Chapter 53: We Only Have a Relationship in Bed

"I didn't do it for you. That guy caused real damage to the company. How could I let someone like that stay?" Just as my heart had started to swell with a flicker of hope, Arthur's words hit me like a cold splash of water. Whatever warmth I'd felt instantly vanished. So he hadn't stepped in for my sake at all. He'd already planned to clean house. I had just read way too much into it. "I see." I turned away and replied softly, doing my best to keep the disappointment out of my voice. Arthur looked at me but didn't say anything. The silence that followed was heavy, thick with everything unspoken. I had a million words I wanted to say, but they all lodged in my throat. We sat there in silence for a long time. Just as I started to wonder if I should excuse myself and leave, Arthur finally broke the tension. "You called me out just for this?" His voice was low and unreadable. I couldn't tell what he was feeling. "Yeah. I wanted to thank you... but I guess that's unnecessary now." I forced m