Chapter 4 Rumor

There are so many ways to forget someone who has hurt us. One of them is to distance ourselves from that person and stop seeing them-at least until our feelings fade away completely. But sometimes, situations and circumstances don't allow us to do that. Like right now, for example. But I won't let that get to me.

-----------

I was happily lounging in the office lobby, enjoying a snack when Brian suddenly approached me with a frown on his face.

Ugh... what now?

"What's wrong with you? Are you really trying so hard to avoid me?" He asking me.

I let out a frustrated sigh and got up from my seat. I shot him a flat look and replied shortly, "Yes."

"Why? Are you scared you can't move on from me?" Brian asked again, making me even more annoyed.

I could only shake my head at his question. What did he expect? He wouldn't get fired even if I resigned from the office. I had talked everything over with Mr. Hugo yesterday. He accepted my resignation, and he wouldn't fire Brian either-although I had to make a small deal with Mr. Hugo.

"I already told you, don't be so confident, Brian. You were an important part of my life once, and you still are, but not as important as before." Hopefully, I hope he realizes himself.

"...."

"You don't need to protest anything to me anymore. Even if I resign, it won't affect your job. So why are you rambling nonsense in front of me now?" I asked wanting to know

"Why would you agree to be Mr. Hugo's temporary manager at his son's restaurant?"

"What's wrong with that? It's not a big deal. It gives me something to do until I find a new job."

"...."

"What's wrong eoth you? You're nobody to me now. You don't have any right to interfere in my affairs. So why are you getting so worked up? It's weird."

Yeah... to me, He is really weird. Why is he suddenly pretending to care? I'd feel much more comfortable if he were just indifferent like before. What's with this sudden change?

"Cancel your trip there. I don't want you working at that restaurant."

"What are you talking about? This is ridiculous."

I hurried away from Brian. Listening to his rambling was starting to stress me out. Plus, why is he so adamant about forbidding me? Doesn't he know his position? Seriously...

I was about to knock on Mr. Hugo's room when Wendy appeared, stopping me in my tracks.

After my encounter with Brian in the lobby, now I had to deal with Wendy, who kept attacking me with various complaints, questions, and unreasonable protests since last night.

She was so persistent that I couldn't sleep because she kept calling.

I understood why Wendy was acting like this, she only had me to rely on at the office. She's not the type to easily make friends or get close to anyone.

After I shared my conversation with Brian on the rooftop, Indy seemed to hope I would give in to his request. But she knew I was the type who wouldn't easily change my mind.

"Alli, are you really serious about accepting Mr. Hugo's offer?" Wendy asked for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Of course. Didn't I say that yesterday?"

"Can't you cancel?" she asked, clearly trying to persuade me like she did last night.

I shook my head with a light smile.

"I was just about to thank Brian for convincing you," Wendy said with a pout.

"Wendy, you know how I am. And, I won't ever give in to any of Brian's requests again," I replied confidently.

"Are you really sure? Don't you know the rumors about Mr. Hugo's son?" Wendy whispered, as if afraid someone might overhear.

Rumors? What rumors? I hadn't heard anything about Mr. Hugo's son during my time at the office. If there were rumors, wouldn't everyone know? So why was I clueless?

"What rumors?" I asked, a bit curious.

Wendy didn't answer right away. She glanced left and right before whispering something in my ear. I was a bit shocked by what she just said.

But... for some reason, I felt certain it couldn't be true. Even though I hadn't met him yet.

But yeah... I felt Mr. Hugo's son must be as nice as his father. Could it be that Brian's warning was because he already knew about this rumor?

"His name is Noah Ferdinand, someone arrogant, annoying, and hot-tempered. He's not friendly at all. People say he's into women, even dating his own employees."

See... how could I believe such an outrageous rumor? I was sure it was just baseless gossip from who knows where.

"Then he needs to meet me, so he knows there's someone tougher here," I responded casually. Although in reality, I'm not tough, just a little chatty.

Wendy sighed deeply.

What now? From the look on her face, she seemed really worried about me. Come on... it's just a rumor. The truth isn't clear, so why worry?

"Once you see his personality isn't pleasant at all, you won't be saying that, Alli." Indy looked serious this time.

"Whatever Noah's like, I don't care, Wendy. I'm just there to work. And, it's only for a month. It's fine."

This time Indy fell silent. I understood her concern, but I felt she was misplacing it this time. Since when did she easily believe in office gossip?

"Okay, then I'll go find Mr. Hugo first. There are things to discuss before I head there," I said, still focused on Wendy, who looked anxious.

I patted her shoulder gently and said, "It's fine. You don't need to worry. If I can handle someone like Brian, I can deal with Mr. Hugo's son. Just relax, Wendy."

Wendy exhaled sharply and nodded slowly. I then walked into Mr. Hugo's office after knocking a few times.

I'm confident I made the right decision.

As for Mr. Hugo's son... we'll see.

***