Chapter 4

Cassey (POV)

Next day I arrived at work at least half an hour early. I needed to make a good impression but most importantly, I really didn't need Andrea lecturing me about timekeeping. Knowing her, she'd do so given the chance.

On my way in, I met Kate, the receptionist, and we exchanged a few pleasantries. The showroom had a small staff, with me, Kate, Jimmy in accounting, Hillary in PR, Parker in security, and Lily, the cleaning lady. It was a tight-knit workplace, which meant I couldn't exactly avoid Andrea.

With twenty minutes to spare, I slowly made my way upstairs. I just hope she hadn't arrived yet. Getting to our office, I lingered outside the door. Wait, our office? No? Her office. It's her office.

I gently pushed open the office door only to come to a stop a few steps in. God, why? Was she a workaholic or something? There on her desk, sat Andrea. She was already here, working through some papers.

"Good morning, Ma'am Andrea," I greeted.

"Good morning, Ms. Cassey," she replied without looking up.

Taking the chance, I stared at Andrea. She looked very beautiful from the sunlight streaming in from the window behind her. The rays caught her face at just right angle and her dark hair was gleaming under the lighting, making Andrea look almost ethereal.

A throat cleared, breaking the moment.

"Did you lose something on me?" Andrea asked, amusement flickering in her voice.

"Mmmh, no… not at all," I stammered, trudging to my desk, suddenly flustered.

I still didn't understand why she insisted on us sharing an office. It felt too small, too suffocating, despite being a grand, well-furnished suite.

"Here's your desk. I had Parker move it and prepare it for you. You can start working—file these papers, but go through them first. They're contracts for two new apartment buyers, and I need them done by the end of the workday," she said, her tone crisp and businesslike.

As promised, my desk was in the corner. It was set up nicely, a sleek computer, a white vase holding three red roses, and neatly arranged pens. Thoughtful, but I knew better than to read into it.

"Do you like it?" Andrea asked as she watched me carefully.

"Yes, I do, Andy... I mean ma'am," I corrected myself, covering the slip with a fake cough.

I rounded the desk only to come to a stop at the green sticky note on the side of the vase. I plucked the paper and swallowed at the words in a neat black handwriting.

"Ain't that Mister Mister on the radio?"

—Andy ♡ (Still your duet partner?)

I crumpled the sticky note in my hand, my breath hitching. My heart pounding at the sight of the familiar lyrics.

Taking a seat before my legs gave out, I squeezed my eyes shut, willing away the memories that rushed in. We used to sing and dance to that song together, laughing like we had all the time in the world. But what I loved most was when Andrea broke into her ridiculous moves, making me laugh so hard my stomach hurt.

Shaking off the thoughts, I took a deep breath and tossed the note into my drawer. I didn't need this, whatever game she was playing.

"Are you okay, Cass?"

I looked up to find Andrea already by my desk. The look of triumph in her eyes. "Is something wrong? Did something come to mind?"

"No. Nothing at all actually," I replied calmly, despite my pulsing heart. Looking at her, this close was wrecking me up. Breaking at my resolve slowly but surely.

Andrea smiled, the simple action making look so radiant and breathtaking. "Well, I'll let you get to work," she said warmly, "I already set out your workload for today." My eyes followed her fingers to a small crate that held some files. Andrea explained what needed to be done before walking back to her desk.

"Thank you ma'am. I'll work very hard," I called out enthusiastically.

Most of my tasks included answering calls, scheduling visits for prospective buyers, fetching her coffee, and managing business emails. I also learned that some days, I'd accompany her to property viewings.

Lunch rolled around quickly, and I excused myself to eat with Kate. Just as I was leaving, Andrea's boyfriend, Blake, arrived, carrying a takeout bag. Kate mentioned it was their routine, having lunch together, every so often.

Apparently, Blake was a well-known attorney specializing in women and children's rights.

I couldn't help but wonder how long they had been together. Had she met him after she walked away from me? Did she truly love him? More importantly, had I been nothing but a phase, an experiment? Those questions gnawed at me, filling me with an anger I hated to acknowledge.

If I was just a test run for her, then she had been one for me too. I bitterly thought to myself.

"Hey, are you okay?" Kate's voice pulled me back. She waving a hand in front of my face. "You were lost in thought, and your expressions kept changing, from anger to hurt, then back to more hurt. Is everything okay? Are you okay?"

I forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just… bad memories I'm trying to shag off."

Kate raised an eyebrow. "'Shag off'? That sounds suspiciously sexual if you ask me."

"Shut up," I laughed shaking my head.

She laughed , "What? It's true."

"Stop," I chuckled. Talking to Kate was eas

The anger in my chest lessened, but I knew better than to let my guard down completely. Andrea Night was my past. Thinking about her wouldn't change anything, it would only bring me unnecessary heartache.

That boat sailed years ago.

The rest of the workday passed uneventfully—except for the make-out session I was graced with on my way back from lunch. For a shared space, Andrea ought to save such displays for somewhere more private. I sighed deeply? Why was I even thinking of that kiss. I didn't care.

"Is everything okay, Cass?"

"Yes," I let out with a snap. I was okay. Why was everyone asking me the same damn question. I was fine. Better than fine. I pushed from my chair and looked at Andrea. She'd stood up too and was heading in my direction.

"I just need some tea or coffee," I quickly said at the worried look in her eyes.

Andrea reached me , the space between us far than what could be termed professional.

"Cass? Talk to me, please."

I closed my hand at the feel of her hand on my cheek before taking a step back. She was worried I could tell and I wanted to make her feel better. Why? I didn't quite know. It was hard to think with me breaking apart on the inside.

"I'm fine, Andy... I mean ma'am," I softly assured and walked away.

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