Chapter 4

My current project was nearing completion, and communication with the client was becoming more frequent. The proposal might need revisions two or three times within an hour. I'd been working overtime for nearly a week, and today we'd finally reached the critical final stage.

Once I got through this, the project would be complete.

I stretched, deciding to treat myself to a nice dinner tonight.

But as I raised my arms, I bumped into someone, letting out a startled yelp. I turned around to find Miranda standing there.

When had she positioned herself behind me?

"Still working overtime?"

Miranda didn't care that my face had gone pale from fright. She asked casually.

I didn't know why she'd suddenly sought me out. I could only try to calm myself. "Miranda, is there something you need?"

A flash of displeasure crossed Miranda's face. She wasn't used to my distance.

But she still reined in her temper. "Transfer the client and project you're working on to Callum. He needs to build experience."

A chill shot through me.

Even knowing how unreasonable Miranda could be, I hadn't expected her to be this absurd.

Seeing my silence, Miranda stepped forward. "There are always rumors in the office. He just graduated not long ago—how can he handle all that? Having this project in hand will shut up those questioning him. You're the senior here. It's only right to help newcomers."

I couldn't help myself. I laughed bitterly and rolled my eyes.

Miranda knew perfectly well how many all-nighters I'd pulled for this project. I'd even worked myself into cardiac arrest and had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

But the moment I entered the hospital, she'd been whisked away by a casual phone call from Callum.

My life wasn't even as important as a jacket for Callum.

And now, this project I'd fought desperately to complete, she wanted to hand over to Callum with a few careless words.

She considered Callum's feelings, worked to protect his reputation, but never once considered whether any of this was fair to me.

"Fine. Have him come for the handoff tomorrow."

Perfect timing to submit my resignation letter. I'd done my duty to this company.

As for what happened afterward, with Miranda interfering, I couldn't control it even if I wanted to. Better to let go gracefully.

Miranda seemed surprised I'd agreed so easily. She froze for a moment.

But then she was overjoyed, throwing her arms around me. "I was wrong before. I always thought you were petty and stubborn. I didn't expect you to be so understanding today. Let's go to that revolving restaurant by the river for dinner. You've wanted to go there for ages, haven't you?"

The revolving restaurant by the river? That three-star French restaurant?

I'd once wanted to spend our wedding anniversary there, but none of that mattered anymore.

Miranda put her arm around my shoulders, her tone much warmer. "We've been married for years. What obstacle can't we overcome? You should work on your temper too. In a couple days, we'll withdraw the divorce application, and then I'll go back with you to visit your parents. You haven't been home in years, right? This time you can stay longer."

I remained silent.

She assumed I'd accepted everything and talked enthusiastically, continuing even after I'd saved my files and gotten into the car with her.

Sitting in the back seat, I scrolled through social media and discovered Callum had posted a photo from an hour ago. He was wearing a suit, sitting in a spacious outdoor restaurant, elegantly dining by candlelight.

Looking at the river behind him, I couldn't help a self-mocking laugh.

So he'd already enjoyed his time there, and Miranda was thoughtful enough—after finishing the first date, she'd deigned to leave her beloved and arrange a second one with me.