately started speaking after answering the call as I did not want him to have the first say.

“Where are you now? It sounds very noisy over there. Are you outside?”

Nicholas spoke softly, but his tone suggested that he was slightly suspicious.

“Yeah, I'm on the road.”

His query made me panic and I answered with guilt flashing in my eyes.

“Why are you out so early in the morning? Shouldn't you be at home resting? Did something happen?”

Nicholas sounded concerned about my well-being, but all it did was make me even more anxious.

“No, nothing happened. It's just that I feel out of shape recently. So I woke up early to squeeze in a workout before going to work. I'm all right.”

I came up with a random excuse to avoid him finding out about what happened last night. After all, he had always been worried that I would get entangled with Michael once again. If he found out that I had spent the night with Michael and even had sex with him, he would be infuriated and the situation might escalate.

I wanted to avoid the trouble. The most pertinent thing in my mind right then was to help Nicholas achieve his goal. This way, both of us would get what we wanted.

“You're exercising? I'm surprised that you're so disciplined and hardworking. Back then, you would even skip your meals just to learn about the ins and outs of the business industry. But look at you now, you're willing to spend some time working on your own health! Your change is quite drastic since you returned to the country.”

Nicholas spoke in a similar manner, soft and calm. However, I had this unexplained feeling brewing in my heart that he was trying to hint at something.

“Why? Do you like it better when I'm a workaholic? My sole purpose in returning to the country is to get back Amaury's custody rights. I want to take care of my son from now on and I need to be healthy for that. Or else, I won't be able to take care of him once he returns to my side.”

I pretended not to understand what he was trying to imply and spoke sarcastically.

“Well, it's good that you remember your purpose. For a moment there, I thought that you'd forgotten all about it after meeting with Michael.”

Nicholas smiled and acted as if he didn't care. Previously, he kept reminding me to hate Michael. Because of that, I got annoyed and was angry with Nicholas. Now, it seemed that he no longer dares to do it directly, but rather subtly.

After spending the past year with him, I started to know him better. He was a smart person that could read a person's mind masterfully. But it was a really tiring experience having to deal with a man like him.

In a cold and glacial tone, I uttered, “I have been clear with my purpose all the while. I don't care about anything else.”

With that, I hung up before he could say another word.

 

Chapter 414

After returning to my place, I changed and headed toward the company.

After a passionate night, I was left walking in an awkward fashion. The moment I entered the building, everyone started throwing odd glances at me.

Most of them were married or in a relationship. Having experienced the same, I reckoned they could guess what happened to me.

As expected, when I was in the washroom, I heard some employees gossiping among themselves.

“Did you notice the way Ms. Garcia was walking today? It was so unnatural!”

“I did. And I think everyone else saw it too.”

“What do you think happened to Ms. Garcia? Is her leg hurt?”

“That's impossible. Can't you tell? She must have had some intense sex last night. Her partner must be really good in bed. I mean, just look at her! She can't even walk properly.”

I could hear a few of them chattering away outside my stall. In response, my face flushed in embarrassment. I did not expect that they could tell just by the way I was walking that I had sex. What was worse was the fact that my private life was being discussed by them in the office.

I hated when my private life became the topic for discussion. If it was something else, I would have reprimanded them immediately. But this was something embarrassing, and I could not find the courage to do it. In the end, I could only keep quiet and continue to listen in on their conversation.

“Who do you think slept with Ms. Garcia? Could it be the general manager? I heard that the two of them have a really close relationship.”

“I think that's possible. Ms. Garcia doesn't have any other man in her life. If she had sex last night, it must be with our general manager. Plus, Ms. Garcia has high standards and will not fall for a mediocre man. The general manager may perhaps just be the right fit for her.”

As the group continued to gossip, they even managed to drag Nicholas into the picture. I was infuriated and aggrieved. Why is my sex life the topic of their gossip?

I took a deep breath and suppressed my anger. I then told myself that such gossiping would happen in almost any company and I should not take it too seriously.

“I am curious, though, just how intense was it last night? I mean, she must have had so much fun doing it to the point where she can't even walk properly!”

Just then another person chimed in, “I'm so envious of Ms. Garcia. She has a man with such sexual prowess. My man, on the other hand, can't even last for more than a few minutes. I am not even in the mood yet and he's done!”

I frowned, annoyed at the topic of their conversation. Just moments ago, they were still gossiping about me, but now, their conversation had turned sexual.

“Same! Not only is my husband quite small, but he can't last long as well! Every time, it's over before I knew it. I would really want to experience the kind of sex that could make me walk wonky like Ms.

Garcia.”

“All right, that's enough, you two. At the end of the day, both of you are married, unlike me. Every night, I'm alone and there is no one to accompany me...”

“Okay... Let's stop talking about this. Let's go back to work.”

It seemed like the conversation was about to end, as one of them was urging them to make a move.

Soon after, the group of gossipers left and I heaved a sigh of relief. Then, I walked out of the washroom stall.

Undeniably, I was affected by the conversation and my expression darkened. I reckoned they would not want to go through what I did last night if they knew the pain of being completely dominated by Michael. It was traumatizing.

I washed my hands and looked into the mirror. Although I was peeved about it, I could not control what they wanted to say.

When I returned to the office, Nicholas was already there waiting for me. Recalling the conversation I had with him that morning, it aggravated my bad mood and made me even more displeased.

“Why are you in my office? Is there anything I can help you with?”

I glanced at him coldly before walking toward my desk. Soon, he shifted his attention toward my legs.

Noticing that I was walking unnaturally, he frowned and an array of mixed emotions flashed across his

eyes.

“What happened? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Why are you walking like that?”

As his tone was calm and monotonous, I could not tell what he was feeling.

However, I was anxious at the thought of the conversation in the washroom. Although I had no feelings toward Nicholas, I knew very well that he liked me.

As such, I did not want him to find out about my night with Michael. If he knew, the matter would become very complicated.

“Nothing happened.”

Forcing down my panic, I forced out a calm look and answered his question softly.

I observed his facial expression carefully in a bid to know what he was thinking. However, he was just as good at hiding his feelings as Michael. Hence, I could not tell what he was trying to say.

“There are some rumors going about in the company today. I'm not sure if you heard about it. But they're saying that last night, you and a man...”

His voice trailed off and he did not finish the sentence. By then, I already guessed what he wanted to say.

My heart lurched as I did not expect him to ask me such a question.

My expression instantly turned awkward. Despite being quite familiar with one another, I was still annoyed that he would ask me such an intimate question.

“I already heard everything in the washroom just now.”

Fighting back the feelings of anxiety in my heart, I tried my best to calm down. However, with Nicholas' personality, there was no doubt that he would be able to see through me.

“So, it's true that you've slept with a man last night?”

Nicholas tried to pry further and his gaze was filled with suspicion.

Knowing that he would have figured out something by now, he would only be more suspicious if I denied it.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to come clean. “Yes, I slept with a man last night. What's the problem? I'm an adult and that's perfectly normal.”

Although my words might make me sound lustful, it was still better than him finding out that I slept with Michael last night. It was the best excuse that I could come up with.

 

Chapter 415

The look on Nicholas' face immediately changed and he gazed at me with his dark, fiery eyes.

“So the rumors are true. You did sleep with a man last night! Who is it? Is it Michael?”

Nicholas stood up and placed his hands on my desk. Looming over me, I could see that his eyes were filled with anger and rage.

Upon mentioning Michael's name, I panicked but managed to keep it under control.

I then feigned anger and asked him coldly, “What do you mean by that? Why must it be Michael? Am I really that untrustworthy in your eyes?”

Perhaps it was my first time being angry at him, his eyes flashed with a glint of regret.

However, his regret dissipated almost immediately, though the suspicion in his eyes remained.

“Are you saying that you were not with Michael last night? Then who was it?”

Nicholas furrowed his brows and looked at me questioningly.

“This is my private matter. Are you saying that I need to report to you? Even if I were to get myself a gigolo, is that something that I must run by you first?”

I stared at Nicholas, my gaze glacial. I hated it when he tried to control my private life. We were not in a relationship, after all, and it was preposterous for him to try and do so.

Seeing that I was angry, Nicholas' face fell. However, his eyes that were gazing at me were still burning in anger.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to tamp down his raging fury. However, he still failed to contain it and he yelled at me boisterously, “Did you really look for a gigolo in a club? Anna, since when do you casually sleep around with men? If you need a man, I'm here for you and I can satisfy your needs. But you chose to look for a gigolo instead! If someone finds out about this, your reputation will be tarnished!”

I was completely stunned and was unable to process what was going on. We had known each other for one year, but it was the first time that he spoke to me like this, and on this kind of topic.

More than that, however, I was baffled by his statement. Putting aside that I did not do as I said, I would never consider having sex with Nicholas even if I was horny.

Nonetheless, I kept such a comment to myself. I knew that if I say them out loud, Nicholas might relate it to Michael once again.

Lowering my head, I said softly, “Last night was an accident. It won't happen again.”

I wanted to end the conversation as soon as possible.

Nicholas looked at me in the eyes and uttered in a deep voice, “Fine, let's move on from this then. I hope you don't do such a thing ever again. Any man that likes you will not be able to accept this.”

“Okay, I got it,” I replied flatly.

Inside, I heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he's not suspicious of anything.

“Okay, you should get back to work. We'll need to speak with Red Star about the collaboration later. You know Michael very well and I think you are the perfect candidate to attend the meeting. It will significantly increase our chance of success.”

Nicholas changed the topic and spoke to me calmly.

“Okay. I'll go get ready and head out in the afternoon.”

I started preparing the documents for the meeting. Red Star was the first target that our company wanted to take over from Michael.

As I started working, Nicholas was prepared to leave, but he came to a halt at the exit.

“If you need somebody to accompany you next time, feel free to give me a call. I hate the thought that some random guy gets to sleep with you.”

Before I could react, Nicholas was already out of my office.

I stared at the door that had been slammed shut, speechless. In Nicholas' mind, I must have become a lustful and horny woman, huh?

However, what he thought was none of my concern. After all, I was the one who knew what the truth was.

At the end of the day, Michael was to be blamed for the gossip. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have had

such a problematic day.

I thought my explanation to Nicholas would stay between the two of us. But by afternoon, almost everyone knew about it. It appeared that somebody was eavesdropping when the conversation took place.

In the blink of an eye, my image in the company quickly went downhill. Everyone thought that I was a loose woman who was lustful and horny, and their stares changed drastically, in a bad way.

In the pantry, I wanted to make myself a cup of coffee when I overheard a conversation about me again.

“Do you think that it's real? That Ms. Garcia really slept with a gigolo from the club?”

“Of course it's real. I heard it with my own ears this morning. It can't be fake.”

“But Ms. Garcia doesn't look like a promiscuous woman. She has her own principles and doesn't seem like a person who would do something like that.”

One of them refused to believe that the rumor was true.

“Haven't you heard the phrase 'never judge a book by its cover?' Someone may look innocent but in truth, she is but a lustful wh*re! Nothing is impossible.”

One of the female employees muttered in a scornful tone, “That's right. She may be a brilliant career woman in the day, but at night, she may be f*cking a guy like a wh*re. Who knows, maybe it's because the general manager is too busy to satisfy her needs.”

Initially, I wanted to ignore them but the statement was too abhorrent for me to tolerate.

Cough! Cough!

Clearing my throat, I showed myself from behind the door. At the same time, I cast them an icy-cold gaze.

Upon my arrival, their eyes widened in shock and they looked down awkwardly.

“Ms. Garcia.”

They greeted me politely as if nothing happened. If I was not aware of the conversation just now, I might even think they were being respectful toward me.

I stood before them and started sizing them up. Under my scrutinizing gaze, they started to feel uncomfortable.

“You should focus on your work when you're in the office. Did the company hire you to gossip about your boss? Have you finished all of your pending work?” I asked coldly.

I rarely interfered with menial matters as such in the company. However, gossiping about one's superior was no longer something insignificant. If they were to channel their focus on gossip, then their work would surely suffer.

 

Chapter 416

Since my intention in going there that day was to have an open discussion so that I could take away Michael's deal, I naturally would not give up so easily.

Looking at how resolute I was, a troubled expression appeared on Chris' face.

“Ms. Garcia, I have been working with Mr. Shaw for many years now. Furthermore, my contract with his company has yet to expire. You coming to see me now will affect my company negatively.”

“Mr. Lobston, there's still another month before your contract with Joyful Success ends. This is the most suitable time for my company to approach you for a discussion on our future collaboration.”

Before coming to Red Star, I had already understood the ins and outs of the company. If I could not even get something as trivial as that right, I would not be there for a discussion.

However, I assumed Chris did not expect me to be so well-prepared. That was why he looked even more tense and troubled.

“Ms. Garcia, forget about the collaboration between our companies. Before you came here, I have already spoken with Mr. Shaw regarding the extension of our contract. Therefore, there's nothing much I can do for you.”

Now I knew why Chris refused to talk to me about our collaboration. That was because Michael had already beaten me to it.

Since Chris had already agreed to work with Michael, nothing that I was about to say would be of any use. I was fuming.

I did not expect Michael to act so swiftly. Initially, I had thought that my company was swift in preparing to secure a contract with Red Star. Little did I realize that he was even faster.

No matter how furious I was deep down inside, I smiled and spoke politely to Chris, “All right then. Since you have already agreed to work with Joyful Success, then I can only hope to work with your company another time. Hopefully, you will be able to give my company a chance the next time around.”

“Sure! Most definitely!”

Chris heaved a sigh of relief the moment he heard me say that.

Both of us were only being polite. I had no idea when the new contract would end. He might agree to give my company a chance next time, but he might not keep his word when the time arrived.

That was how the business world was. Everyone would say one thing and do another. I was the same too.

“Mr. Lobston, I won't take up any more of your time then. I shall make a move first.”

Since the talk on the collaboration did not go through, there was no point in staying on. I stood up as I was telling Chris that and turned to leave.

He could not wait for me to be gone and immediately sent his secretary to see me out.

When I arrived at the ground floor of Red Star, I was feeling disappointed. That was my first mission

upon returning to the country, and I failed. It made me anxious.

I had underestimated Michael's abilities. Despite spending the past year overseas and learning how to manage a business, I was still not at his level. It was impossible to beat him.

I took a deep breath and tried hard to calm myself down.

Taking out my phone, I made a call to Nicholas. The call was answered after a few seconds.

“How was it? Did the discussion go on smoothly?”

Nicholas' gentle voice sounded so confident that I would win the contract.

After hearing him, I became even more depressed. It was only after a while before I could reply indifferently, “No. It's impossible for us to collaborate with Red Star because Michael has already sealed the deal with Mr. Lobston before I came.”

I felt even more down after I said that.

There was a moment of silence from the other end of the phone. Nicholas' voice rang out again, “It's fine. It's only a contract. If we can catch him off-guard so easily, then he wouldn't be Michael.”

I had thought that Nicholas would be very disappointed, but he was calmer than I had expected. Perhaps, he was mentally prepared. That was why he was not as crestfallen as me.

“Nicholas, I feel very uneasy. This is just the start, and I have already lost. I really have no confidence that I can help you beat Joyful Success. I don't even think I have the ability to get Amaury back.”

I have been so sure of myself. Why am I at a loss now? Why am I always the weakest person?

“Anna, don't think too much. This is only the beginning. I didn't think things through enough. Next time, we'll definitely succeed. Believe me!”

Maybe, I was too dejected currently. Nicholas sounded a little desperate to me.

Unfortunately, I did not feel better in spite of his consolation. However, I knew I could not give up just like that. If I gave up so easily after my first attempt, I would not stand a chance to get Amaury back to my side in the future.

“Yes, I know. I'm not feeling too great at the moment. I need some time alone. Talk to you later.”

I did not wish to discuss the matter any further, so I ended the call.

Taking another deep inhalation, I tried to calm my emotions down and kept telling myself that I would be able to do it. I would never lose!

Just then, the honk of a car could be heard coming from behind me. I turned around and saw a black Mercedes-Benz SUV. It looked like the one Michael used to drive.

Thinking that it might be Michael in the car, I frowned and started to walk away. I had no wish in seeing him.

Sadly, he had no intention of letting me go. After a few steps, he drove up next to me.

Michael's handsome face appeared as the car window winded down, and he took a gander at me.

“You really don't want to see me, do you? You're in such a hurry to get away.”

His unflustered voice revealed no emotions whatsoever.

My plan had failed because he had come to an agreement with Chris beforehand. I was still angry with Michael.

I pretended not to hear him and continued walking.

His sudden appearance only caused me more frustration.

Seeing that I did not respond, Michael frowned and looked unhappy.

“Anna, are you ignoring me? I'm talking to you!”

Michael raised his voice and sounded annoyed.

My mood is already bad enough. Why is he shouting at me? Is he trying to irk me further?

Michael became infuriated when I refused to talk to him. He stopped the car and strode toward me.

Michael grabbed hold of my arm.

Chapter 417

“Anna! Did you not hear me talking to you?”

The moment I stopped walking, Michael began to yell at me. His eyes were blazing with rage.

One yell from him, and my temper shot up.

“Michael, what the hell do you want? Are you here to see how I have failed? If that's the case, you have already seen it. You may go now!”

The fact that he had shown up at Red Star clearly proved that he knew I would be here. He had been waiting for me.

When I recalled that there was nothing I could have done about the collaboration this time around and that he had beaten me to it, I became more irritated.

He was taken aback by my outburst. After digesting what I had said, the anger on his face seemed to have reduced tremendously.

“Do you think I'm so free that I will wait here just to see you make a fool of yourself? So Nifty Group thinks that they can just take my things away from me? Hah! Dream on!”

Michael loomed over me arrogantly.

I knew I had already been defeated. Now that he was making such sarcastic remarks in front of me, it would not be a surprise that I would be outraged.

“This is only the beginning. We shall see!”

Not wanting to waste any more of my time with him, I pushed his hand and walked away.

All I wanted at that moment was to leave that place so that I did not have to see him. Instead, he grabbed hold of my arm once again.

He stared at me with those frosty eyes of his as he said unreasonably, “Did I say you can go? Who gave you that permission?”

Since I was completely unrelated to him right now, I certainly did not require his permission to leave. Who does he think he is to me? What gives him the right to question me?

“Whether I decide to go or stay has nothing to do with you. Michael! You better stay away from me. Even a rabbit will bite when it's being provoked! My patience for you has reached its limits!”

This man has been appearing in front of me ever since I returned to the country. Each time I see him, I will end up in a bad mood.

A CEO like him should be very busy with work. Why is he so free that he keeps harassing me?

“Are you saying you are the rabbit? By the look of it, I think you're more of a wild cat. You're insulting the rabbit when you compare yourself to that animal!”

Michael sneered as he glanced at my haggard face. His words were filled with sarcasm.

I was not stupid. I could tell that he was mocking me about my temper.

“I don't wish to talk to you or see you. If you aren't leaving, then let go of me. I want to go home and rest!”

I had no wish to enter into an argument with him. Anyway, there was nothing I could gain out of it. Instead of antagonizing myself, I would rather go home early and strategize my next move so that I could beat him next time.

“Get in. I'll send you back.”

Michael took one look at my tired face and said no more before dragging me to his car.

Not wanting to spend another minute or have any physical contact with him, I struggled with all my might. However, he seemed to know what I was thinking. No matter how hard I pulled away, his grip on me was iron-clad.

“Michael, why do you keep showing yourself in front of me? What do you want? Why are you always pestering me?”

Ever since I returned to the country, he had appeared in front of me more than a couple of times. I really did not know what he was up to. What good could he possibly get out of this!

He paused in his steps when he heard my questions. Turning around and staring at me with those inky eyes of his, he said, “What if I tell you I want you to come back to me?”

He said it with such a calm yet penetrating voice. It did not look like he was joking.

I would not deny that my heart skipped a beat when I heard that, but I regained my composure very quickly.

I would no longer be fooled by his sweet tongue. The last time he dumped me was the greatest lesson of my life. One must never take a man's sweet talk seriously.

If you did, you would only end up badly hurt.

Although his words did invoke some reactions within me earlier on, it did not take me long to settle down. I looked into his eyes with a trace of ridicule.

“Michael, your joke isn't funny at all! Furthermore, I have no intention of coming back to you!”

A year ago, he dumped me. Now, he wanted me to go back to him. The thought of it was quite absurd.

Although I did love him wholeheartedly, that did not mean that I would lower myself to that extent. I would never go back to a man who had dumped me.

I was adamant in my refusal and left no room for negotiation. My determination was as deep as the hurt that he had inflicted on me.

There was an intense frown on Michael's forehead. He stared at me with such anger and could not believe that I would turn him down in an unwavering manner. After all, I used to love him to the core.

Perhaps, before asking me, he had thought that I would go back to him without hesitation.

“Give me a reason!”

He stared at me with a grim face, and his grip on my arm tightened.

It was starting to cause pain and discomfort to me. I wanted to groan, but I did not want to display any sign of weakness in front of him.

“Why would you need a reason for this? I just don't want to come back to you! There isn't any reason!”

Back when he allowed Lincoln to hand me the signed divorce agreement, he did not give me a reason either. Why should I give him one now?

“Is it because of Nicholas?”

My answer was obviously not to his satisfaction. His face darkened further, and his tone was menacing.

When I heard him mention Nicholas, I frowned because I had no idea why he would mention him.

He had always brought up Nicholas' name in front of me. It felt as if he was trying to catch me in the act, and it vexed me.

When has he ever seen me with Nicholas? Even if I'm seeing Nicholas, it is none of his business.

“If that's what you think, so be it! I don't care!”

His thoughts had nothing to do with me. Anyway, I had already expressed my stand. If he wished to think that I was with Nicholas, then I would let it be. Perhaps, he might stop harassing me.

“So, it's really because of Nicholas! Anna, I didn't know you're such a promiscuous woman!”

His grip on my arm became harder. The rage in his eyes looked as though he was about to reduce me to ashes. He was utterly enraged now.

 

Chapter 418

“Michael, we're through. There's nothing between us anymore. What right do you have to interrogate me now?”

I screamed at him as I struggled to free myself. Humiliation whipped at me each time he questioned me.

No matter what I do now, it's all wrong anyway. He never trusted me, not even for a little. He was the only one I loved. I gave him everything. How could he think I left him for Nicholas a year ago?

This assumption of his is a joke. Am I that much of a distrustful person to him? Has he not felt even a little of my love for him?

“We're not done! Anna, I told you before, you're my woman. You can only be mine in this life. If I find out there is something between you and Nicholas, I'll destroy him no matter what it takes.”

A turbulent of feelings darkened his onyx eyes. Coldness emanated from him, instantly cooling the atmosphere around us.

My pounding heart clenched as I looked at his enraged expression.

Why is he threatening me? He said he would destroy Nicholas no matter what it took. Is it because of his love for me or his selfish desire to possess me?

I don't know what he's thinking or what I am to him anymore.

Does he take me as his possession? He has never once considered my feelings for everything he said

and done.

“Michael, you're insufferable!”

Rage boiled within me at his chauvinistic declaration, causing my entire body to shiver. The urge to slap him rose within me. I wanted to remind him of the way he had abandoned and hurt me before. Does he not know that his words now sounded like a joke to me?

This man is truly selfish to the core. He was the one who dumped me and didn't want me anymore. Yet, now he's forbidding me from having other men appearing in my life. Does he wish to see me live a lonely life and die alone?

The flames of anger in Michael's eyes burned even brighter at my words. He stuffed me into his car, then got in the driver's seat.

His foot was stepping on the pedal to its limit. The pointer of the speedometer was in the red zone. I could feel my heart pounding in my throat, my knuckles slowly turning white from how tightly I was gripping the seat belt.

“Michael, stop the car! Have you lost your mind? Are you planning to get us killed?”

We'll both be dead if he got into an accident at this speed.

At that thought, I shifted my attention to the road ahead, afraid that he would crash into the car in front. My stomach lurched as dread engulfed me.

I kept yelling at him to stop the car, but he feigned deaf, completely ignoring me. I could feel the speed of the car increase instead.

“Michael, do you hear me? Stop the car!”

“Shut up! One more word from you, and I'll rape you right here and now. Do you want that?”

Despite the cold expression on his face, his eyes were raging with anger.

The moment he shouted his threat, my entire body stiffened for a minute. Then, anger gripped me as I shot him a death glare. How could he threaten me with something like that right at this minute? Shameless jerk!

“Michael, what do I have to do for you to let me go? What do you want from me? I've already failed at the collaboration. You should be glad about it.”

My eyes were wide with terror as I focused my gaze on the front, yet I couldn't help but scream at him. This guy is risking our life. What will happen to Amaury if both of us got into an accident?

“Easy, come back to me. And you have to cut off all ties with Nicholas as well. I will pamper you like how I used to as long as you're back by my side,” he said domineeringly, turning to me as his foot slowly lifted off the pedal, decreasing the car speed.

Stunned by his words for a split second, I glared at him, wishing my eyes could shoot out a laser beam and incinerate him right at that moment.

In the end, it's all because of his selfish desire. He can't tolerate others taking what was his, even if he

is the one who threw it away.

I finally realized just how selfish this man was.

“No way. I'm not going back to you. Unless I'm mentally unstable, I will never be with you ever again.”

No one would willingly turn back if they were in my shoes a year ago. Everyone had their limits, and he crossed mine. He left a scar so deep within me that I would have to be insane to even think about getting back with him.

Isn't it enough to get hurt once? In what world would I want to get hurt again? I'm not a masochist.

“What did you just say? I dare you to repeat it.”

The flame in his eyes had dampened to a chilling degree. Despite sounding softer, the suppressed rage in his voice made him even scarier.

“I'll repeat it a thousand times if I have to. The answer will still be the same. There's no hope between us anymore. There is no us, no matter in the now or the future.”

If I have to be honest, deep within me, I, too, wanted us to return to how we used to be. I'm well aware of my deepest desire. However, we can't turn back time. All those beautiful memories are in the past and shall stay in the past.

Suddenly, he stepped on the brake, causing my body to lurch forward from the inertia. Luckily, I had my seat belt in place, or I would have ended up with a bruise on my head from knocking against the windshield.

Fear filled every corner of my heart even though I didn't suffer any injury. I leaned back against the seat and shrieked at him, “Michael, you're crazy!”

Before I could hurl the rest of my frustrations out at him, he pulled me to him and smashed his lips onto mine.

His kiss was assertive. I could feel his need to possess me. It was as if he was trying to tear me into pieces before swallowing me whole.

I wanted to break free, but his hand was holding the back of my neck firmly, keeping my head in place. My struggles were futile.

The flaming passion in his kiss suffocated me. I even had a feeling that his kiss would lead me to my death from asphyxia.

It felt like an eternity had passed before he finally released me. My breathing was heavy as I tried to get air into my lungs. I truly thought I was going to die from suffocation.

Due to the lack of oxygen, my face was flushed red. However, all I felt was anger for this man.

I didn't know what else I should do to get him to leave me alone. We were currently competitors, and his frequent appearance was giving me a headache.

“Anna, you make me feel love and hate for you at the same time. My love for you had seeped into my skin and carved into my bones. Yet, you fill me with so much hatred that I want to kill you. Tell me, what should I do?”

Michael pinned his gaze at me as he spoke. There was a crack in his voice, and he sounded lost.

 

Chapter 419

My heart lurched at how ferocious he looked one minute, then looking lost in the next. He had seemed so enraged as though he wanted me dead earlier that I couldn't believe those words had come out of his mouth.

He said he loved me so much that it had seeped into his skin and carved into his bones. I didn't trust it one bit. After all, he wouldn't have abandoned me if he loved me to that extent. At the end of the day, he simply didn't love me enough.

“Do you truly love me? Because I don't feel your love even for one bit. Do you remember how you treated me after what happened with your mother? Or have you forgotten about it?”

The corners of my lips curled into a smirk as tears filled my eyes.

If he had loved me so, why did he serve me a divorce agreement right after what happened with his mother, without any explanation? Was that his way of loving me?

“Until now, you still owe me an explanation for that incident. Anna, tell me honestly, are you really the perpetrator behind that incident?”

Suddenly, his gaze turned sharp. It felt as if he could see right through me.

I blinked slowly, confused by his question. What does he mean by that? Is he trying to say that he didn't think that I was the perpetrator behind that incident?

But if he didn't think that I was the perpetrator, why would he serve me a divorce agreement? I couldn't think of any other reason why he had to divorce me except for his mother's incident.

Besides, Lincoln had said before that he wouldn't let the person who hurt his wife stay.

“What are you trying to say? Do you think it wasn't me? That I wasn't the one behind it?”

I locked my gaze with him as I smoothened out my expression and suppressed my raging thoughts.

“You're my woman. No one understands you better than I do. You would never do something like that. That being said, I have no idea why you would shoulder the blame for it. I've given you a chance to explain, but you never did.”

His tone was grave as he looked at me.

I felt my gut tighten at his words. I thought he bought my excuse then, but hearing him now, it was obvious that he had never believed I was the perpetrator, not even once.

I sucked in a deep breath to try and keep my expression neutral. Not knowing what he had in mind, I had to be careful with my words and actions.

“If you didn't believe I was the one who hurt your mother, why did you treat me so coldly then? Why did you divorce me?”

I finally got to ask him the questions that had always lingered in my mind. Anticipation filled me as I studied his eyes, hoping for a silver lining.

Maybe things were not as bad as I had thought. Maybe he's not that heartless toward me.

My heart raced as I waited for his answer.

“I should be the one asking you about the divorce. You're the one who dumped a signed divorce agreement on me and left, after all. You even got my father involved to help you with the divorce procedure. I never thought you could do such a thing, Anna. It seems I have underestimated you.”

At the mention of the divorce, his expression turned cold, and anger laced his voice.

I could hear the reproach and pent-up anger in his tone. However, I didn't care about those, for he just revealed that I was the one who signed the divorce agreement and enlisted his father's aid with the divorce procedure.

How is that possible? His father was the one who served me the signed divorce agreement and forced me to sign it. How could he blame me instead?

“Are you sure I was the one who enlisted your father's help with the divorce procedure? That I was the one who signed the divorce agreement first?” I asked with a smirk, my tone dripping with obvious mockery.

I think it's funny how he still puts all the blame on me even when it's only just the two of us here.

The Shaw family was the one who announced it to the public first, pushing all the blame on me, and tarnishing my name. Everyone thought I was a whore who left with another man.

However, how many actually knew the reason for my departure?

“What do mean by that?”

Michael frowned at my barrage of questions.

“I'm sure you're well aware of exactly what I'm implying here. You were the one who left me a signed divorce agreement and had your father approach me, forcing me to sign the agreement. You were already out of the country by then. I kept trying to reach you, but you didn't pick up any of my calls. Thinking back on the situation now, you were truly heartless to the core,” I sneered. A wave of pain assaulted me as I recalled the painful memories.

Time can't heal everything. Time can't help you forget everything. Some memories hurt more as the days go on.

“The entire time that I was with you, I always thought you loved me the most, so I was completely blindsided when you turn out to be the one who hurt me the most. Do you really think we can get back together after you hurt me so deeply?”

Even though he didn't know what he had done to hurt me, I had to remind him of the pain he caused me. I have to make him remember just how heartless and cruel he was.

He didn't get angry at my biting remarks. He merely looked at me with a frown like he was contemplating something.

“Are you sure I was the one who left you with a signed divorce agreement? Are you sure you weren't the one who initiated the divorce?”

He gripped my shoulder as his voice trembled from agitation.

I cast him a confused glance. Has he forgotten what he had done to the point where he still needed my confirmation?

“I didn't think your memory would be this terrible. Have you forgotten all that you've done to me?”

Instead of giving him an answer, I replied to his queries with questions.

Everything I said earlier was true.

Hearing that, the anger burning in his eyes extinguished swiftly only to be replaced with a complicated look.

“Something must have gone wrong somewhere in our divorce. I'll investigate this matter thoroughly,” he said after a long silence. I was puzzled by his words.

“What are you saying? You were the one who initiated the divorce. I think the problem lies with you.”

Not wanting to dwell on our divorce any longer, I released the seat belt and opened the door, wanting to get out of the car.

“I didn't leave any signed divorce agreement with you when I went overseas.”

 

Chapter 420

Michael's voice sounded again, and his face had darkened.

My body shook as I turned to look at him, a wave of emotions washing through me.

“What do you mean? If you didn't sign the divorce agreement, why was your writing on the papers?”

I was only so sure of it previously because I saw his signature on the papers. But he's telling me now that he hadn't signed it?

I didn't want to believe in his words since there was no way his signature could be fake. At the same time, there was a part of me also hoping that the signature on the divorce agreement papers wasn't real.

I wanted to pursue it further, but I suppressed my curiosity and tried my best to look calm.

“Anyway, I don't know what you're talking about. I still have some work to do so I'll be leaving for the company now. Also, I hope that we don't meet if it's not for work matters.”

He would always leave me confused whenever we met. I didn't like this feeling at all. It felt like my facade was close to shattering every time I see him.

“I'll send you there.”

Just as I was about to get down from the car, he grabbed my hand and fastened my seatbelt.

“No need. I can take a cab there.”

I was scared when I thought about how recklessly he had driven earlier. I didn't want to stay in his car one minute more. It didn't matter that he wasn't scared of getting into an accident because I was.

I had to stay alive since Amaury wasn't back to my side yet.

However, there was no point in refusing at all as Michael immediately started to drive when he was done fastening my seatbelt.

I hated how domineering he was, but I knew well enough not to argue with him. If I were to argue and anger him again, I would be the only one in danger.

Fortunately, he didn't drive like how he had previously after he cooled off. He drove slowly as he kept his eyes on the road, but his brows were furrowed, seemingly in deep thoughts.

Once we arrived at the company, he stopped the car and turned to look at me.

However, I ignored him and got off the car immediately.

I was in a bad mood after seeing him that day, and it seemed like he had something on his mind as he didn't say anything.

Feeling irritated, I locked myself in my office once I got in. Not only did my business fail, but I also had a fight with Michael. Everything seemed to be going wrong that day.

I flipped through the documents on my table in frustration, trying to distract myself from what had

happened. Right then, the door opened and Nicholas walked in.

My brows knitted together at the sight of him as I could guess what he was about to say.

Lowering my head, I pretended to work as I didn't want to talk to him.

“I saw you getting down from a car earlier. Did Michael send you here?”

As expected, he always spoke of Michael whenever he opened his mouth as though all that he paid attention to was my business with Michael.

“He did. Is there a problem?” I answered truthfully with an indifferent expression as I look up at him.

I disliked the fact that he was always trying to sound me out subtly. It made it seem like I would betray him.

Nicholas was taken aback for a moment. When he finally snapped back to his senses, he made his way toward me.

“It sounds like you don't like it when I ask about you two. I'm just concerned about you. I know that you're someone who places great value on relationships, so I was worried that you'd fall in too deep again. I didn't want to see you hurt again.”

He came by my side and held my hand, looking at me with a gentle look on his face.

I didn't feel anything after hearing his sweet words. I was aware that he was always saying stuff like this because he had some feelings for me, but I know that he cared more about business deep inside his

heart.

The reason he was so concerned about Michael and me was that he was afraid that I would get back together with that man. He was worried that his chances of winning against Michael would be lower if he didn't have my help.

“You don't have to worry about that. I know what to do,” I said bluntly, turning away from him.

“Anna, did you notice that your attitude toward me is colder ever since you met with Michael after you returned to the country? We used to be so close back in Anglandur. But whenever we talk about Michael now, you always look frustrated. Are you being wary of me now?”

Nicholas frowned and looked at me in disappointment.

I was annoyed initially but started to feel guilty after hearing what he had said.

Suppressing the emotions I was feeling, I looked up at him and said, “I was never wary of you. But ever since I returned to the country, you're always subtly reminding me of my relationship with Michael. I really don't like it when you do this, Nicholas.”

Although I admit that he had helped me quite a lot, he seemed to have changed into an entirely different person ever since I returned. I really didn't like how he was being now.

“I'm just concerned about you. I'm worried that you will give in to Michael. If that happens, everything you've done till now will go to waste.”

“You've already said this many times. I can already memorize your words by now. I'm an adult, so

there's no need for you to keep reminding me like this. Just think about yourself first.”

I had lost count of how many times he had said something like this. I was grateful in the beginning. However, as time went by, it only made me more and more irritated.

“All right, then. Since you don't want to hear it, I won't say it again,” he said impatiently before keeping silent.

With that, I continued to busy myself with work.

“Let's have dinner together tomorrow. I have something to tell you.”

After a moment's silence, Nicholas' voice sounded again. I wanted to refuse, but I didn't want him to think that it was because of Michael again, so I nodded in agreement in the end.

“Okay. Text me the time and location after you've made the reservation.”

“Sure. I'll let you get back to your work. I'll head out first.”

His expression finally relaxed a little after I agreed to the dinner.

I didn't head home straight away after work. Instead, I drove to a nearby café and took a seat by the windows.

It had already been a few days since I arrived here, and I was busy every day. All I wanted to do at that moment was to have some alone time with myself.

Staring at the view outside the window, I could feel myself calming down. But right at that moment, I heard the conversation between a man and a woman behind me.

“Ronan, I asked you out today because I have something to tell you.”