Chapter 2
Charles looked at me like I was a stranger. I ignored him, turned, and strode away. Nestled in his arms with red eyes, Emily murmured, "What could Olivia possibly be in such a hurry for?
"Does she just hate me so much she couldn't even stay?"
Charles watched me get into the car and leave, a slight frown on his face. "Don't take it to heart. After a few years abroad, she's gotten better at playing jealousy games."
Emily bit her lip. "Yeah. She's even learned to play hard to get. I'm scared that one day you might..."
Charles patted her head. "I told you, you're the only one I like."
As for me, I really did have somewhere to be. I ran an internet company with a classmate, work was always piled up, and I had a dinner meeting with a client.
My partner texted me: [Heard you're back. I set up a huge surprise for you.] I replied casually. If I'd known what that surprise was, I would've told her to cancel it.
I hadn't planned on crossing paths with Charles again. But an elder in the family was celebrating a birthday, and as old family friends, we were bound to show up at the same banquet.
Yet when I arrived with my gift, it wasn't a birthday party at all. It was a proposal.
Charles was down on one knee. When he saw me, a mocking smile tugged at his lips. Then he gently slid a diamond ring onto Emily's finger.
Everyone cheered. My parents even took the lead in clapping. I looked at them in confusion. "Isn't today Grandpa's birthday?"
Dad said. "It is, but your grandpa said today should be a double celebration."
I frowned. "Were you really that eager to get them engaged? I honestly thought this was..."
Dad cleared his throat. "We kept it from you because we were afraid you'd ruin it. Didn't you know? Charlie's been put in charge of Skyline's regional operations."
"Skyline?" I froze.
Wait... wasn't that the company my classmate and I had founded?
My dad said, "A son-in-law like Charlie doesn't come around twice. Of course we had to lock down the engagement fast.
"We know you've always liked him, but feelings can't be forced. After all these years, he still doesn't love you, so stop chasing him already, okay?"
I said nothing. Lowering my head, I texted my partner: [That surprise you mentioned... it isn't Charles Bennett, is it?!]
She sent back a tongue-out sticker. [We all know you've always liked him. I handled the regional staffing myself, and he'll report directly to you. From now on, you two will be glued together, haha.]
I pressed a hand to my forehead."
"Isn't that Miss Olivia, Charlie's biggest simp?" someone screamed suddenly.
"Holy crap, it is. She really had the nerve to come?" Another one sneered.
"Look at how miserable she looks. Damn, I almost feel bad for her."
The gossip made my head pound, so I went to a room to talk things through with my partner. After I finished explaining that I really didn't like him anymore, I opened the door.
A hand suddenly clamped around my wrist and yanked me into the stairwell. "Charles!" My wrist ached as he flung me aside. "You saw what happened today," he said coldly. Rubbing my sore wrist, I frowned at him.
He looked at me and said, "I'm engaged to Emmy now. You should find someone to marry too."
"Marry?" I let out a cold laugh. "I have no plans for that right now."