Almost Yours

Chapter 4: Three Months of Quiet Longing

Two months had slipped by in a busy, happy blur — and finally, Christmas had arrived.

The whole office hummed with excitement. Renesmee and her team were buzzing with anticipation, just like every other department, for the big company Christmas party. Before the celebrations began, everyone gathered in the conference room for a special meeting to decide the party’s theme. The CEO himself was there — warm, energetic, and proudly Chinese — and he shared that he would be singing for everyone at the celebration, a promise that made the room cheer even louder. Ideas flew back and forth — winter wonderland, festive gold and red, twinkling lights — until the choice was made, and spirits soared.

When the meeting ended, they all returned to their tasks. Renesmee settled into her chair, ready to focus but still glowing with excitement for the party ahead. Her gaze drifted across her desk — where, by company rule, every employee’s phone rested on their manager’s table during working hours, to keep everyone focused and free from distraction.

Her eyes found Arvee’s phone.

The screen was lit — and there she was: a beautiful woman, bright and smiling, Elara’s face clear and lovely as his wallpaper. A sharp, quiet twist of jealousy tightened in Renesmee’s chest, sudden and uninvited. She forced herself to look away, gently setting the phone back exactly where it belonged, and bent once more to her work — though her heart felt heavier than it had a moment before.

The weeks flew by, and soon the Christmas party arrived.

At 11:00 a.m., everyone gathered to share a delicious meal, laughter echoing around the room. By 1:00 p.m., the real celebration began — and it stretched joyfully until 8:00 that evening. Teams danced to upbeat music, others stepped forward to sing, and when the CEO took the stage, his voice filled the whole space — rich, wonderful, and full of warmth, making everyone stop and listen in delight.

Then came the raffle — gasps and cheers bursting out with every winning ticket. Arvee won a large, brand-new electric fan, his face lighting up with happy surprise. Afterward came the exchange of gifts — boxes wrapped in festive paper passed from hand to hand, smiles everywhere. Renesmee laughed and joined in, truly enjoying every moment, letting the music and friendship wrap around her. For just a little while, the ache in her chest quieted, and she simply felt part of something wonderful.

At 8:00 p.m. the party wound down — merry, tired, and full of good memories.

Days passed quickly after that, and the office grew bustling once more — New Year’s Day was drawing near, bringing with it a rush of orders and shipments. Everyone worked hard, including Renesmee, who stayed focused and steady. Arvee, still new to the team, was right there alongside them — packing products neatly, helping other departments keep up, moving with quiet energy and kindness.

When New Year’s Day finally arrived, the CEO made a wonderful announcement: no work at all — a full holiday for everyone.

And then came a lovely surprise. In Hovie Company, the CEO had a long-standing tradition: every employee celebrating a birthday received a special cake on their special day. That January 1st, Arvee and a coworker who shared the same birthday were presented with an advance birthday cake — beautiful, sweet, and surrounded by all their colleagues. The CEO joined them, and everyone gathered around for a group photo.

Renesmee stepped in right beside Arvee, lifting her face with a soft, sweet smile for the camera.

The shutter clicked. And in that single moment, standing close enough to feel his warmth, she held a quiet, perfect joy all her own.