Kelsey's POV
Well, I met Kate was standing right in front of my office door, holding a document in her hand and looking proud. Her expression was cold, almost challenging. She didn't seem ready to speak to me about anything important, judging by her expression. But I wasn't in the mood for drama.
"Thought you'd want to see this," Kate said, waving the paper in her hand. It was her contract.
I blinked. "Okay...?"
"I got in without any help. No rich daddy. No calling in favours. Just pure effort." Her tone was sharp, and her eyes burned with something bitter.
I looked at the contract, then at Kate. "That's great. Congratulations."
"I don't want your congratulations," Kate snapped. "I just want you to know I earned this. Unlike you."
I didn't respond right away. I tilted my head slightly, scanning Kate's face. This girl clearly had something against me. Not because I did anything but just because I existed. She must hate me because I got a very special treatment two days ago.
But, that didn't bother me. Because I didn't ask to get any special treatment.
I shrugged. "If it makes you feel better to believe that, go ahead."
Kate scoffed and turned away, walking off with stiff shoulders.
I sighed and muttered under my breath,
"I swear I hate this place."
I walked back into my office, tossed my bag onto the chair, and looked at the clock. 3:00 PM. I've had enough. This wasn't a job—it was a circus. A personal hell wrapped in a company logo. I had planned to stay until five, but the thought of spending two more hours in that space made my stomach twist. I'm lucky Landon was in charge of picking Lila up from school.
Grabbing my bag, I left. I took the stairs down to the parking lot, not in the mood to stand in an elevator pretending to breathe the same air as anyone from this place.
.
.
Outside, the sunlight was a little too bright, but it felt better than the fake lights inside. I walked to my car, heels clicking against the pavement. I just wanted to get home and hug my Lila for three hours. Maybe eat something sweet. Forget today ever happened.
I reached my car and unlocked it, but just as my hand touched the door, someone called my name.
"Kelsey?"
I stiffened. That voice was too familiar.
Turning slowly, I saw him.
Cassian.
My chest tightened. He was standing by the building, leaning against a pillar like he had all the time in the world. His suit was perfect, his smile lazy, and his hair styled like he knew exactly how handsome he was. He always knew.
I didn't say a word.
He walked over, slowly, hands in his pockets.
"Hey," he said softly.
I turned to open my door, trying to ignore him. Yes, that's what I should do. Ignore him like he never existed.
"Don't be like this," he said, stepping closer.
"What do you want, Cassian?" I asked, not looking at him.
"I was waiting for Fiona, but I saw you and... I don't know. Just wanted to talk. It's been a while."
I glared at him. "We don't need to talk."
Before I could get into the car, he reached out and grabbed my wrist. His grip wasn't hard, but it was enough to stop me. I felt disgusted by his touch.
Gross!
"Cassian, let go," I warned.
Just then, they heard a high-pitched voice.
"Cassy!"
Fiona.
I closed my eyes for a second. Of course.
Fiona ran over like she was in a school play. Short dress, fake smile, voice dripping with sugar.
"What's going on here?" she asked, looking between us.
Cassian dropped my hand.
Fiona gasped. "Are you trying to steal my fiancé? Again?"
Again? Isn't that supposed to come from me?
I looked at her, unimpressed. "Don't flatter yourself."
Fiona pouted, then wrapped herself around Cassian like a child with a toy.
"She's trying to break us up," Fiona said to him, loud enough for others to hear. "She's so jealous. You left her and now she can't stand seeing us together."
I rolled my eyes. I had no time for this mess.
Without another word, I got into my car and drove off.
---
The next morning at work, things were worse.
I walked through the building and felt it. The stares. The whispers. They were talking about me.
"That's her."
"Did you hear about the drama with her and Fiona?"
"She tried to steal Fiona's fiancé. Can you imagine?"
I walked faster. I didn't owe anyone an explanation, and I sure as hell wasn't going to start defending myself to gossipers.
I made it to my office and closed the door behind me, exhaling.
This place was already draining me. If I manage to end my mission in one year, I'll be able to leave here. Then it'll be goodbye, pervert. Goodbye, Fiona.
I sat down and turned on my computer, but the screen blurred. I rubbed my face and sighed. I know I shouldn't be thinking about these things but...
Why did Fiona even care? She was the one who stole Cassian while pretending to be my friend. And now she was painting herself as a victim?
I didn't have time for this. I had a mission. A daughter. A fake husband to think about and they won't be added to it. Never.
I picked up my phone and checked the time. I missed Lila already.
I opened the drawer and pulled out a small frame with Lila's picture.
My little sunshine.
I'd do anything to see her smile. Ever since Landon came, she had become chatty, bright and better than when we were in Country C.
It was a big relief. At least, she never asked for her real father since Landon arrived. I touched the small ring around my neck and slipped it back into my shirt.
Slowly, I put the picture beside my monitor and looked at the screen again. One notification. An email from HR. I opened it.
New assignment request:
Reminder - interview feedback and the first draft are due in 48 hours.
I groaned. That stupid virtual interview with the Blackridge family. I hadn't even prepared questions yet. It's obviously a fake interview, but I have to submit something to avoid suspicion.
My phone buzzed again. A message from Landon.
Just a simple one:
Landon:Lila's doing fine. Ate all her breakfast and dropped her off at school.
I smiled a little. That helped.
Then my smile faded. I looked around the office. It was quiet and plain and full of judgment. People here didn't care who you were as long as they could tear you down.
But I wasn't here to make friends.
I straightened my back, placed my fingers on the keyboard, and began typing notes for the interview.