Our department, being part of a real estate company, was dominated by women. The few men we had were usually contractors and most of them were on the heavier side. So, when someone like him—tall, lean, and devastatingly handsome—suddenly appeared, it stunned everyone into an awkward silence.
Once he left, Liam’s face darkened instantly.
“What are you all staring at? Don’t you have work to do?”
Everyone froze momentarily but quickly lowered their heads and pretended to busy themselves with their tasks. Still, the furious clatter of keyboards made it clear they were all typing away in group chats.
However, I no longer had the mind to pay attention to those messages.
When was the last time I had seen Edward?
It must have been ten years ago.
I couldn’t believe it had been so long. And now, he wasn’t just back in my life—he was my boss’ boss.
Thinking about everything that had happened between us in the past, my cheeks grew warm with embarrassment. I could only hope he wouldn’t hold a grudge over my foolish behavior back then.
With the arrival of our new leader, it was only natural for all the department heads to gather for a welcome lunch.
Nick Chambers from the General Administration Department booked the restaurant. Even though the leaders often clashed in private, they were all on their best behavior now, sitting together with amicable smiles.
I had to admit, Edward had grown a lot over the years. The once reserved boy who rarely interacted with others was now a smooth talker, dazzling everyone at the table. By the end of the meal, the atmosphere was cheerful, at least on the surface.
He didn’t seem to recognize me, treating me the same as everyone else.
While I felt relieved, there was a faint trace of disappointment I couldn’t shake. Maybe it was because we had once been best friends, or perhaps it was the unresolved feelings that had once consumed me.
By the time dinner wrapped up, it was already 2 a.m. Projects like ours were usually in remote areas, and at this hour, getting a cab was almost impossible.
A light drizzle began to fall, and the air carried a crisp, cool breeze.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t driven today. While raising the fare on the ride-hailing app in the hopes of finding a car, Liam suddenly leaned in close.
He was far too close for comfort, smiling suggestively, his eyes clouded with desire—the kind that comes from too much alcohol.
“Yuna, I remember you live near Gerald Road, right? How about I give you a ride home?”
As a mature adult, I understood exactly what he was after.
What I hadn’t expected was for him to have the audacity to target me.
Keeping my expression calm, I smiled and declined, “There’s no need to trouble you, Mr. Murray. My boyfriend will pick me up.”
He must have been drunk, or maybe just in a foul mood, because his face darkened instantly.
Instead of backing off, he started to curse at me.
“Yuna White, what’s your problem? Acting all high and mighty? Do you think you’re better than me?”
