Chapter 5

I returned to my work desk to pack up in the afternoon. The asteroid ornament on my desk was a graduation gift from Lawrence. Back then, he had confidently told me that I was his entire world. I let out a mocking chuckle. After one last look, I picked it up and took it with me. Just as I was about to leave with my box, Ivy suddenly walked over in a panic. "Sorry to trouble everyone, but it seems I've lost the necklace I was wearing today. Would you mind cooperating for a quick security check?" Everyone in the office started chattering. "I saw the necklace on Ms. Carhart earlier. The diamond on it was huge and sparkly!" "I think Ms. Carhart is being polite with it. Surely, someone saw her diamond necklace and got greedy. It's probably stolen!" "Oh my, I can't believe there's a thief among us! No wonder the snacks on my desk keep going missing!" Lawrence stood protectively by Ivy's side. He ordered the company's security guards to block the exits and start checking everyone one by one. When it was my turn, I placed my box down and cooperated with the security check. Lawrence had clearly spotted the asteroid ornament on the top. He was stunned for a moment before giving the order to dump everything out. My belongings clattered to the floor, and the ornament shattered into pieces. Just like the six years I had spent with him, some things could never be mended once broken. Several security guards started going through my belongings on the floor when Ivy suddenly covered her mouth and gasped. "My necklace!" At that, everyone's gazes landed on me. They started pointing fingers at me. "Oh my God! I can't believe Mirabelle was the one who stole the new department head's necklace! She would've gotten off scot-free with the necklace if it weren't for Mr. Stone blocking the exit!" "I never thought Mirabelle was someone like that! As expected, you can't judge a book by its cover. She merely lost her promotion with the appointment of the new department head. I can't believe she's this catty!" "Mirabelle is just too petty! Who would've thought she's the type to sneak around and steal stuff? Good thing she has already resigned. I'd be nervous sharing an office with someone like that!" My face turned pale. I never stole Ivy's necklace. Someone must've touched my belongings when I was away from my desk, handing in my resignation letter. Lawrence's expression went dark as he picked up the diamond necklace from my belongings. He looked utterly disappointed as he held the necklace between his fingers. "Mirabelle!" he shouted in fury. Meanwhile, my eyes were trained on the ground, watching as he stomped over my belongings. The shattered pieces of the asteroid ornament were trampled beneath his heels. Just as I looked up, Lawrence gave me a harsh slap. "Apologize to Ivy now! Why did you steal the necklace I gave her?" At that moment, I lost all hope in him. In his hand was the necklace worth millions that he gave Ivy. Under his foot were the crushed remains of the cheap trinket he gave me, not even worth a fraction of that necklace. Tears came streaming down from my eyes at once. Not even being misunderstood by my colleagues hurt more compared to the slap from Lawrence, who had stayed by my side for six years. I couldn't believe he didn't trust me. Upon seeing my silence, Lawrence dragged me over to Ivy and snapped, "I told you to apologize! Tell us why you stole it!" A smug look crossed Ivy's eyes before she quickly pretended to frown. She reached out to help me up from the floor, but I pushed her hand away. With the last shred of dignity I had, I stood up on my own, my back proud and straight despite the tears in my eyes. "I didn't steal it! There are surveillance cameras in the office. I want to review it to prove my innocence! Besides, I'd never be interested in a mere diamond necklace!" I gritted while staring right into Ivy's eyes.