"Hedley, you've got trouble today."
I frowned. I'd already quit—what trouble could there be?
He pointed ahead.
Pierre was sitting at my desk.
Daniel leaned in. "Today's his first day. First thing he did was claim your spot."
I walked over, quiet.
Pierre looked up, smirked. "I like this one. You can take another."
I just nodded. "Sure. Let me grab my stuff."
Didn't argue. Didn't flinch.
But the room read it wrong—thought I was backing down.
No one said a word.
Pierre's "boyfriend privileges" with Sonia carried too much weight.
They just stared, whispering, pity in their eyes.
I packed up. Ready to go.
Then Sonia showed up.
Pierre rushed to her, hand out like he owned her.
She let him. Then said,
"This is Pierre. He's joining us today. Please take care of him."
A few awkward claps.
She didn't care.
"Picked a seat yet?"
Pierre pointed straight at mine. "I want that one."
Sonia looked over, finally seeing me with a box in hand.
Her face shifted. "That spot's taken. Pick another."
Didn't expect that.
Pierre pouted, tugging her arm. "Sonia, come on. It's closer to you. I can see your reflection from here."
I couldn't stand the act. "Let him have it."
Didn't matter. I was gone anyway.
Pierre grinned. "See? He's fine with it."
Sonia shot me a dark look, then turned to him. "That desk is taken. Pick another."
Her tone—cold, final.
The woman who used to melt for him suddenly didn't.
Pierre froze.
Silence spread.
Sonia glanced my way one last time, said nothing, and walked off.
Pierre followed, but not before throwing me a glare.
I almost laughed.
I'd been him once—chasing her like a fool.
Difference was, I chased for five years.
I was heading out when my phone buzzed.
Message from Sonia:
[I'll be at the 101st proposal tomorrow. Waiting for you.]
I smiled.
Blocked her. Deleted everything.
Said goodbye to everyone, left the building.
Grabbed my bags and went straight to the airport.
Didn't know that the next day,
Sonia showed up early—dressed up, waiting at the County Clerk's Office.
