Chapter 5 Are You That Eager To Get Married

When Claudia started walking away, Eddie was taken aback. He quickly started the car and pulled up beside her. Showing a patience that was uncommon for him, he offered, "Come on, get in. I'll drive you home."

But Claudia seemed detached, her attention fixed on her Uber app, ignoring his invitation.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Eddie's face as he said, "You know you're still my secretary."

That stopped her in her tracks.

Eddie's expression hardened. "I haven't accepted your resignation."

Claudia remained silent, her response a defiant silence.

Eddie's patience was wearing thin. "Per Rule No. 30 of the company, leaving your position without authorization will incur a two hundred thousand dollar penalty. Are you ready to deal with that?"

Claudia had no comeback.

Eventually, she conceded, opening the car door and stepping inside. A subtle smile appeared on Eddie's face.

Though she got into the car, Claudia didn't utter a word. Instead, she turned away to look out the window, shutting down any attempt at conversation.

Eddie glanced at her and ventured another question, "Are you that eager to get married? To the man you dined with last time?"

Irritated, Claudia dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

Eddie's smirk was full of contempt. "After all these years as my secretary, you still have terrible taste."

His words fanned the flames of Claudia's simmering anger. She spun around, her voice dripping with disdain. "Mr. Selleck, isn't your meddling a bit excessive? I have the right to choose who I marry and spend my life with."

Eddie's smile turned icy. "I have the right to meddle until you get my permission to leave."

Claudia shot him a fierce glare. "We agreed to a casual relationship. Now that Gwyneth is back, why can't you just let me go?"

Her accusation made Eddie slam on the brakes.

In an instant, he seized her chin, his gaze menacing. "You push me too far, too often. Do you really think I'm incapable of taking action?"

Forced to meet his stare, Claudia's eyes welled with tears. "And what about you? It's been seven years. How much longer must I wait?"

Eddie scoffed dismissively, "Haven't I given you everything you desired? When this began, I promised you wealth and influence, though we agreed to keep our relationship private. You accepted those terms willingly at the time."

"But I regret it now," Claudia admitted.

Eddie was paralyzed.

Tears cascaded down Claudia's cheeks as she muttered, "I regret getting involved with you."

Eddie fell silent. He struggled to find his words. "Am I not enough for you, Claudia?"

She closed her eyes slowly, inhaling deeply, her voice trembling as she asked, "What about Gwyneth? She's returned. Are you planning to marry her next?"

After posing the question, anxiety gripped Claudia. She gazed intently at the man beside her, her eyes unblinking, awaiting his response.

Late that night, Claudia returned home. She pushed open the door and collapsed onto the sofa, burying her face in her arms for what seemed like an eternity. When she finally looked up, her face was streaked with tears.

Pulling out her phone, she opened her photo album. There was only one picture inside. She tapped on it, revealing a man in a cap and gown standing at a school gate. Next to him stood a girl with a radiant smile. Side by side, as the camera flashed, the girl mustered the courage to look at the boy, her eyes brimming with admiration.

At the bottom of the photo, a date marked the passage of ten years since it was taken. Claudia realized it was time to move forward.