Chapter 1
1 had been Harlan Shannon’s secret lover for five years. During those years, I was obedient, considerate, and tirelessly role of a hopelessly devoted admirer.
devoted playing
the perfect
I thought this relationships could go on forever–until he brought home a sweet, delicate girl.
Harlan warned me to stay away from her. He took credit for my achievements to fabricate her success and even let me drink in her place until I ended up the hospital.
He believed I was hopelessly in love with him, that I would continue being his loyal admirer, jealous and heartbroken, crying my eyes out for him.
But when he begged me, red–eyed, not to leave, be still dula’t understand one thang-
was never him.
The one I loved was never
on the sofa.
As usul. I went to give Harlan a checkups. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Tamara Tatum curled up on
she was delicate and beautiful, with p
ipale lips. At first glance, she looked like someone you’d want to protect.
I knew her. She was the new employee Harlan had hired about a month ago.
Tamara looked alle pale. She spoke to me quickly, explaining. “Charlene, It’s not what you think. I drank too much and my stomach hurts, so Mr. shannon brought me here,
I was striking, with a sharp appearance,
Just a quick glance in her direction fell like a piercing gaze.
“You don’t need to explain to her,” Hadan said as he walked out of the kitchen with a glass of water.
My eyes fell on the glass in his hand. The steam was rising, and his fingertips were turning rest from the heat.
Yet, he will held the glass.
I raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly. “Mr. Shannon, you’re sa
s considerate.”
I wasn’t sure if it way my expression or my tone, but something about me seemed to annoy him.
Harlaris expression turned slightly displeased. “Charlene”
I could hear a warning in his voice.
I’d never heant before. “Drink some water bist.”
He shot me a cold glawe, then helped Tamara sit up. His voice softened in a way I’d
Tamara smiled shyly and thanked Harlan in a soft voice.
The dingles on her cheeks were especially cute, the type Harlan liked most
No wonder he brought her home
I walked over and looked up at Harlan.
When my gaze met his coll, indifferent expression, I felt a moment of disorientation.
it until his sharp gaze landed on me that I found my voice “Time for the checkup?
Harlan sand nothing and stood up to head inside.
chhurts. He’s just worried about me
ward softly. “Charlene, I drank for Mr. Shannon, and my stomach hurts He’s
“Why are you explaning to me? I wasn’t thinking of anything. Don’t you think the more you explain, the more it sounds like
attle uneasy at my words.
tone was a litle harsh
you Mr Mumum, inaybe I should take a cala toine
Md 95 9
Chapter!
Harlan glanced at me. “What’s there to bother? She’s just my
the br
family
1 looked up and saw the brief flash of happiness in Tamara’s eyes.
Tamara smiled. “Charlene is amazing.
Fing. Besides bring y
bring your assistant, she’s also a family doctor”
After 1 gave her the prescription and she took the medicine, Harlan asked me to drive her home
Before leaving, she tugged on Harlan’s sleeve and asked pitifully. “Mr. Shannon, could you come with us?”
Then, she leaned into Harlan’s ear. “I’m a little scared of Charlene.”
Tamara’s voice was quiet, but I could hear it clearly.
1 didn’t understand why she was afraid of me since I hadn’t said a word.
I thought!
1 Harlan wouldn’t agree, because he hated trouble.
But to my surprise, Harlan just chuckled and said gently to Tamara, “You little crybaby”
With that, he put on his coat and got into the car.
no one che was there,
He and Tamara sat in the back, chatting about the fun of the party, as if no
I was driving in front, feeling a little out of place.
When
we arrived, Tamara got out of the car with her handbag cheerfully saying goodbye to Harlan and that she’d see him tomorrow,
Harlan smiled faintly. “Get some extra sleep tomorrow. I’ll bring you breakfast.”
Tamara glanced at me and whispered, “Charlene said we can’t eat at our desks.”
The rules I set. No–one would dare say anything to you. Harlan replied.
Tamara seemed much happier and skipped off.
when her figure disappeared from sight did Harlan close the door.
Harlan seemed to be staring at me. After a moment, I heard him say. “Tamara is not like others. Don’t be mean to her.
I was shocked. “Did I say anything at all!”
“If you hadn’t said anything, she wouldn’t be so
he replied.
I laughed. “Mr. Shannon, her being upset has nothing to do with me saying anything. As long as you’re around, she’ll be upset.
“Charlene,” he said in an icy voice, as if about to lose his temper.
But in
in an instant, he held himself back and added, “Tarmara is studying operations planning. Help her a litle
I frowned slightly. I haven’t worked in that field for a long time!
“I know” Harlan stared at me,
dark, “What I mean is, from now on, you’re going back to the planning department. I’ll find a new assistant.”
I immediately slammed my hand on the steering wheel, honking the horn loudly.
Harlan frowned in displeasure. Only then did I realize and release my hand. “Give me a reason.”
“You’re always by my side, and people will misunderstand,” he said.
I looked at him through the rearview mirror. “Is it because of Tamara?”
Harlan deduct deny it
ends stung a little. My gaze fell on the small minde on his brow bone. It seemed like I could tolerate his suggestion after all.
I nodded “Trur, you make a good
mugha moj nenehalant attitude would sandly him, but unexpectedly, when he heard that, he seemed unluppy. He grabbed his coat and got out of
i didi i say anything and silently watched hom slam the cardoor
2/3
- ad. I werd in an odd nu town neighborhood in the old town
Chapter 1
Hook out my keys and opened the door.
When I turned on the lights, I saw the cozy decorations. My eyes immediately landed on a photo on the coffee table.
Theld the photo close to my chest, tracing the small mole on the person’s brow bone. His eyes weren’t as cold as Harlan’s; they were full of warmth..
After a moment, I placed the photo on the bedside table. For once, I slept peacefully
The next morning, as soon as I arrived at the office, the 11 led me to the planning department.
The HK said. “Charlene, you’ll have to start as the deputy director. Mr. Shannon said you haven’t worked in operations planning for years, so now’s the time to refresh your skills?
She didn’t need to say more. I understood the situation right away.
I didn’t want
want to make
ake things
hard for her, so I just nodded
Before Harlan’s company was established. I was a rising star in the business world.
Everyone praised my proposals for their creativity and perfection; even the toughest clients were always satisfied with my work
In just one year, I had firmly established myself in a big company
It was Harlan who told me that his company was newly founded and that he couldn’t find anyone else, so he asked me to come help him.
Back then, he didn’t have any complaints about me. But now, he said I wasn’t good enough.
I entered the planning department, and as soon as looked up, I saw Tamara’s desk had been moved next to mine.
Harlan hal moved it himself
The colleagues around us exchanged glances.
I could understand them. After all, before this, I was always seen with Harlan, and everyone thought we’d end up together. But now, Tamara had appeared at this critical moment.
The looks from my colleagues were a mix of pity and mockery, as if I were some unwanted puppy.
I guessed even my expression, which I tried to keep careless, probably seemed like a forced smile to them.
Tamara’s desk was set up next to mine. On her desk, there were delicate little ornaments and a steaming hot breakfast
Harlan glanced up at me and said nonchalantly. “You can help her with today’s proposal”
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