Chapter 5: Shattered Hearts and Unexpected Comfort

Chapter Edit:

"You didn't have to drop me. I could have taken the school bus. Anyway, thanks, brother. See you later." Cristina waved at her elder brother in front of her school.

Kim smiled at her and drove to his workplace. "Good morning, Kim," Sarae greeted him with her usual stunning smile.

"Good morning," he replied. He noticed Anna and Neesha coming towards him. "Hey Kim! How are you?"

"Fine as always," he replied.

"Let's go inside. We've got tons of work from yesterday," they informed him.

Without saying anything, he walked with them to their department hall. Meanwhile, Rusa got out of her car in a sky blue jumpsuit and a white blazer. She looked even prettier than before as she made her way straight to her office. Outside her office within the department hall, she found her team already working with their partners. She glanced at Kim, who was on the phone, ordering a birthday cake for tomorrow.

Rusa overheard his conversation and asked, "Is your birthday tomorrow?"

He slyly replied, "No, I don't want a cake for my birthday anymore. It's for my younger sister."

"Having a sister or brother must be fun," Rusa commented.

"Kind of," Kim said.

Rusa smiled and gestured for him to follow her. Kim put his mobile phone in his pocket and followed Rusa into her office. The entire PR department was working actively without a break.

Finally, before lunchtime, the three groups finished their work one by one. John placed two completed files on Rusa's desk, and Rusa added her and Kim's work file.

After a while, Rusa finished reviewing all three files and decided to ask someone to take them to the president's office. However, when she stepped out, she saw her teammates eating instant noodles together, as they always did. She grabbed the files and walked to the president's office herself. Just as she was about to knock on the half-closed door, she overheard Joe and President Rayner talking seriously. President Rayner said, "I've already told Chairman Soe that you're taking Rusa out for dinner. Just do as I say." Joe denied his command, saying, "I am going to the birthday party of my close friend today. I can't take her today, and I am not interested in taking her anywhere in the future either." President Rayner responded angrily, "What are you saying? You know, I had promised Chairman Soe to marry Rosa to you when you two were kids."

"I didn't say I would marry her back then. It should be my choice whom to marry. And let me make it clear, I am not interested in your business or your friend's daughter. I can't imagine marrying that old-fashioned Rusa of all people," Joe clearly told his father. "Furthermore, I have already found someone who is beautiful and honest, the perfect match for me. Don't try to make me marry an ugly workaholic lady," he added.

Rusa, who was standing at the door, heard every word, and each one broke her heart into uncountable pieces. She tried her best to hold back her tears, turning back just as her dad reached her. Chairman Soe asked her hurriedly, "Have you had lunch already?"

"No, I'm just about to. Please pass these files to the president. See you later, Dad," Rusa replied in a rush, handing him the files and quickly running away to avoid crying in front of her father.

Inside the office, President Rayner and Joe heard their voices and were certain that Rusa must have overheard their conversation. President Rayner muttered,

"My own son will ruin my century-long friendship and my business."

"I don't care. Don't involve me in your business," Joe said in a low voice.

Rusa locked herself inside her office for the rest of the day. The PR team surfed the internet and chatted when their boss didn't provide them with more work. The working hours came to an end, but Rusa didn't come out of her office.

Joe walked to Sarae's desk and asked coolly, "Wanna hang out with me at my close friend's birthday?"

Sarae found his attitude and friendliness appealing, so she accepted without thinking, "Okay, if you would like me to accompany you," completely forgetting her promise to Kim.

Anna, Neesha, Raj, and John walked out, and Kim glanced at Rusa's door, but she still hadn't come out. He walked to her office's door and loudly informed her, "We're leaving. See you tomorrow." Then he walked out, carrying his bag.

Excitedly, Kim rushed to the reception to meet Sarae, as she had promised to help him buy a nice dress as a birthday gift for his sister. However, her desk was empty. He asked the other receptionist at a nearby desk, who was packing her bag, and she informed him that Sarae had just left with Joe.

Kim hurried to the main door and saw Joe's car driving away, with Sarae smiling in the front seat beside him. That sight completely broke Kim's heart.

Kim realized he couldn't find his ID card in his bag or pocket for checking out, remembering he had placed it in his desk drawer. He walked back to the department hall.

Meanwhile, inside her office, Rusa heard everyone leaving and heard Kim's voice saying goodbye. As soon as the sound of footsteps faded, she couldn't hold back her tears and emotions any longer. She cried bitterly.

Silently, Kim went to his desk and retrieved his ID card from the drawer. He heard Rusa crying inside her office, so he rushed to her door and knocked, "Ma'am, are you there? What happened? Are you sick?"

Rusa heard his voice but couldn't stop herself from crying. She couldn't find the words to respond.

Kim opened the door and entered. At first, he thought she might be sick and hurried towards her. Rusa buried her face in her arms.

Kim continued asking her questions. "Are you sick? Did you slip on the floor or bump your head?"

Rusa didn't answer any of his questions. Kim couldn't think of anything else and asked, "Should I call Chairman Soe?" He took out his mobile phone from his pocket.

Finally, Rusa composed herself and stopped him from calling her dad. She said, "No, don't call anyone."

"Why are you crying like this? Are you hurt somewhere?" Kim asked, concern evident in his voice.