Chapter4
I had never been a drinker, but I got drunk and passed out again.[]
The next morning, I was awakened by a string of urgent phone calls.
I saw it was my boss, Austin Stevens.
“Ariella, shouldn’t your vacation be over today? Why aren’t you at the office yet?”
“Sorry, Mr. Stevens. I was planning to take one more day off, but I overslept…”
“Do you remember when I mentioned opening a new market in Crawford?“[]
Half a year ago, Austin saw my potential and wanted me to be the general manager of the Crawford branch.
But the office was in Hawkin, and I carefully mentioned it to Xavier, who immediately rejected it.]
He didn’t give me any reason, just said he couldn’t accept a long–distance relationship, let alone one in another country.
He said if I decided to go, we’d break up.
I refused Austin without hesitation, choosing to stay by Xavier’s side.[]
“I remember. Didn’t you send Vincent instead? Why…“]
“Sigh, just yesterday, Vincent suddenly passed away from an illness. It really caught me off guard. I thought about it, and only you have the ability to take over the branch.“]
To be honest, I deeply regretted giving up that opportunity.[]
In the past six months, I hadn’t made much progress at the head office.
I never thought I’d get a second chance. I wasn’t going to miss it this time.
“Okay, Mr. Stevens. I’m willing to take it on. I’ll come to the office right away to discuss it.“[]
Austin gave me a lot of business documents about the Crawford market from the past six months.]
I threw myself into studying them, determined to master the business and get there as soon as possible.
After a long day, I finally went home, only to be startled by a dark figure on the couch.[]
“You’re back? Why didn’t you turn on the lights?“]
I turned on the lights and saw Xavier’s somewhat dazed face.
“I texted you, but you didn’t reply, and you didn’t answer my calls.”
“Oh, I was busy all day. My new phone isn’t working well after it fell.“[]
Xavier was silent for a while, his expression awkward.]
“Well… that day, Chloe and I met a driver while cutting through the woods. Chloe’s face got scratched by a branch, and I was worried it would scar, so…‘
“So you took her back to the city overnight with the driver and left me alone in the foggy mountains?“]
I was in agony, but all he cared about was a scratch on his childhood friend’s face, more important than my life!
“Well… when we got back to the city, I heard the rescue team had already left, and I couldn’t reach you, so I just…“)
I fought back tears and forced a bitter smile.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at the jewelry show with your precious Chloe? How did you find the time to check on me?”
o…“[
Xavier looked a bit uneasy.
“We already finished the show.”
“Isn’t there an evening banquet? She just posted a photo on social media, with her arm linked with yours, looking so sweet. You should go back to her.”
I said it calmly, but Xavier was inexplicably angry.
“Ariella! What’s wrong with you? Do you have to bring up Chloe every time? I told you, she’s just a sister to me!”
Xavier grabbed my arm, his breath hot on my face.
I pushed his hand away, my expression still calm.[]
“Yeah, I believe you. I’m tired. I’m going to sleep. By the way, I’m sleeping on the couch. The room’s a mess. If you want to stay, you’ll have to clean it up.”
With that, I pulled the blanket over me and closed my eyes.
I heard Xavier curse under his breath, then storm into the bedroom and slam the door.]
Maybe my calmness, my refusal to argue, left him with no outlet for his anger.]
