Having spent three years with Walker Reed without an official status, he suddenly announced he had good news to share at the company.

Recalling the flower order I saw on his phone earlier, I thought my patience had finally paid off.

That night, I flew to a neighboring country, determined to create the most beautiful Victorian-style dress just for the occasion.

But when I rushed back to the company the next day, I stumbled upon the scene I least expected: Walker with his arm around another woman, boldly announcing, “I’m getting married. To put an end to anyone thinking they have a chance with me, I've brought Tessa here to meet you all.”

Amidst everyone's congratulations, the girl shyly nestled into his embrace. Across the crowd, I caught his gaze with a smile, then turned away without hesitation.

I had just stepped into the revolving doors, holding the hem of my dress, when Walker's authoritative voice hit my ears, halting my smile in its tracks. I looked up at the stage where Walker stood.

He wore the suit I had thoughtfully chosen and ironed for him the previous night. The bouquet in his arms matched the order details I had seen. I had foolishly believed all the preparations were for announcing that we were together. I’d been excited all night about it. Yet there he was, with his arm around another woman.

As our eyes met, I noted the smile teasing his lips, but his gaze was cold. The entire Reed Corporation team was gathered in the grand lobby. When they noticed my arrival, their faces lit up with the anticipation of drama.

I knew they didn’t like me, despite all the support I’d given Walker in his work. To them, I was always just a fleeting fancy who had briefly caught Walker’s attention. Because of this, anyone harboring feelings for him resented me, assuming I wasn’t deserving of their distinguished CEO.

Seeing my pale expression, the employees seemed to take pleasure in my discomfort. The applause and cheers only grew louder. Some even dared to make jokes about the couple on stage:

“Boss sure has great taste; don’t forget to treat us at the wedding.”

“Exactly! Tessa is a natural beauty, a perfect match for the CEO, unlike some people who aim too high.”

Their laughter and pointed glances were directed at me. Tessa, hearing the first comment, hid her face in his chest, whispering something I couldn’t hear. Walker leaned in to listen, and the icy look in his eyes softened into warmth as he playfully ruffled her hair. The scene was heartbreakingly beautiful.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, using the physical pain to numb the ache in my heart. When Walker glanced at me again, his expression remained unchanged. He solemnly declared once more, “From today on, Tessa will be the future mistress of Reed Corporation. Show her the respect and courtesy she deserves.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the laughter stopped, and everyone immediately shifted their tone, nodding in agreement. I maintained my smile and met his gaze, feeling like an outcast.

Suddenly, I turned and walked away, eager to escape this place.

"Oscar, hold up a second," Tessa's sweet voice rang out.

I hesitated briefly, then sped up my steps to leave.

Just as I was about to step through the revolving door, someone stuck a foot out, tripping me, and I was shoved hard to the side.

I stumbled backward, pain shooting through my ankle, and the heel of my shoe snapped. Before I could catch my breath, my back slammed against the metal bar beside the revolving door.

Pain surged through my body, and cold sweat instantly dotted my forehead.

"Michelle, Tessa asked you to wait. Are you deaf?" Walker stood in front of me with disdain, brushing off his hand where he had pushed me.

I clutched my lower back, tears welling in my eyes as I looked up at him.

He seemed momentarily taken aback, his brows furrowing as he said, "Quit looking at me like that. You brought this on yourself for disrespecting Tessa."

I lowered my gaze and nodded, tears dripping onto the floor.

Walker clenched his fist at his side.

Just as he was about to reach towards me, Tessa arrived.

She naturally and affectionately looped her arm through Walker's, playfully scolding, "Walker, don't be so rough."

Walker immediately relaxed his frown, tapping her small nose indulgently, "Fine, I'll listen to you."

Tessa smiled sweetly. "Michelle, I know you've been working by Walker's side for three years and have done a great job, so I wanted to ask you to be my bridesmaid."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes, which were filled with unmistakable hostility.

Her blunt remark drew murmurs from the employees around us, who glanced at me judgmentally.

I bit my lip in silence, and Tessa pouted at Walker.

Walker wasn't pleased with my silence, warning, "Michelle Stone, Tessa is speaking to you. Don't be ungrateful!"

I forced a bitter smile, swallowing my tangled emotions.

When I spoke again, my voice was steady, "Mrs. Reed, I'm sorry, but I'm currently in mourning and can't be your bridesmaid."

Tessa was taken aback by my words, her gaze fixating on my simple white dress with confusion.

"Michelle, I never pegged you for such a smooth liar," Walker sneered.

He then coldly pointed out, "Both of your parents passed away. You're an orphan; what are you mourning?"

Tessa seemed to catch on, her eyes calculating.

She pouted, clinging to Walker's arm, grumbling, "Walker, it's your fault for being too harsh just now. Michelle must be upset with me."

Walker lowered his gaze, soothing her in a gentle voice, the careful protection once my own cherished wish.

Before he could interrogate me further, I replied first, "Mr. Reed, the thing is, my friend's favorite cat died last night, and I need to mourn for a year."

My words left everyone stunned, their eyes wide in disbelief.

Tessa looked insulted, small tears gathering in her eyes.

Walker stared at me with a dark expression, too distracted to console the tearful Tessa.

I understood his look; he couldn't fathom me placing a cat's significance above him.

Harsh voices grew louder, cruel words echoing around me.

I refused to be a scapegoat for anyone's judgment, and despite the physical pain, I held my head high, saying, "Mr. Reed, I'm resigning today."

After speaking, I removed my broken high heels and walked barefoot towards the revolving door.

"Michelle Stone!" Walker barked through gritted teeth.

I turned to look at him, but he merely pursed his lips in silence.

I smiled and said, "I apologize for not submitting a resignation report in advance. Deduct my salary as you see fit, Mr. Reed."

Stepping out of the office, the summer heat enveloped me like a thick blanket. Yet somehow, a deep chill clung to my bones, and the warmth barely registered. I flagged down a taxi, sliding into the backseat as I told the driver to head to the city hospital. As the cab pulled away from the familiar street, I finally exhaled, letting the pain seep through me.

I tried to distract myself, to keep the discomfort at bay. But memories of Walker Reed, like an endless movie reel, played ceaselessly in my mind. I remembered how we met at a swanky gala filled with influential figures. He was young then, and his company was starting to take off. Despite some skepticism from others, he was determined and persistent, collecting business cards from all the key assistants.

At that event, I was brooding after an argument with my brother, Ronan. Dressed casually, I was sipping lemonade in the corner, standing out like a sore thumb. Someone, not realizing who I was, made a few snide comments about my unassuming appearance and lack of company. Ordinarily, given the prominence of Stone Enterprises and my connection as its influential leader's sister, no one would dare to cross me. But I always avoided unnecessary drama, so while everyone knew Ronan had a sister, they didn’t know it was me.

Just as Ronan was about to step in and defend me, Walker swooped in first, standing protectively in front of me. He was tall and handsome, and in that moment, it felt like fireworks exploded in my mind. I fell for him effortlessly.

Despite my brother’s disapproval, I stubbornly joined Walker's side, dedicating myself to securing crucial contracts for him. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Reed Enterprises’ current success owes much to my efforts. With my unwavering support, Walker began to develop feelings for me, too.

After another gala, slightly tipsy and unable to hide my emotions any longer, I found myself in his embrace on a spacious bed. That night, Walker didn't reject me; instead, we embarked on a new journey together. In the aftermath, he didn’t offer explanations but simply asked me to move in with him.

He treated me exceptionally well—so well that I truly believed he had quietly accepted me as his girlfriend. But later I discovered that he only saw me as a partner for the night. His heart had always been with someone else, his childhood friend, Tessa Powell.