Chapter 3

William didn’t come home that night, simply sending a single message at midnight.

[I’m working late at the office. Take care of yourself.]

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Rachel stared at the message, her lips curling into a bitter smile. However, she wasn’t going to waste more time thinking about him or Samantha. Before she left, she had something more important to do.

And that was to fulfill her mother’s last wish.

When she arrived at the office, she noticed her colleagues giving her odd looks.

“I heard the Oasis Project was finalized already,” someone whispered behind a cubicle. “But Ms. Lloyd isn’t the lead anymore.”

“What? That’s been her baby for months. If she finds out about this, it’ll probably mean trouble.”

“Yeah, but word is the board voted this morning. They gave it to someone new. A transfer, I think.”

As soon as they noticed Rachel at the door, everyone quickly looked away and hurried back to their desks. When she reached her office, she found that everything on her desk had been moved.

Before she could say anything, a soft voice behind her called out, “Rachel?”

She turned slowly.

There, in a snow–white dress that made her look delicate and innocent, stood Samantha. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders, and her face was flawless, her eyes wide and gentle. She had the kind of look that made men want to protect her without even knowing why.

Rachel felt her whole body go cold.

Samantha!

Samantha smiled, lips tinted pink, her cheeks flushing as she sweetly said, “It’s been so long. I guess we’ll be coworkers now. I’m really looking forward to working with you.”

She reached out her hand.

Rachel didn’t take it. Instead, she looked over at her own desk–now completely cleared out- against the surface.

apped her fingers lightly

“What’s going on here?”

Samantha looked at her with wide, watery eyes, as if she had been hurt. Her fingers moved awkwardly in the air, making small gestures.

“I’m really sorry, Rachel. William knows I’m allergic to dust, so he let me use your office. But if it bothers you, we can switch back. I don’t mind. I’ll go talk to him right now.”

Rachel smiled bitterly.

What a joke.

As if

to turn toward William’s

Rachel

fake kindness. His heart was no longer with her, so why bother acting like

but

Chapter 3

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into the company because he sees how tired you’ve been. He just wanted me to

curled into her palm,

her deeply–so deeply, in fact, he invited his old flame to help with her

decided, then I hope you won’t let him down,

past Samantha without waiting for a

in, William heard the sound and looked up. Their eyes met for a few seconds before Rachel’s gaze shifted to the papers on his

was a flicker of panic

“Rachel-”

him. Her eyes were locked

was the final vote on the Oasis Project: Rachel had received ten votes, while Samantha had twelve. And

He actually gave the most important vote

how calm Rachel looked that made William uneasy. He stepped closer and gently wrapped his warm hand around her

join the company and compete for the project. The board made that call. Even as CEO, I can’t override everything. I hope you understand the

tongue, and her lips had gone pale. However, she didn’t shout or cry. She was too numb

that used to look at her like she was his

a steady breath and asked, “What if I insist on leading the

brows lifted just slightly. He took her cold fingers in both hands and held them tig. us thumb gently brushing over her

mom’s dream. But if it succeeds, no matter

out a low laugh. He used

woman, he

his body that was no longer hers;

my mom up there, then why not let me do it? My proposal was just as strong as Samantha’s. You

of Rachel’s hand. Instead, he held it tighter, his warm thumb slowly

find good work. Her parents are in poor health–no one knows how much time they have left. She needs this win. Also, we attended the same school. I know you. You’ve always been kind. You won’t hold this against her,

polished his excuse sounded. However,

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Chapter 3

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wasn’t funny.

that William’s kindness was just for her. Now, she saw the truth–his kindness

suffer from being around dust too. For her, it could even lead to breathing problems,

felt even more uneasy After a moment of hesitation, he

“Rachel, how about we…”

it,” Rachel interrupted. “You just got the promotion. You don’t have full control yet. There are too many shareholders, and you can’t make

pulling her hand out of his without making a fuss. Her voice carried a trace of

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