Chapter 3

I returned to the office the next day and printed out my resignation letter. Lawrence and I met and fell in love when we were in college. He joined this tech company after graduation. Following his footsteps, I turned down the arrangements my parents had made for me and started as an entry-level employee with him. Over the years, I had brought up marriage in subtle ways. But Lawrence was always busy working, citing how he was worried that my parents wouldn't entrust me to him if he didn't make a name for himself. He'd always placate me by telling me how he was putting his career over marriage. In order not to pressure him further, I could only play it down in front of my parents. I kept my background a secret so that he wouldn't feel burdened. Now, Lawrence had finally made it as the vice president of the company. The moment I discovered the ring in his pocket, I was overjoyed that he had finally made up his mind to propose to me. But it turned out that it was all just wishful thinking on my part. My colleague, Nancy Lewind, was surprised to spot the resignation letter on my computer screen when she walked over. "You're about to be promoted to department head, Mirabelle. Why are you quitting out of nowhere?" I smiled and replied, "I'm about to get married soon. I might have to work in another company afterward." Nancy happily congratulated me. "We've been hearing so much good news within the company lately! I just saw Mr. Stone's engagement announcement on his social media last night. What can I say? Mr. Stone and his girlfriend are truly the perfect pair. I heard they're also childhood friends and each other's first love." The smile on my face faltered. When I opened my phone, I realized Lawrence had blocked me on his main WhatsApp account. His main account was for personal use, while his alternate account was used for work. He must have blocked me on his main account right after leaving the apartment last night. When I checked the chat history with his alternate account, all that was left were formal work messages between a superior and his subordinate. Just then, Lawrence walked into the office with Ivy close by his side. She was practically glowing as she smiled brightly, looking nothing like a patient diagnosed with a serious illness. He then introduced her to everyone. "This is Ivy Carhart, our new head of engineering. Please give her a warm welcome, and I hope you'll all work together harmoniously moving forward." Shock colored Nancy's face as she glanced between Ivy and me. Eventually, she nodded at Ivy and greeted, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Carhart." I kept quiet as I tightened my grip on my resignation letter. Lawrence threw me a displeased look. "Everyone else has greeted the new department head, Mirabelle. What's with that attitude of yours?" Ivy chuckled lightly before extending her hand to me. "Now that we'll be working together in the same company, I hope we'll get along well." Lawrence pulled her hand away just as I reached out. "You're a department head. There's no need to bother with low-level employees. Let me show you around the company." They then left one after another, leaving me stunned, looking like a fool with my hand still extended.