Y/n POV
She looked at me and smirked, her arms crossed as if she had been expecting me.
Cassie: "What a surprise... Actually, Kayden and I had a party last night. We had a blast," she said with a smug grin, tilting her head slightly.
I narrowed my eyes at her, my patience wearing thin. "Oh, well, did I ask you anything?" I shot back, my tone sharper than I intended.
Cassie chuckled, clearly amused. "No, but—oh yeah! See you tomorrow," she added casually before turning on her heel and strutting toward her car. She didn't even give me a chance to respond.
I stood there, watching her drive off, a strange feeling creeping into my chest. What is she doing here? She said she stayed here last night... Something about her behavior felt off.
With a deep breath, I shook off the uneasy feeling and pressed the doorbell. My heartbeat quickened slightly as I waited. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing a tall man standing in the doorway. He had a relaxed expression, but his eyes scanned me curiously.
I stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Hello, can I meet Mr. Scot? I'm his secretary."
The man at the door nodded, his expression neutral.
???: "Ma'am, please come in and have a seat. I'll call him for you, okay?" he said politely, gesturing towards the seating area.
I nodded and walked inside, taking a seat on the plush couch. The room was elegant, with a perfect blend of modern and classic interior design. The warm lighting cast soft shadows on the marble floor, and the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air.
???: "Ah, let me know your name so I can inform him," the man said, turning toward me.
"Aah, it's Y/N Knight," I replied.
He nodded before walking off, leaving me alone for a moment. I took the chance to glance around, admiring the perfectly arranged decor—the intricate patterns on the curtains, the sleek furniture, and the expensive-looking paintings adorning the walls. Everything about this place screamed luxury.
As I waited, I couldn't help but feel a slight nervousness bubbling inside me. Something about this place… or maybe this meeting… felt significant.
???: "What are you doing here… Y/N?"
I looked up and saw Kayden standing a few feet away. His hair was slightly damp, as if he had just taken a shower, and he was dressed casually in a plain t-shirt and sweatpants. His expression was unreadable—not happy, not mad, just… indifferent.
"A-ah, I… I wanted to inform you about the files. I sent you a text, but you didn't even check it, so I came here," I explained, fidgeting slightly under his gaze.
Kayden remained calm, his face giving nothing away.
Kayden: "Okay. I'll check them tomorrow," he said flatly and turned to leave.
I felt something tighten in my chest. He was acting distant—too distant. Without thinking, I called out his name.
"Kayden."
He stopped but didn't turn right away. After a brief pause, he finally faced me, his expression still unreadable.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked hesitantly.
He simply shrugged.
Kayden: "Why would I be mad at you?"
His response didn't reassure me. If anything, it left me more confused. He was acting… strange.
I swallowed hard, debating whether to ask my next question. But I had to know.
"Ca-can I ask you something?"
He gave a small nod, waiting for me to continue.
"Why is Cassie here?"
For the first time, I saw something flicker in his eyes—something almost like… amusement? Or maybe satisfaction? It was hard to tell, but whatever it was, it made my stomach twist uncomfortably.
Kayden: "Ah… actually, we met at some party," he said casually, like it was nothing.
That was it? Just a simple answer, as if it didn't matter?
I pressed my lips together, unsure of what to say. A strange mix of emotions swirled inside me, but I forced myself to stay composed.
"Okay then… I should leave now," I said, hoping—maybe foolishly—that he would stop me, that he would say something… anything.
But he didn't. He only nodded before turning and heading upstairs.
I let out a quiet sigh, my shoulders slumping as I turned toward the door.
Why did this feel like I was losing something?
I stepped outside, the cool air hitting my skin as I walked away, feeling more confused than ever.
I walked along the road, my mind clouded with thoughts of what had just happened a few minutes ago.
He hates me… I guess. I mean, why wouldn't he? I literally signed a contract with his friend to be his girlfriend.
I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of my own choices pressing down on me. This is what you deserve, Y/N, I told myself bitterly. But even though I knew it was my own doing, I couldn't shake off the sadness creeping into my heart.
Why did it feel like I had lost something?
I rubbed my arms as a cold breeze swept past me. The streets were quieter now, only a few cars passing by. My feet felt heavier with each step, and the ache in my chest only grew stronger.
Just then, I spotted a taxi approaching. Without hesitation, I waved it down and got inside, giving the driver my address.
The ride home felt longer than usual. I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, but my mind remained stuck in the past—replaying Kayden's expression, his indifferent tone, the way he didn't stop me from leaving.
By the time I reached home, I felt emotionally drained. I paid the driver, stepped out, and made my way to the front door.
As soon as I walked in, the familiar scent of food hit me. Emma was sitting at the dining table, happily munching on something. She looked up the moment she noticed me.
"Hey! You're back!" she said, her mouth half-full. "Where were you?"
I forced a small smile, trying to push aside my feelings. "Just… had something to take care of."
Emma narrowed her eyes at me, clearly sensing something was off. "You okay?"
I hesitated for a second before nodding. "Yeah, just tired."
Emma looked up from her plate and called out to me.
Emma: "Hey, Y/N, come eat this… Oh, and Max is gone. He said he'll be back tomorrow evening, then we can go shopping."
I forced a small smile, but my voice came out weak. "Ooh… That's nice. Emma, I think I just need some sleep."
She frowned, setting her fork down.
Emma: "Y/N, what's the matter? You look sad."
She got up and walked toward me, concern written all over her face.
"N-no, nothing happened, I just—" I tried to brush it off, but my voice wavered.
Emma: "And how many times are you going to hide things from me?" she interrupted, frustration creeping into her tone. "You always do this, Y/N."
I looked away, feeling guilty. "Emma, don't worry…"
Before I could say anything else, she pulled me into a tight hug.
Emma: "You have me, Y/N. Please… You don't have to pretend like nothing's wrong. You have me to share things with."
Her words hit me harder than I expected. A lump formed in my throat, and before I knew it, my eyes welled up with tears.
"I don't know, Emma," I whispered, my voice breaking as I clung to her.
She hugged me even tighter, rubbing my back in comfort.
Emma: "Then tell me. Maybe I could help, Y/N."
I hesitated for a moment, then finally let it out—I told her everything about Kayden's behavior, how distant he was, how he barely reacted, and how it made me feel like I had done something terribly wrong.
Emma listened patiently, her grip on me never loosening. And for the first time that night, I didn't feel so alone.
Emma's eyes widened in shock.
Emma: "What?! He did that?"
We were sitting on my bed, but she immediately got up, pacing the room in frustration.
I sighed. "It's not his fault, Emma."
Emma: "No, Y/N! I thought he liked you!" she exclaimed, crossing her arms.
I let out a weak chuckle, though it didn't reach my eyes. "I thought so too… but maybe he was just being friendly."
Emma sat back down beside me, shaking her head. "Don't worry, Y/N. I'm sure he'll regret it. But wait—you said that bi— I mean, that girl is James' girlfriend, right?"
I nodded. "Yes…"
Emma's eyes lit up with an idea. "Oh, we should tell him!"
I quickly shook my head. "No, Emma. He'll be upset."
Emma scoffed. "What the hell, Y/N?! He should know what kind of girlfriend he has!"
I bit my lip, feeling torn. "I'm not sure about this…"
Emma's frustration grew. "What?! They stayed the night together, and you're not sure if you should say something?"
I hesitated, my mind a mess of emotions. "I-I… Should I talk to Kayden or not? Just tell me…"
Emma crossed her arms, looking at me seriously.
Emma: "No, Y/N. You just have to wait. He'll talk to you—I know he will."
I nodded hesitantly, though I wasn't sure if I believed her. Just as I was about to respond, my phone suddenly buzzed in my hand. I glanced at the caller ID and sighed in frustration.
Mr. Annoying.
Thank God I had changed his contact name.
"Huh… Emma, I need to take this call," I muttered, standing up and heading toward the door.
But, of course, Emma was Emma—she followed me, curious as ever.
I shot her a warning glance, but she just smirked, pretending to mind her own business. Ignoring her, I pressed the answer button and put the phone to my ear.
"Hello?" I said hesitantly.
Mr. Annoying: "Hi, baby. I missed you… You said you'd call me."
I swallowed hard. Ugh, why does he sound so smug?
"I-I forgot about that," I lied, rubbing my forehead.
Mr. Annoying: "Tsk, tsk, forgetting about me already? That hurts, baby."
I rolled my eyes, but before I could say anything, he continued.
Mr. Annoying: "I want to see you… I'm coming tomorrow."
I stiffened slightly. "O-oh… okay."
Emma's eyes narrowed in suspicion, clearly trying to eavesdrop, but I quickly took a few steps away from her, lowering my voice.
Mr. Annoying: "Tomorrow evening, 7 PM. After you're done with work, my driver will pick you up."
I hesitated for a moment before mumbling, "O-okay."
As soon as the call ended, I let out a deep breath. Turning around, I found Emma standing there, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face.
Emma: "And who was that?"
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