He Liked Me While I Obsessed Over Him

Chapter 5 Facing Melvin

On my way into the office, I did everything I could to avoid anyone I knew.

But the moment my coworkers spotted me, the relentless teasing began. "Hey Allie, did you ever find that husband of yours?"

My cheeks burned with intense embarrassment. I desperately wanted to explain myself, but I didn't even know where to begin.

By the time I finally managed to slink over to my cubicle, I froze. My desk was completely cleared off, stripped so bare it looked like no one had ever occupied the space.

It felt like a devastating blow straight to the gut. It was clear that my terrible, clumsy excuse hadn't fooled Melvin for a second. Now, my job was undoubtedly gone.

Suddenly, a terrifyingly familiar voice echoed right behind me. "Alice, why are you just standing there? Are you mourning your late husband?"

I spun around, my eyes widening in absolute horror. Looking at the man standing before me, I waved my hands frantically in denial.

"Mr. Lambert! No, no, not at all!"

The expression on Melvin's face was entirely calm, and a subtle, teasing smirk even played at the corners of his lips. "Oh, really? Then what was that tragic story you messaged me yesterday about deeply missing your deceased spouse?"

I kept my head completely lowered, but Melvin seemed utterly determined to corner me, bringing up my pathetic excuse just to mock me repeatedly. At that moment, I seriously considered resigning on the spot.

The moment Melvin finished his sentence, the surrounding crowd erupted into absolute chaos. "Wait, what? Allie was married?"

"That can't be right. I'm pretty sure she joined the company straight out of college. Sure, she's never handled any massive projects, but she definitely never took any time off for a wedding."

"Yeah, I remember that too..."

One coworker was so intensely curious that he boldly asked me right in front of Melvin, "Allie, when on earth did you get married? How come you never told any of us! And you seriously kept it a secret that your husband passed away?"

I wanted nothing more than to run over and cover his mouth.

I let out a couple of deeply awkward, helpless chuckles. Then, summoning every ounce of reckless courage I had left, I threw my head up and shouted, "Yes! I had a husband who died tragically young!"

The entire room fell dead silent for a split second before erupting into a frenzy of whispers.

My face was completely on fire.

I kept my eyes glued strictly to Melvin's leather shoes, not daring to look up at the chaos around me.

"Mr. Lambert, am I cleared to leave? Thank you so much for the opportunity, I will truly never forget your guidance," I choked out, doing everything I could to maintain my composure.

The slight smile on his lips finally shifted. "You're seriously resigning? What, are you not satisfied with being promoted to my personal secretary?"

Hearing his words, my head snapped up, and I blurted out in pure disbelief, "Why...?"

Melvin answered without a single shred of hesitation, "Because you're honest."