I Came Back, and I Quit

Chapter 2

Vanessa arrived at 3 p.m. sharp. She strode into the executive office in a pink skirt suit and stiletto heels, carrying her new bag. Two shop assistants followed with their hands full of gift boxes.

The moment she saw me, she put on a wounded expression.

"Claire, why aren't you answering my messages?"

I kept sorting the documents.

"I'm busy."

"With what? Don't you arrange Adrian's entire schedule?"

She said it as though it were the most natural thing in the world. In my previous life, I'd taken that familiarity as a sign of affection. Now her words grated on me.

I arranged Adrian's schedule, cleaned up his messes, handled his clients, and kept him out of unnecessary drinking parties. Vanessa made it sound as though I existed to do those things.

She came up to my desk and slapped down the gift list.

"Just take a look."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"My eyes are killing me."

Vanessa's smile faltered.

"Are you still upset about the engagement?"

Several people in the executive office stopped working and glanced our way. I closed my folder.

"Why would I be upset that you're engaged to Mr. Whitmore, Vanessa?"

She bit her lip.

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

The question caught her off guard. She was used to me giving her a way to save face. Now that I hadn't, she stood there with nowhere to turn.

Just then, Adrian's office door opened. He glanced at Vanessa, then at me.

"What's going on?"

Vanessa's eyes immediately reddened.

"Adrian, I only wanted Claire to look at my gift list, but she doesn't seem very willing."

Adrian frowned.

"Claire, it's a small favor."

I smiled.

"You're right, Mr. Whitmore. It's Ms. Collins's first time meeting the family, so she should make a good impression. The right gift matters."

Vanessa relaxed and offered me her phone. I didn't take it.

"But I suggest she make it herself."

Her expression changed.

"I don't know anything about this."

"Then learn."

"But you know it better than anyone."

"Knowing how doesn't mean I owe you."

Adrian shut his office door with a sharp click. It wasn't loud, but the entire executive office fell silent. He walked over and lowered his voice.

"Don't make a scene."

I looked up.

"All I did was turn down extra work, Mr. Whitmore."

"You never used to be like this."

"People change."

"What for?"

I looked at him and made every word count.

"I want to live a little longer."