Chapter 4

Winona added me because of Edie.

[So, you added me just to get info on him?] I asked.

Winona, clearly caught, shot back with an angry emoji. [What's the big deal? I have to talk to him about business-related matters. Why can't I ask about him?]

I was so annoyed that I actually laughed.

There was no way that two interns would need to coordinate on important issues.

Not wanting to say another word, I sent her straight to my block list.

After that, I was totally swamped with work.

The manager handed me all the tasks that were supposed to be Edie's, claiming it was to give me more experience.

Edie spent every day glued to his phone and raking in presents.

All the young women at the office kept coming up with ways to hang around him.

A girl said, "Edie, I bought too much coffee. This one's for you!"

Another said, "Edie, you don't drive? Oh, subway's fine. How about we take it together after work? Subway's my favorite."

Someone else said, "Edie, wanna go to that new restaurant after work?"

Among all the girls trying to get his attention, I even caught sight of Winona.

She was obviously dressed to kill.

The sharp click-clack of her heels grew louder until she paused right beside me.

The familiar rose shampoo scent wafted over. It was her favorite.

She didn't even glance my way.

But the moment she spotted Edie, her face lit up with a sweet smile, her eyes curving into soft little moons.

"Edie, there's a new movie out this weekend. I've got an extra ticket. Wanna go together?" Winona said brightly.

Winona was stunning.

With her smooth skin, she stood out like a spotlight among all the other girls.

Edie's eyes lit up. He agreed without a second thought.

Winona tossed her hair and walked away in her heels, never once looking in my direction.

Watching her walk away, I suddenly flashed back to the very first time I saw her.

It was at our college orientation night.

She was up on stage, dancing in this worn-out cotton dress.

The spotlight hit her, and she lit up like a white swan.

She had no fancy makeup or designer dress, but she caught my eye right away.

On stage, she stood straight-backed, her eyes as defiant as a wild rose in winter.

My heart skipped a beat after seeing that scene.

I went out of my way to get her contact info.

Knowing how proud she was, I never relied solely on expensive gifts to please her.

For three years, I carefully respected her pride, inching closer to her heart with my awkward but genuine efforts.

Sometimes, she'd surprise me with little handmade gifts. Those little gestures meant more to me than anything else.

But now, seeing her trying so hard to impress Edie, I suddenly felt a pang of confusion.

The Winona standing here, all dolled up, was a far cry from the girl in that faded white dress I used to know.

I felt that a true gem would never stoop so low.

Lost in thought, I suddenly felt a sharp rap on the back of my head with a stack of papers.

I snapped back to reality and saw the manager standing behind me, looking annoyed.

He asked, "What are you spacing out for? You can't even finish your work, and you've got time to daydream? Take a page from Edie. He's got real skills, but he keeps it low-key!"

This wasn't the first time the manager had given me a hard time.

But today, the anger finally boiled over. I wasn't about to take it anymore.

I met his gaze and said, "You're right, I should learn from Edie. Why not call him over and see how he'd handle this code? He's the expert, isn't he?"

The manager's face fell. He said sarcastically, "You can't even handle something this simple? Did the company hire you just to slack off?"

I didn't get mad. Instead, I grinned and played along, "If it's really that easy, you must know how to solve it, right? Why don't you walk me through it?"

As I said it, I put on my most eager-to-learn face.

The manager was left speechless, his face turning a deep shade of purple.

Just then, Edie sauntered over, sounding all casual. "What's the problem? Let me see."

He leaned in to look at the screen, but after just a quick glance, his confident expression disappeared instantly.

I spoke up while putting on my most innocent and concerned voice. "Edie, why the sudden change in your face? Don't tell me even you can't solve it. Manager's always calling you the tech genius."

Edie's mouth twitched, and sweat started to bead on his forehead.