Chapter 3
Samuel was taken aback; he didn't expect me to respond so sharply.
"Didn't you always stop me from ordering takeout? No matter how busy you were before, you'd still cook for me. What's changed now?"
He furrowed his eyebrows deeply, clearly puzzled.
Seeing that I ignored him, he compromised and sat down, then served some food into my bowl.
"I remember your flight is two weeks from now, right? There's a company team-building event in a week—skiing. Go with me."
Hearing this, I paused and looked up to meet his gaze.
His gaze brimmed with hope, and the face that so rarely showed emotion was now turned to me, solemn and intent.
In that moment, it felt as if Joshua was right in front of me.
Many years ago, Joshua proposed to me in the snow.
My heart ached, filled with longing, and holding back tears, I accepted him.
Let it be a dream—now, Samuel was the person I once loved.
Just as I managed to hold back my tears, I heard Samuel say.
"Once you're there, Tamia will finally have someone by her side. She's carrying a child now, and it's no easy burden—make sure you look after her."
I was stunned.
For a moment, I found my own daydream so laughable.
I threw down my fork and stopped sparing Samuel any shred of dignity.
"Is her husband dead? Not only does she need the boss to look after her, now I have to do it too."
I didn't make my words too harsh, hoping to preserve the last bit of dignity between us.
Samuel was angry.
"Can you speak more kindly? What do you mean her husband is dead? He just can't show up in public..."
I said, "Can't show up? Could it be that her husband has another wife and kids?"
I interrupted him, completely disappointed in him.
Samuel's expression tensed up. He opened his mouth but in the end said nothing.
I didn't want to argue with him any further and waved my hand dismissively.
"I'll attend the team-building next week. That's it."
Samuel was no longer in a good mood. He looked at me as if he wanted to say something, but I had no interest in hearing his explanation and headed upstairs.
The week passed quickly, and during that time, Tamia kept posting updates on her social media.
In the pictures, Samuel appeared in almost every shot.
In the past, I would have rushed over with the photo and confronted him.
But now, I no longer cared who he loved.
Being in nature always lifted my mood. On the day of the team-building event, I felt truly at ease.
Everything was covered in white, and everyone gathered together, chatting happily.
Samuel stood nearby, always beside Tamia.
Perhaps aware of my gaze, Samuel approached with Tamia.
He said, "I still have work to attend to. Stay with Tamia and have some fun."
He spoke as if it were only natural, his thoughtfulness almost overflowing. Someone who didn't know better might think Tamia was his wife.
Tamia pretended to be pleasantly surprised by his words.
"How could that be? Mrs. Pearson rarely gets to come out with you; she shouldn't spend all her time taking care of me."
Samuel didn't catch the sarcasm in her words. Instead, he smiled with relief.
"You're always the most considerate. It's fine. My wife doesn't usually enjoy sports, and she's very caring. Just stay here and relax."
Hearing this, Tamia shyly lowered her head, then glanced at me again.
"Well, thank you."
During this, I didn't say a word, but the two of them made all my plans clear.
After Samuel left, only Tamia and I remained.
Seeing this, she dropped her act and curled her lips in mockery.
"You've known for a long time, haven't you? The baby I'm carrying is your husband's."
I nodded, my voice completely calm.
"Maybe it's just how trash attracts trash. If you like him, you could have just told me. There's no need for all this trouble."
Tamia didn't expect me to say that, and her face immediately turned red.
She slapped me.
"Who do you think you are to speak to me like that? You're just a dog who comes whenever Mr. Pearson calls, married for three years without a child. Can't you see who he truly loves?
"Do you really want to know? Every single holiday this year, after being with you, Mr. Pearson made sure to celebrate it again with me. And you actually thought his love was yours alone. How pathetic."
I slowly touched my burning cheek and stared at her without blinking.
Someone once gave me a lifetime of exclusive love, but he passed away.
I raised my hand and, before Tamia could speak again, shoved her hard to the ground.