Chapter 4

When I arrived at the office, I walked toward my desk as usual, but Sarah pulled me back.

"Avery, you've got trouble today."

I looked at her, confused. I had already resigned. What trouble could I possibly have?

Sarah pointed ahead.

I looked over and saw Chloe sitting in my chair.

After Sarah's quick explanation, I understood the situation.

Today was Chloe's first day as an official employee.

When choosing her desk, she had taken a liking to mine at first glance.

I walked over to her calmly.

Seeing me approach, Chloe raised an eyebrow, a mocking smirk playing on her lips.

"I like this spot. Find yourself another desk."

I looked at her and gave a calm nod.

"Sure. Let me just pack up my things."

Though I didn't say anything, the colleagues around us immediately assumed I was being bullied into submission by Chloe.

But because of Chloe’s special connection to the boss, no one dared to speak up.

They only whispered and cast sympathetic looks my way.

Just as I finished packing my box and was about to leave, Ethan walked in.

Chloe immediately ran to him, grabbing his arm.

Ethan took the opportunity to introduce her to the team.

"This is Chloe Henderson. She’ll be working with you all starting today. Please show her the ropes."

A few scattered claps echoed in the lobby. Ethan didn't seem to mind.

"Did you pick a desk?" he asked.

The moment he said that, Chloe pointed directly at my old spot.

"I want to sit there!"

Ethan looked over and finally noticed me holding my cardboard box. His expression turned slightly uneasy.

"That spot is taken. Choose another one."

Surprisingly, Ethan rejected her request.

But Chloe was determined to have my spot. She clung to his arm, whining.

"Ethan, I want this one. It's closer to your office. I can see you from here."

I didn't want to waste my time watching their little show, so I spoke up.

"She can have the desk."

Since I had already resigned, a desk meant absolutely nothing to me.

Seeing me back down, Chloe looked at Ethan triumphantly.

"See? She gave it to me."

Ethan shot me a glance, his face turning incredibly dark for some reason.

Then, he turned to Chloe, his voice dropping to a cold, firm whisper.

"I said, that desk is taken. Pick another one."

Ethan, who had always spoiled her and given her everything she wanted, was snapping at her for the first time.

Chloe stood there, completely stunned.

The atmosphere in the room froze.

Having made his decision, Ethan spared me one last look before turning on his heel and walking back to his office.

Panicking, Chloe rushed after him, but not before turning back to glare at me with pure hatred.

I found it almost funny. Once, I was just like Chloe, chasing after Ethan’s back.

The only difference was that I chased him for five years and got 99 deeds, but never a single day of his undivided attention.

As I was about to walk out, my phone buzzed with a text from Ethan.

*Tomorrow at 7 PM. Westview Heights Park. I'm making up for our anniversary.*

I smiled, blocked his number, and deleted his contact information.

After saying goodbye to a few colleagues, I walked out of the building.

With my bags already packed, I headed straight to the airport.

The next day, Ethan dressed up in a sharp white suit, carrying a beautifully wrapped gift, and arrived early at Westview Heights Park.