Chapter 3 The Office Encounter

Maybe Alec and I just weren't meant to be.

I thought I was finally about to get my promotion and things were starting to fall into place, but then Linsey, his ex, reappeared out of nowhere.

They said a man's first love was the hardest to forget, and Alec was certainly proving that.

If I had been as bold as Linsey, would I have been the one to win his heart? They said the squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.

I spent most of the night drowning in these thoughts, crying and sighing, and of course, it left me exhausted the next morning.

But no matter how tired I was, I still had to show up for work, even if my eyes were puffy and swollen from lack of sleep.

I rushed to the office, and just as I arrived, I ran right into Alec, who was dropping Linsey off at work.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief, thankful I hadn't eaten breakfast. Otherwise, I might've thrown up right then and there.

Alec caught sight of me and froze for a second. Then, without skipping a beat, he got out of the car and started walking toward me, while Linsey got out too, holding breakfast in her hands.

She was wearing her hair in a voluminous wave, her features sharp and striking. In her high heels and perfectly contoured makeup, I felt like a ghost, pale and unprepared.

If I'd known I'd run into them, I would've at least put on some light makeup.

Linsey flashed a flirtatious smile. "Rosanna, Alec and I got breakfast. We brought you some too," she said, her eyes twinkling as she looked at him. "I can't believe after all these years, he's still this thoughtful."

I turned to Alec, who was watching me with a half-smile, his gaze unreadable.

I forced a small smile and nodded at Linsey. "Thank you, but I've already eaten."

Alec raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. You don't look like you've had breakfast. You're in a rush, but you should still take it. I'd hate for it to go to waste.

I wanted to snap at him-what did it matter to him whether I ate his breakfast or not? Who even wanted his food?

But I didn't want to lose my composure, so I reluctantly took the breakfast, forcing out a "Thank you."

Alec seemed satisfied, his lips curling into a slight grin as he ruffled my hair.

I didn't have time to dodge his hand before he spoke again, his words directed at both of us. "I'm leaving. You go ahead."

It was unclear whether he was talking to me or Linsey, but the suddenness of his action-ruffling my hair-left both Lindsey and me in an awkward silence.

I could tell Linsey wasn't happy-her eyes narrowed slightly, as if I had intruded on something that was hers.

Honestly, I didn't even know why Alec had acted like that.

I'd been trying so hard to keep my distance from him. Had I not made it obvious enough?

"Well, I have to go to work," I said, glancing at my watch. "I'm going to be late for clocking in."

Linsey quickly put away the irritation in her eyes and replaced it with a pleasant smile. "Let's go up together."

While we waited for the elevator, Linsey, with an unmistakable chill in her voice, said, "Rosanna, you know I'm staying at Alec's place right now. When I came back, I found Alec still taking care of me just like he did back in college. He remembers all my preferences. It's really sweet, don't you think? He even mentioned how you've been looking after him and Muffin while I've been gone. I really appreciate it. Now that I'm back, I guess it'll be easier for me to take care of him, don't you think?"

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond.

Her words stung. Was this a power play? Was I being nudged out of the way as the backup plan? This was the result of waiting six years, huh?

I nodded silently, forcing a smile. "I wish you two a lifetime of happiness," I said, the words tasting bitter.

Linsey nodded, her posture proud as she stepped out of the elevator, her head held high like a peacock.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Alec, "Rosanna, did you eat breakfast? You look pale, and your eyes are swollen."

I was fuming now. It was his fault. He got back together with her and still had the nerve to message me.

I replied, "What, are you suddenly everyone's personal care manager now?"

Three seconds later, my phone rang. I angrily declined the call. A moment later, I saw another message pop up, "No."

Ugh. I didn't want to deal with him. I angrily turned off my phone.

I didn't know if Linsey did it on purpose, but today's workload was especially heavy.

I had just finished one proposal when another one landed on my desk, and it was urgent. By the time I finished, the workday had long ended, but I was stuck there, working overtime.

"Rosanna, let me help you. I saw this proposal was supposed to be Evelyn's. Why did it suddenly get handed to you?" Kathryn asked, sounding sympathetic. "I think Linsey's doing this to you on purpose."

I paused, surprised. Me? Why would she target someone as harmless as me? "Oh, it's okay. Maybe this is good for me, helping me improve. Go home, though, it's raining outside. I'll finish it up."

"Alright, but hurry up. Text me when you get home," Kathryn said before heading out.

I resigned myself to more work, glancing up only to find the clock reading 9 p.m. The office was dark, and I was still stuck here.