Chapter 2
1exhaled quirth, relieved Gavin hadn’t chosen het.
Mandy posted in mock annoyance “Gavin, ever since you got married, you’ve turned into a benpecked husband. This is such a small matter, Grace won’t mind. She’s not that petty, right?
She glanced at me with a bright smile, her tone playtul
Tstared at her, momentarily thrown off by her caretter demeanor.
I couldn’t deny that her relaxed, easy–going attitude made me question whether I had been overthinking things or misjudging her intentions
But deep down, I just didn’t like her.
I returned her smile, though my voice was calm and firm “You’re wrong, Ms. Green.”
Mandy traze, her smile stiffening on her face.
Mr. Reed, please arrange a car for Ms.Green,” I said, turning to look at Caleb.
Caleb instinctively turned toward Gavin, seeking his reaction.
Gavin frowned slightly, clearly hesitant.
“Gavin Mandy protested, her tone laced with indignation. “You’re really something! Are we not good friends anymore? Are you ditching me for her? Mycurrent status would be
huge problem if the paparazzi caught me. Scandals are the last thing I need”
I turned to her sharply “Oh? And getting caught with my husband wouldn’t be a problem?
“That’s not what I meant… Many looked at me in disbelief. “Gracie, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me? Gavin and I grew up together–we’ve always been close. He sees me as a brother. If we wanted to be together, it would’ve happened long before you came into the picture.”
“Mandy Green!”
Gen’s face darkened as he interrupted her sharply. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
Mandy suddenly seemed to realize her slip and covered her mouth, feigning innocence. “Oh? Gracies doesn’t know I’m your ex–girlfriend? I’m sorry! I thought you told her. But that’s ancient historynow Gracie wouldn’t still care about that, would she?”
“Enough““Gavin’s voice carried an edge of frustration as it he had reached the end of his patience, “Caleb, take her home!”
Mandy pouted and rolled her eyes at him. Instead of looking offended, she seemed to relish her position, as though her actions were backed by unwavering confidence. “Fine, fine I’m lening now. We’catch up another time.”
As Mandy finally left the office, I snapped out of my daze. That was when I realized Gavin had taken my hand at some point. Instinctively, Iyanked it away. “Don’t touch me!”
Gavin’s lips pressed into a thin line, and his tone dropped to a low rumble. “What happened between me and her is in the past. Don’t overthink it.”
“And now?” I locked eyes with him. “Do you still have feelings for her?”
Gavin responded unmediately, without even pausing. “No.”
I took a deep breath, forcing down the wave of bitterness rising in my chest. “Gavin, if you still love her, I’m willing to step aside. We can part ways peacefully.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shadow fit past the door, the unmistakable glint of polished black boots catching the light.
Someone was outside!
But this was Gavin’s office. Who would dare eavesdrop on their boss?
“Grace, do you even realize what you’re saying?” Gavin’s brows knitted together as his tone turned colder. “This is absurd. I told you, there’s nothing between Mandy and me Stop letting your imagination run wild!”
