"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.