Chapter 4

I was in the break room when my phone lit up with multiple photos from my mother, all of the same man.

[He lives in your city. I've scheduled a meeting. Don't forget about it.]

While typing a reply, I noticed someone had picked up my cup from the counter.

"Ms. Williams, got a moment to talk?"

It was Elliana, leaning against the counter in a sharply tailored designer suit, her gaze carrying a hint of challenge.

See?

When Eden wasn't around, the timid little rabbit was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't."

I reached for my cup to leave, but her voice followed me.

"I know you two have broken up. I suggest you keep your distance from Eden from now on."

Her tone had turned cold and formal, stripped completely of the tearful vulnerability she so often performed in front of Eden.

"Who says we can't get back together?" I turned to face her.

Her expression stiffened instantly.

I'd only meant to tease her, but her hands trembled so noticeably she could barely keep hold of her cup.

"Even divorced couples remarry. What exactly is your role here that gives you the right to warn me?"

Elliana spoke through nearly gritted teeth, "Eden doesn't love you. How can you still think of clinging to him? Have some self-respect. Don't make yourself look so cheap."

Cheap?

I reached out and lightly brushed a speck from the expensive fabric of her blazer.

"Can self-respect put food on the table? Or buy clothes like these?"

I'd seen Elliana's résumé before. There was no notable family background. She was just an ordinary recent graduate.

How had she gone from canvas totes to Chanel in just a month? From simple cotton blouses to luxury suiting?

As she stood frozen, I leaned casually against the counter.

Taking a sip of water, I continued almost idly, "Eden really is wonderful. I have to admit, I've missed him since we parted ways.

"He came to find me afterward, you know. He explained everything. He said he had no real interest in you. He just didn't want you to feel embarrassed in front of everyone.

"To be honest, I forgave him a while ago."

The cup in Elliana's hand fell to the floor and shattered.

Trembling all over, she cried out, "You're shameless, Katherine! You are just an old woman!"

I simply smiled.

Giving her shoulder a light pat, I said, "If this older woman can attract a younger man, that's a kind of skill. No need to be so jealous."

I'd only intended to vent some of my frustrations, whether from my mother or from her, through this little exchange.

But as I stepped out of the break room, I found Eden standing right outside the door.

His expression was complicated, yet something in his eyes glimmered.

"Katherine," he said, "we need to talk."

I walked straight past him, quickening my pace.

Between him and me, there was nothing left to say.

By the time I left work, the sky had turned heavy with clouds. A strong wind picked up, and soon thunder rumbled as rain began pouring down.

My car was restricted today, ride-shares were unavailable, the subway entrance was still hundreds of yards away, and I had no umbrella.

People came and went, cars stopped and left, but the rain showed no sign of letting up.

"Let me drive you." Eden's umbrella appeared over my head.

I took a step back, maintaining a clear distance.

"No, thank you."

"Katherine, can we please stop this?" Eden's soft sigh sounded almost weary. "Look at this rain. Do you really think you'll get a cab?

"Be reasonable. Let me take you home."

To be honest, I detested this side of him.

Since when did this sort of presumptuous, caring act become appealing?

I stood in silence, refusing to engage.

Eden, equally stubborn, held the umbrella without moving.

"Fine. If you won't go, I won't either. We can stand here all night."

The rain didn't ease. It grew heavier.

Before long, a drenched figure came running toward us through the downpour.

"Ms. Williams!" Elliana gasped, her hair plastered to her face by the rain. "I've brought the project proposal you asked for."

Her soaked clothes clung to her slender frame as she carefully shielded the documents in her arms. She glanced timidly at Eden and added softly, "Mr. Ross..."

Eden frowned and immediately pulled her under his umbrella. "Why didn't you take a taxi in this downpour?"

"I couldn't get one..." she said.