My period was two months late, so I went to the OB/GYN. The doctor, pushing up her glasses, looked at the report I’d just received. “Where’s your husband? Didn’t he come?” I shook my head, a sinking feeling growing in my stomach. “He’s buried in work, as always. No time for me.” The doctor, a woman in her forties, looked at me with a hint of pity. I was terrified, praying it wasn’t what I thought. “If you’re pregnant, he should take good care of you. No matter how busy work gets, your wife is the most important.” Sure enough, I was pregnant! “The baby’s perfectly healthy. Just take some folic acid.” I walked out of the consultation room in a daze, clutching the folic acid prescription, and slumped onto a bench downstairs. It was early spring, and the sun felt warm on my skin, but I was ice cold inside. Because I didn’t have a husband. Just an ex-boyfriend. And we’d broken up just last week. I had no idea what to do about this baby. I couldn’t bring myself to abort it. Maybe I’d keep it for now. Worst case, I’d become a single mom. It would be tough, but I could do it. — Monday, I went to work as usual. Julian emerged from his office and stopped in front of me. He’d left for a business trip right after we broke up, exactly as I’d expected. He still looked the same, utterly unaffected, unlike me who’d been a wreck for a whole week. “Is this document yours? Do you even know how ridiculous these figures are?” Julian was always like this at work—absolutely merciless. We’d been together for over two years, and not once had anyone in the company found out about us. I’d chased him relentlessly back then, convinced I could melt that icy heart of his. But I never became his exception. Julian’s eyes, framed by his glasses, were drilling into me. He saw me lost in thought and his tone sharpened. “Audrey Miller, did your brain go on vacation for the weekend? Need another day off?” He was much fiercer than usual, and I didn’t know why. Even though he didn’t know I was carrying his baby, pregnant women tend to be emotional. I felt a mix of anger and guilt. “Oh yeah, the guys at the club were so hot, I’m still reeling from it.” His eyes turned colder, his lips pressed into a tight line. I knew this was a sign he was extremely angry, but I wasn’t scared at all. If Julian so much as glares at me again, I’m packing my bags and walking out. I quit! After mentally drafting my resignation letter, Julian spoke again. His gaze was complex, and he took a deep breath. “Get this to me before noon.” This wasn’t what I’d expected. Usually, when he was that angry, he’d either ice me out or find some other way to make my life hell. This time, he was so calm. It really seemed like there was nothing left between us. I picked up the file. I’d asked Willow, the new intern I was training, to submit it for me last Friday. I checked the document carefully and found that the data was completely different from what I’d put together. Good thing I had a copy saved on my computer. I cross-referenced everything and confirmed there were no issues. When Willow returned from the breakroom, I walked over to her with a smile. “Willow, did you submit that file for me last Friday?” Her eyes darted away. “Yes, I did.” “Really? I remember my data was all correct, but Mr. Vance said I made a mistake.” Willow jumped to her feet, her eyes welling up with tears. She lowered her head and apologized pitifully in front of me. “Audrey, I’m so sorry. I accidentally spilled something on the file, and the data was unreadable, so I reprinted it… I didn’t realize I got the data wrong…” We had many similar documents in our company; the templates were all the same. You just had to change the title and data to print a new one, so she wasn’t necessarily lying about that part. I scoffed. “Then why didn’t you call me?” Willow looked behind me, her tears falling even faster. “I… I did call, but I don’t know why you didn’t answer.” I rolled my eyes. This ‘innocent’ act is starting. Last Friday, I was in a rush to go home and throw out all of Julian’s things. My phone was in my pocket the whole time. She definitely didn’t call. I pulled out my phone, found my call log for last Friday, and showed the screen to Willow. “See for yourself. Did you call me?” Willow’s voice was tiny, as if she were scared. “Audrey, you could’ve just deleted it…” I was about to say more when Julian’s voice came from behind me. “Is it that hard to admit your mistake?” I didn’t know who he was talking to. I turned around, ready to snap back at him, but then I realized he was staring at Willow. “She gave you the file out of trust. It’s your mistake if you soiled it. She’s perfectly entitled to ignore your calls outside of work hours.” Willow’s face went pale. She looked at me for help, but I ignored her. She seemed to just throw caution to the wind, losing her earlier fragile demeanor. “Then isn’t it her fault for giving the file to an intern like me?” Julian gave her a cold glance. “Her mistake was giving the file to someone so scatterbrained. Are interns incapable of even submitting a document correctly?” Willow had nothing to say. She glared at me with resentment. I was a bit confused. Julian was the one who fired her! What did that have to do with me? It made no sense for her to hate *me*! Was it just because he was good-looking? “Head to HR and get your final check. We don’t have room for incompetence here.” Julian’s words were always sharp. He used to talk to me like that when we were together, always making me absolutely furious. It was actually pretty satisfying to watch him do it to someone else. Julian finished speaking and then looked at me. “Come to my office.” I didn’t know what he wanted now. More trouble for me? He leaned back in his office chair, his eyes fixed on me through his glasses. I felt like he was about to rip into me. A minute passed. I felt incredibly uncomfortable. Just as I was about to bolt out the door, Julian spoke. “I’m sorry.” “What?” I looked up in surprise. This was the first time I’d ever heard Julian apologize. He ran a hand over his forehead, seeming a little exasperated. “I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that before.” Julian’s apology made me feel awkward. If he had yelled, I could have yelled back. But an apology? I really didn’t know how to react. “It’s my fault too. I shouldn’t have been lazy and given the file to her.” This was the first time we’d spoken calmly since the breakup. I still remembered the hysterical scene on the day we broke up. I must have looked awful, screaming so loudly. We fell into a sudden silence in the office. The atmosphere was awkward and loaded with unspoken tension. I just wanted to escape. “How… how have you been this past week?” This was the first time Julian had ever asked me a personal question during work hours. When we were dating, I used to flirt with him in the office when no one else was around, and he’d just sternly glare at me. I shrugged it off with a smile. “Oh, pretty good. I’ve been fine.” A flicker of sadness seemed to cross Julian’s eyes, but the next second, he put on a serious face again. I wondered if I’d imagined it. “Good. It’s good you haven’t let personal emotions affect your work.” “You can go now. Keep up the good work.” His eyes were a little red. I thought he looked like he wanted to cry. Then I immediately dismissed the thought. Must be my pregnancy brain messing with me. Julian? Cry? No way. Willow was already packing her things. She’d only been working a couple of days, so she didn’t have much. She was done in no time. As she was leaving, she came up to me and whispered something. “Wishing you and Julian a lifetime of happiness.” My hand tightened around the tea mug. How did she know? No one in the company knew about Julian and me. How did *she* know? I’d always felt like Willow looked familiar. Suddenly, I remembered seeing her when I was taking a walk with Julian in our neighborhood. But what good was thinking about it now? We were already broken up. The thought made me a little sad, but I still smiled at Willow. “Thanks for the blessing. We will be happy.” I got to see Willow’s face twist instantly, and I felt like a triumphant queen bee. Please. After two years with Julian, I’d picked up a few tricks from him on how to really get under someone’s skin. Willow, a mere intern, thought she could contend with me? The company was efficient, so someone quickly filled Willow’s position. The new intern, Noah, wasn’t just good-looking; he was sweet-talking and diligent too. Definitely more likable than Willow. “Audrey, are you free after work?” I glanced at Noah. He had a pretty, baby-faced look. No wonder all the older ladies in the office always looked out for him. “What’s up?” “Brenda and the others are having a get-together, and they asked me to invite you.” I looked at Brenda, whose eyes were blinking incessantly. I instantly understood what she meant. She was trying to set me up again. Brenda and the others didn’t know I’d had a boyfriend before. They always thought I was twenty-five and had never dated. But in reality, I’d just broken up and wasn’t looking to start a new relationship so soon. “Maybe not.” Noah seemed a little disappointed, lowering his head. “Are you not going because of me, Audrey? Brenda said you usually join them for these get-togethers.” “If you’re not going because of me, then I’ll just go home tonight. I don’t want to bother you all.” “After all, I’m just a new hire. I haven’t earned the right to join your gatherings yet.” Damn it, Noah’s act reminded me so much of Willow’s ‘innocent’ act. She used that same expression every time she tried to shirk work. But still, Noah was kinda charming. Brenda must have overheard Noah’s words, a small smile playing on her lips. “Fine, I’ll go.” Noah immediately looked up, his bright, sparkling eyes fixed on me like a puppy who’d just gotten a treat. “Then wait for us after work, Audrey!” “Okay.” A sweet, puppy-like guy! He was so adorable! I started to scold myself mentally. I’m pregnant. I shouldn’t be thinking about unhealthy thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a chill. I turned around to find Julian holding a teacup, staring at us with a blank expression. I had no idea how long he’d been listening. His eyes were red again. I figured there must be something wrong with his eyes. They’d been red on and off lately. Should I subtly suggest he get them checked at the hospital? Never mind. He’s just my ex. It’s none of my business. The dinner was at a fantastic BBQ restaurant. There were five or six of us, so we got a private room. Noah sat right next to me. While we waited for the meat to arrive, Brenda started. “So, Noah, how old are you this year? Do you have a girlfriend?” Noah seemed a little nervous. “Twenty-two. No girlfriend.” Brenda’s eyes twinkled with delight. Everyone else was looking at Noah… and then at me next to him. “Do you have anyone you like?” Noah’s ears turned bright red. He timidly glanced at me. “…Yes.” I was mortified. It couldn’t be what I was thinking, could it? Noah liked *me*? I barely remembered us knowing each other for a few days! Brenda finally shut up, her suggestive gaze flickering between Noah and me. Everyone else was grinning and secretly chuckling. I felt awkward and tried to lighten the mood. “Oh, where’s the meat? I’m starving.” “Noah, could you go check?” Noah, his face bright red, left the private room. The moment he was gone, the room erupted in chatter. Brenda was laughing the loudest. “Oh Audrey, look how attentive Noah is to you.” I feigned annoyance. “Brenda, stop kidding around. Noah’s shy.” Brenda covered her mouth, still giggling. Just as she was about to say something else, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen before cautiously answering. “Hello, Mr. Vance.” “Yes, that’s right.” “You’re coming too?” “Okay. It’s at [XX BBQ Restaurant], room number [XX].” Brenda hung up the phone, looking hesitant. I picked up a slice of marinated lotus root from the table and asked casually. “What? Mr. Vance is coming too?” Brenda sighed. “Yes, he asked if we were having a get-together and said he wanted to ‘exchange feelings’ with us.” “…” The room instantly fell silent because no one believed a word Julian said. He’d never joined us for a get-together before. Who knew what crazy idea he had this time? Remembering his serious work demeanor, I silently put down my chopsticks. Maybe someone had messed up again, and he was here to interrogate us. Wasn’t causing trouble also a way of “exchanging feelings”? When Noah returned, he was carrying two plates of meat. He set them on the table and immediately started grilling. “It’s busy tonight, and the kitchen still needs to slice more meat. I brought these two plates first. Dig in, everyone.” He was very skilled at grilling meat; he clearly did it often. Once it was cooked, he first placed a piece on my plate. “Audrey, eat up. You said you were hungry, right?” Everyone eating with us was a close colleague, so no one was displeased. Instead, they teased us. I got hungry easily after becoming pregnant, so I didn’t care about feeling embarrassed right now. “Thanks. You should get some for Brenda and the others too.” Brenda waved her fork and said to everyone around, “Oh, no need. Noah, just take care of Audrey. We’ll help ourselves.” Her words were full of innuendo, and Noah’s face turned red again. I ate my grilled meat, sighing inwardly. Noah was indeed a fresh graduate. He couldn’t handle such obvious teasing very well. Look at his face, red as a baboon’s behind. He still needed more practice. “Excuse me, I’m late.” Julian pushed open the room door, his deep voice filling the private room. Everyone stood up. “Mr. Vance.” He pulled out the chair next to me and gestured for everyone to sit down. “Eat up, everyone. It’s on me tonight.” For a moment, no one in the room spoke, only the sizzling sound of the grilling meat. Julian frowned. “Why is no one talking? Is this how you usually have dinner?” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and mutter softly. “With you here, who dares to speak?” I don’t know if Julian heard me, but he softened his tone. “Am I causing trouble for you? Don’t worry, just treat me like a regular colleague.” Even though he said that, no one in the room spoke up. Seeing his furrowed brows, I still felt a pang of sympathy. Two years of feelings—how could they be forgotten so easily? “Noah, get some grilled meat for Mr. Vance to try.” Noah was startled for a moment, then picked up several pieces and placed them on Julian’s plate. “Mr. Vance, this is really good. You should try it.” Julian glanced at me, then thanked Noah in a cool, detached voice. “Thank you. You’re quite skilled.” Noah had only been with the company for a few days, so he wasn’t as intimidated by Julian. Hearing Julian praise his skill, he became embarrassed. “Oh, not at all. It’s really simple. Mr. Vance, if you like it, have more.” “Mm.” Julian lowered his head and picked up the grilled meat from his plate. The atmosphere in the room began to ease. Gradually, people started talking. I breathed a sigh of relief. The dinner party was finally back to normal. The thought of how I’d just helped Julian out made me want to give myself a huge slap. Never mind. The dining environment was important. I’d just do it for the little one in my belly. “Here, Audrey, eat more.” Noah was incredibly proactive, continuously putting food on my plate. “Thanks. You eat too.” “Mm, you first, Audrey.” Since everyone was relaxed now, Brenda started joking around again. “Oh, I see Noah is really good to Audrey. Why don’t you two just get together?” I instinctively glanced at Julian next to me. His eyes were dark, and a cold smile played on his lips. This was not a good sign! Noah next to me scratched his head. “Brenda, stop kidding around.” Julian suddenly spoke, picking up a piece of meat for his plate as he did, as if it were an offhand remark. “Doesn’t Audrey Miller already have a boyfriend?” Brenda and Noah froze. I gritted my teeth. “We broke up.” Brenda recovered. “Audrey, you’re so secretive! You had a boyfriend and didn’t even tell us. But since you’ve broken up, don’t dwell on him. You have to move forward, right?” I nodded. “Yes, I have to move forward.” Noah was also curious about my breakup. He asked me, “Who initiated the breakup?” Brenda glared at Noah, signaling him not to ask such a question, but it was clear she was just as interested. Anyway, it had been a long time since we broke up. Besides who my boyfriend was, there was nothing else to hide. “I did.” Facing a host of curious gazes, I shrugged indifferently. “I caught him having a clandestine affair with another woman.” I stated it plainly, but everyone else seemed more agitated than me. They were all righteous indignation, wishing they could drag my ex-boyfriend out and punish him on the spot. “What?! What kind of jerk is that?” “He just couldn’t control himself?” “Audrey, you’re amazing. Why would you stay with him?” “Audrey, he’s terrible. If I had you, I would never do something like that.” “…” They had no idea that the male lead they were cursing and despising was right here, eating with them. Julian’s face grew darker and darker. “Alright, everyone, eat up.” The moment he spoke, everyone in the room instantly calmed down. Perhaps out of consideration for me, they started talking about harmless topics. Noah looked at me with a complex expression. “Audrey, you’re so wonderful. How could you have fallen for such a jerk?” I glanced at the ‘jerk’ Noah was referring to, feeling incredibly pleased. “I must have been completely blind back then. I just liked him because he was handsome.” Noah seemed to pluck up his courage. He looked at me. “Audrey, I… I’m handsome too. That’s what all the girls at school say…” Before he could finish, Julian’s glass suddenly fell to the floor and shattered. He stared expressionlessly at the broken glass. Noah’s words were interrupted, and he seemed to lose his nerve, lowering his head, his long eyelashes obscuring his eyes. “I’ll go call a waiter to clean it up.” I got up and walked around Noah, leaving the private room. I had originally intended to turn him down, but now that he hadn’t finished speaking, I couldn’t refuse him. “Sigh.” “Are you disappointed? Because he didn’t finish his confession?” Footsteps sounded behind me, and Julian grabbed my arm. “It has nothing to do with you.” I looked at Julian coldly, wanting him to let go. “Ha.” He scoffed softly, and my scalp began to tingle. Oh no, he was starting again. “Nothing to do with me? Audrey Miller, how long has it been since we broke up? And you’re already falling for someone else?” Julian’s eyes were bloodshot, and it looked like tears were welling up in them. The private room was on the third floor, and there was no one else in the corridor here. I didn’t have to worry about anyone finding out about our relationship like before.
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