For the past few days, he had been openly pursuing me: flowers, gifts, grand gestures that made the entire company buzz with gossip. But according to what Mia knew, I wasn't moved at all. Every gift he sent ended up being returned through his secretary.
Honestly, Mia admired my resistance. After all, this was none other than young master Ashbourne of the Luc Group—impeccable background, handsome and charming, always carefree and cheerful, never seen angry at anyone. Most people wouldn't stand a chance under such intense pursuit.
I, however, was simply tired.
When I saw Edmund striding toward the reception desk, I felt the usual headache.Another day, another battle with this walking disaster.
He and Gideon were biological brothers, yet how could they be so different?If only Gideon pursued me with even half of Edmund's enthusiasm… what a blessing that would be.
But today, I wasn't in the mood. I pretended not to notice Edmund and kept my eyes glued to the visitor list, expression blank.
He stopped in front of the desk, casually placing his hand on the counter as he greeted me with enthusiasm."Vivienne, busy as always?"
A shiver ran down my back. I kept checking the list as if I hadn't heard him at all.
Mia jumped in quickly with a forced smile."How could we ever be busier than young master Ashbourne?"
Edmund scoffed, shooting Mia a mischievous grin."Please. Everyone in this company knows I'm the most free person here."
The company's business was always managed by the eldest and second Ashbourne brothers. Edmund? He had zero ambition and spent his days enjoying life.
"You're just hiding your talents," Mia joked. "One day you'll make a name for yourself."
Edmund pointed playfully at her."I like people who know how to speak well. I'm thinking of changing secretaries. You look like a good fit. How about you come work for me?"
Mia's eyes widened in disbelief."M-Me?"
"Yes." He glanced at me. "As long as you can stop my gifts from being returned."
Mia fell silent.
So that's why he wanted to "change secretaries."
"Young master Ashbourne, that might be a little difficult for me," Mia said awkwardly.
Edmund noticed I was still looking at the visitor list, so he leaned over."Anyone coming to see me today?"
I finally lifted my head, smiling politely."Let me check for you."
"There was a Miss Robert yesterday. She claimed to be your ex-girlfriend. Said she couldn't reach you and came directly to the company. We told her you weren't here, but she didn't believe us, tried to enter your office. Security stopped her."
I pointed to another name."And Miss Anderson came as well. Said she met you a week ago and wanted to set an appointment. She left her number."
Before I could continue, Edmund pressed his finger lightly on the sheet in my hands."I met Miss Anderson only once. If she comes again, that's her business, not mine. And Miss Robert well, you said it yourself, she's an ex. It's been a long time. She cheated on me and left. Don't misunderstand, I'm actually very loyal. I'm definitely not a playboy."
I smiled."Young master Ashbourne, I'm just reporting the visitor list. You don't have to explain anything to me."
"I'm pursuing you," he said seriously. "Of course I have the obligation to explain."
"Vivienne..."
Before he could finish, Mia suddenly called out,"President Ashbourne!"
Both Edmund and I looked toward the entrance.
A tall man in a tailored suit stepped in, followed by a group of executives. His facial features resembled Edmund's, but because he rarely smiled, his presence was imposing, noble every movement sharp with the authority of someone who had held power for a long time.
He was exactly like the man in my dream earlier.
He glanced around casually—and our eyes met.
My spine straightened instinctively.
But Gideon only looked at me for a split second before turning to Edmund."Come to my office."
With that, he stepped into the executive elevator.
Since his brother had called him, Edmund didn't dare delay. He said goodbye to us and hurried after Gideon.
The lobby finally returned to peace.
Mia whispered,"President Ashbourne's been on a business trip for a long time. Haven't seen him in ages."
I gazed toward the exclusive elevator."Yeah. It's been twenty-eight days."
"Twenty-eight..." Mia slammed the desk, shocked."You seriously remember the exact number?!"
I looked away calmly."Of course I don't. I just overheard someone from the president's office mentioning it at lunch today."
Mia didn't doubt me for a second."Well anyway, young master Ashbourne seems nice. Probably a sweet boyfriend. Why don't you give him a chance?"
I snorted."Are you blind? One look and you can tell he's a spoiled rich kid who forgets one woman the moment he sees another. He's sweet today, but tomorrow he'll be sweet to someone else."
"But he said he was the one dumped in his previous relationship. Sounds pitiful."
"You actually believe that?"
"Right… you're right. Totally unreliable." Mia nodded."Most rich heirs are like that. It's rare to find someone like President Ashbourne, pure, disciplined, never letting any woman get close. He's famous for being anti-marriage. Wanting to marry someone like him is basically a fantasy."
Remembering how Gideon barely spared me a few seconds of attention just now, I pressed the pen's clicker, tack.
The afternoon crawled by painfully slow. When it was finally time to go home, I took out the resignation letter I'd written long ago. After graduation, I joined Nova Haven for one reason: to pursue Gideon.
But nearly three months had passed, and I'd barely seen him.
Then I learned he was a firm believer in staying single. So I attended a dinner where he would be present, hoping for a chance to get close. During conversation, I casually hinted that I only wanted dating, not marriage that we were the same type of person, perfect to be together.
That night, Gideon turned out to be far more approachable than I'd imagined. We talked pleasantly, drank quite a lot. Later, I asked him to take me back to my hotel, and he didn't refuse.
He accompanied me to my room and didn't leave.
Everything happened naturally.
We confirmed our relationship that night. We agreed to date for a while and see how things went.
But the next morning when I woke up, Gideon was gone without a note, without a message.
Just vanished.