After the event last night, Blade and I lost touch because he had already taken his parents home and left me here. It's fine, though. I wasn't expecting anything different. I thought we were just going to stay at our condo.

This isn't so bad, but if this house is as big as it seems, I might get swallowed up by sadness. It would be different if we had a child, but out of pity, he bought it for me just so I wouldn't sell my villa.

I told him I bought it with my savings, so he got me a new one as a gift out of sympathy, but I didn't want it. Why does he feel the need to pay for me? Our relationship is still just business.

I invited my friends Karla and Clarize, and they agreed since it was rent-free. They just have to clean, of course. They'll be coming next week because they need to sort out some rent issues with their apartment. I woke up feeling weighed down. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was married.

I cleared my head and got ready for work. I took a long bath because I woke up early and didn't want to be late. There are no important documents to submit. I just need to focus on the presentation and the key points I'll be sharing with the board.

After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs, intending to grab a quick drink of water before thinking about lunch. However, something unexpected caught my attention in the kitchen. There, laid out on the table, was a delicious breakfast spread with mouthwatering bread, bacon, and fried hotdogs. As I glanced over the table, I noticed a note left behind.

The note read, "Eat up, Mrs. Armstrong. :) -Husband."

I couldn't help but burst into laughter as I set my belongings aside and took my time enjoying the thoughtful breakfast my husband had prepared. Once I finished eating and placed the plates in the sink, I carefully tucked away the letter he had used as a bookmark in the book I was holding. With a smile on my face, I headed towards the front door where my beautiful car was parked.

Although I didn't have a license yet, I knew it was valid since I only used it for work and not for long trips to other cities. Excitement bubbled within me as I thought about the upcoming presentation I would be giving next week. However, just as I stepped into the elevator, my phone suddenly rang, interrupting my thoughts.

It was a message from Blade.

"How's your sleep? Did you enjoy the meal I made for you?"

I couldn't help but laugh. Was he serious? Were we becoming a couple? Shaking off the thought, I greeted some fellow employees as I made my way to my office.

I quickly replied to Blade's message, saying, "Thanks for the food, hub. :*"

As I settled into my office, my mind began to focus on the presentation for the important deal we needed to close. Our lives were back to normal, filled with the busyness of our respective businesses. He was at his company, and I was at ours. Yesterday, my team had been occupied with preparing proposals, including the expansion of shares and the introduction of a new plane part that we would soon present to the board.

I've tallied up the number of times I've repeated the other part, but for some reason, I can't seem to push through. My work doesn't bring me any satisfaction either. It just doesn't feel inviting or appealing.

As I was busy preparing a presentation for the board, I was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Although I didn't pay much attention to it, I remained focused on my task because it was crucial for the company's success and my chance to prove myself to my parents.

"Alessia, can you spare me a moment?" My dad asked as he entered.

I paused what I was doing and sat down with him on the couch in my office.

"Coffee? Tea?" I offered as I took a seat across from him.

"No, I'll be quick and get straight to the point," he replied, his expression serious.

I remained silent and simply looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Starting next week, you'll be working under Blade's supervision."

"Huh?" I exclaimed. "Dad, I can't. You know I have a proposal due next week. It wouldn't be right to leave my team hanging—"

"They'll manage just fine," he interrupted, dismissing my concerns.

"Do it for the sake of the company and for yourself." Dad smiled mischievously and kissed me on the forehead.

After he left, I walked over to the window of my office and gazed out at the bustling city below. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. I had been in this field for almost a year and hadn't won a single proposal. Even after my failures, they wouldn't allow me to step back. I wiped away the tears streaming down my cheeks.

I noticed Blade calling, but I let it ring. Then, a notification chimed, indicating that I had just received a message. Suddenly, Claudia, the sub-leader of our team, knocked on the door and I instructed her to come in.

"Miss, we're having lunch together. Would you like to join us?" She asked.

I wasn't sure if it would do me any good, but deep down, I knew I needed some time alone. I needed to gather my strength before facing them in our meeting later today.

"No, thank you. Just make sure you're back before the meeting starts, alright?" I replied, without looking at her, and I heard the door close abruptly.

My tears won't seem to stop falling. It's hard to come to terms with the fact that their trust in me has wavered due to a mistake. Maybe it's for the best, a chance for me to grow.

"Blade, it's not the end of the world," I whispered to myself, trying to find solace and push away unhelpful thoughts.

If this is what they believe is right, then I'll go along with it.

All for the sake of their approval.