Chapter 5

"This is your issue to resolve. I shouldn't need to take charge and help you fix it."

These words left both of them astonished.

Marco recovered quicker than Louisa.

He lowered his head to me, his tone beseeching. "I apologize, Mr. Gilmore. I didn't consider this situation thoroughly. I'll handle it on my own. Please don't hold Louisa responsible."

He had suddenly started referring to her as just "Louisa".

In a single night, he'd shifted from addressing his superior as "Ms. Louisa" to simply "Louisa".

It appeared their professional relationship was closer than I'd realized.

She smacked the table forcefully, snapping, "We can manage this ourselves. Your help isn't necessary."

Grabbing her assistant's arm, she shoved open the office door and left without a backward glance.

Before the day ended, I received travel requests for two individuals and clicked "approve".

That evening, my close friend Reymond Blunt invited me out for drinks.

He remarked that I should have changed my ways long ago.

Nine years of total devotion to a woman, only for her to remain unappreciative in the end.

"She just feels overwhelmed being with you. No matter how hard she tries, she can't earn even a fraction of your family's wealth and she can't spend your money comfortably."

"It can't be helped. That's how women are these days."

I took a sip of my mojito without comment.

No.

Love doesn't become a burden when two hearts are truly united.

Only when we don't love can we make logical decisions.

Never mind, it's better for someone who doesn't belong with me to leave.

"When's your arranged date with the Scott family? Have you really decided to leave Araya?"

I nodded and replied, "Next week, I'll transfer the company's management to you and depart."

This clothing business was jointly established by Louisa and me. We each owned half the shares.

Since we wanted to cut ties, we naturally had to settle everything.

I spent the following week busy with the transfer process.

Since our argument, Louisa had blocked me on X and WhatsApp.

Conversely, Marco posted Louisa-related photos daily.

Enjoying sunsets on the beach after meeting with business partners.

Waking up early for hotel breakfasts together.

And pulling all-nighters on projects, drinking American coffee at 3 a.m.

My initial heartache eventually turned to numbness.

Until my assistant nervously showed me Marco's X account, saying, "Sir, I believe you should see this."

I stared at it for a while.

His latest X post showed a picture of Louisa sleeping peacefully in his arms.

The comments below read:

[Congrats on becoming both a boyfriend and a full-time employee.]

[Wow, after following your secret crush stories for four years, you've finally won her heart!]

[At last, from admirer to partner ....]

I felt nothing, just smiled faintly and handed the phone back to my assistant.

"Inform everyone there's a staff meeting this afternoon," I instructed.

It was time to end this complicated three-way situation.

At 3 p.m., I entered the company's main conference room with Reymond, right on schedule.

"I'm here to announce that I'll be stepping down as general manager. The company will be fully transferred to Mr. Blunt and Mr. Vaughan here."

The room erupted in surprised murmurs at this news.

I descended from the podium and exited the conference room.

The next day, a realtor arrived to list the villa for sale.

I got into my car and headed for the airport.

Upon arrival, the terminal was bustling with people.

As I pulled my suitcase towards security, I encountered Louisa and Marco hurrying back.

She stood amid the crowd, watching me from a distance.

The day before, I'd had someone deliver a breakup message to her.

I walked past them without a glance.

Louisa caught my hand, saying firmly, "Lionel, why are you so upset?"

I frowned and replied coolly, "Let go, it's filthy."

She held on, patiently saying, "I know you're angry, I'm sorry, alright? But there's nothing between Marco and me, you've sold your shares and ended things ...."

A polite boarding announcement echoed through the airport.

Too weary to argue, I simply opened X and showed her Marco's account.

"This is undeniable proof. Shall I expose all your misdeeds?"

She froze momentarily, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.

Ignoring her shock, I put away my phone and walked past.

She snapped out of it, quickly halting me and angrily addressing Marco behind her, "What's going on here! When did I ever sleep next to you?!"

"Explain yourself! Marco!"