NovelNext Chapter 9
Chapter 9
I thought after our confrontation, Lucian would finally take the hint and leave me alone. But of course, that didn't happen. The next morning, as I was heading out for work, there he was again.
Still wearing the same clothes from yesterday, his tall frame looking exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes. "Wendy, I bought you breakfast..." he said, holding out a package like it was some sort of peace offering.
I glanced at it, soup dumplings. I'd never been a fan, but I'd pretended to like them for his sake before.
"This is pointless," I said flatly. "You know what they say, a good ex is like someone who's dead. Just treat me like I'm gone and stop looking for me."
I walked past him toward the elevator, but of course, he followed. "Wendy, I'm sorry for what I said before. What do I need to do to make it right? For you to forgive me?"
His voice was desperate, filling the narrow space of the elevator. I just stared at the doors, oddly calm. Letting go felt strangely peaceful.
"Lucian, do you know what I'm thinking right now?" I asked, keeping my tone even.
He paused. "What?"
"I'm thinking it would have been better if I'd never met you. Or maybe I should have cut my losses the moment I found out about Liana. Then I wouldn't have wasted three years of my life."
Hurt flashed in his eyes, but he softened and said quietly, "For me, meeting you was my good fortune."
I couldn't help but find the irony in that. I gave him a sidelong glance.
As the elevator reached the ground floor, I stepped out, meeting his hopeful gaze one last time. "Let my misfortune end here," I said calmly, and left him standing there.
This time, he didn't follow. I'd barely gotten settled at my desk when my phone buzzed. An unknown number had sent me several photos. They were of Lucian and Liana together, looking like the perfect couple.
In every shot, Lucian was beaming, looking at her like she was the center of his world. Liana was glowing too, smiling so brightly it made my stomach churn.
I raised an eyebrow and then texted back, Nice photos. Very pleasing. But I don't have time for this right now.
After I hit send, I unblocked Lucian. I forwarded him the photos along with some screenshots of Liana's posts from social media. I respect you both, I typed, but I'm not wishing you well. This is the last time. If she harasses me again, I won't just stand by.
Once I sent the message, I blocked him again. And honestly? It felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest.
"Wendy, congratulations!" Liam walked into the office, a huge grin on his face. He placed a cup of coffee on my desk.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's this for?"
"I overheard the boss talking on the phone. It's confirmed, you're being promoted to manager! I'm the first to know, so I'm the first to congratulate you. Don't forget about us little people when you're rich and famous!"
I was stunned. Just then, my boss called me to her office. Sure enough, I got the promotion.
Leaving her office, I couldn't stop smiling. Feeling good about the news, I invited Liam to dinner. To my surprise, he showed up with his girlfriend.
"You don't mind, do you, Wendy?" he asked. "I'll pay for her portion. I won't take advantage of your generosity."
I chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Eat whatever you want. It's my treat."
Despite my insistence, after the meal, Liam still sent me money for his girlfriend's share. Curious, I asked, "Why did you do that?"
He looked at me seriously. "Isn't that what a responsible person should do? You've got to be careful with how things look, don't want any misunderstandings between me and my girlfriend. I don't want to cause any unnecessary arguments."