Chapter 253

Peter knew that he couldn't compare to Joseph in terms of family background, work ability, and even personal charisma. He certainly could not easily capture a girl's heart like him, especially when compared in terms of looks. Peter was now filled with self-mockery and self-abasement. "Peter, I know you resent me for not keeping my promise to work in your company, but there was too much..." Melissa wanted to explain to Peter that she didn't intentionally break her promise. Yet the series of events caused her to miss the opportunity to work with Peter. Perhaps, it was fate's doing. "No, Melissa, a good bird chooses a tree to nest in. I don't blame you." Peter had already finished his bottle of Fireball Whiskey, his gaze scattered as he reached for another bottle. Melissa held the bottle firmly, not wanting Peter to continue drinking. His action was clearly a sign of self-destruction and depression. At this moment, Amy's song just finished. Just as she was about to return to her seat, Melissa waved at her, managed a smile and said "Amy, you sing so well, please sing another. I haven't heard enough!" Amy nodded at Melissa and picked another song that matched her character. "Peter, it's not what you think. I had many difficulties during this period that I didn't get a chance to tell you about and I don't know how to bring it up." Melissa tried to explain to Peter as Amy sang, but he seemed to not hear her words. "I understand, you chose him." Peter's eyes revealed sadness and pain. He chuckled coldly and continued, "Our six years of relationship was nothing compared to your few months with him. I lost, I... lost..." Peter took another swig. He shook his head continuously, unable to expel the bitterness in his heart, leaving him in low spirits. Looking at the Fireball Whiskey in his hand, he wondered how much he had to drink tonight to gather the courage to express his deep love for Melissa. Melissa fell into a brief silence, feeling guilty for breaking her promise to Peter and causing him pain. Of course, Peter was right about one thing. Their six-year relationship was only a friendship in Melissa's eyes, while her affection for Joseph, which lasted only a few months, was love. Love is not about how long you've known each other, nor is it about whose turn it is. It's just an indescribable feeling that belongs to who it belongs to. "Melissa, even if you've fallen in love with him, I have no reason to obstruct your happiness. But don't we even have the basic trust between friends anymore? Why didn't you tell me directly that you went to Joseph's company?" Indeed, a few months ago, Melissa was successfully hired by the Harrington Group. Melissa cherished this opportunity obtained through her efforts. It was only later that she found out Harrington Group is under the Clarkson Empire. Melissa also remembered that once when Peter asked her where she worked over the phone, she lied and told him she found a clerk's job at a small company. Afterward, when Peter found out that Melissa was working as a fashion designer in another company, he did not blame her. On the contrary, he helped Melissa collect materials and find inspiration. Peter had fulfilled his duty as a good friend and done everything he could to support Melissa. However, Peter was always kept in the dark. He didn't understand why Melissa had lied to him. "Initially, I didn't know that Harrington Group was under the Clarkson's Empire. I was just focused on doing my job well. Who would have known that I would be accidentally signed to Clarkson's Group by fate. I didn't want this either." Melissa tried to explain anxiously. She didn't expect Peter to forgive her but hoped that he would stop torturing himself. "Do you really think that? If I invite you to work in my company now, would you come?" Peter spoke while pouring himself another half-bottle of Fire whisky. His stomach was starting to get uncomfortable, yet he wasn't drunk. He couldn't stop just yet. Seeing Peter's state, Melissa was in a difficult situation. Of course, she couldn't switch jobs again, it would cause too much controversy. Not only that, but she would also have to pay Joseph a penalty of three billion for breach of contract. "I, this..." Melissa Fei didn't know what to say. She reached out to grab the bottle from Peter's hand, "Stop drinking, Peter!" "Do you have any difficulties?" Peter looked at Melissa who seemed to have something to say yet hesitated. He gave her another chance to express herself. He was still willing to listen patiently, help out, and try to trust her one more time. "Peter, on the day of the Chinese-style wedding dress exhibition, I didn't know that Joseph was going to make me sign a contract. There were some complications that day, and I was extremely nervous. Encouraged by others, I ended up agreeing to the contract with Clarkson's Group. I even thought about breaking the contract, but, I would need to pay Joseph a penalty of three billion. I truly can't leave now." Melissa knew that Peter had already watched her two live broadcasts of the fashion exhibitions on online platforms. Now, the only reason she could explain to Peter was this. Peter adjusted his sitting position and listened seriously to Melissa explaining her predicaments. When he heard that Melissa had no choice but to sign the contract, he immediately said without hesitation. "I can mortgage my domestic companies to pay that three billion for you. In this case, would you be willing to start over with me abroad?" Melissa didn't expect that Peter would sacrifice so much for her. Most importantly, she only had feelings of friendship but no love for Peter. She couldn't possibly end up with him. "Peter, you know I don't plan on leaving." Melissa paused for a second and said seriously. "I haven't tasted the bitterness of Liam and Nancy yet. My business just got recognition in domestic. Not to mention, Alvin and Alvina just started kindergarten here. Everything just started, how can I just leave?" Melissa's emotion began to rise, and she said frankly, "Moreover, I have always considered you as my friend. Why should you help me pay the three billion penalty? That's completely unreasonable, isn't it?" "Heh, indeed." Peter took back his Fire whisky from Melissa's hand, let out a bitter laugh and said "You've been rejecting me all these years, yet I have always been oblivious. I was too persistent. This is what I got for being stubborn." The song Amy was singing had ended. Peter clapped for her, but he didn't speak to Melissa anymore. After becoming slightly flushed, Amy returned to her seat. Peter started picking songs to vent his depressed feelings. For almost two hours, he was singing alone, and Melissa had finished two bottles of cocktails. Amy would occasionally eat some snacks, listening to Peter's heartfelt singing, deeply infatuated with this man whose eyes were filled with melancholy and affection in her heart.