Since I was mostly sure that Neil was my online boyfriend, the priority was to find out if he was really two-timing—and who on earth 'babe' was.
After all, what if I was just being paranoid?
Soon, he sent another message.
[By the way, your favorite brand just launched a new series. Which one do you like? I'll wear it!]
I looked at the photos attached and picked a black needle knit sweater with a label over the chest—the type one could recognize in public right away.
I was still holding out hope that I'd gotten it wrong and Neil wouldn't be wearing it, so that I didn't have to worry about him being a two-timing jerk.
-
Next morning, I brought the edited proposal to Neil's office, where he sat leisurely on the couch, sipping tea.
And he was indeed wearing the black knitted sweater I had picked yesterday.
In fact, it was so black it hurt.
"The proposal is fixed, Mr. Forest," I called out.
Neil looked up and smiled mildly at me. "Thanks, Winnie. Get ready—the investors will be visiting this afternoon."
"Okay," I replied, still staring at the sweater, and asked seemingly nonchalantly, "I've never seen you wear that, sir. It looks good on you."
He smiled. "Just bought it yesterday."
This time, my heart truly sank—he really was my Puppy.
I couldn't focus on work at all when I returned to my cubicle, and I found myself peeking at Neil's office repeatedly.
He said that he'd be meeting his 'babe' today, and I would most definitely like to meet her.
If the truth was as I'd imagined, our relationship would have run its course.
An hour later, a lady with a beautiful face and an exquisite fashion taste strutted into Neil's office.
I headed over, standing outside while pretending to fetch a drink from the pantry.
The door was ajar, and I could hear laughter from within. "I missed you so much, dear. And you look gorgeous in that sweater—black really suits you a lot."
Neil's voice was quiet and affectionate. "As long as you like it—I've even chosen it specifically. So, we're meeting your parents tonight? Ugh, I'm worried they won't like me."
"No way! My parents will definitely be supportive and agree with my judgement."
Those words left me feeling like I was bludgeoned on the chest.
So he was just asking me to pick his battle armor while he charmed another woman's parents.
Well, what was I? A backup plan for him to curb his boredom?
Whipping out my phone at the next second, I fought against my disgust and sent a text. [You make me sick. I'm breaking up with you!]
Once sent, I blocked his number in one fluid motion.
Soon, Neil arrived, holding the woman's hand and affectionately escorting her upstairs, clearly not looking like he had just been dumped.
I smiled wryly as I felt like a clown.
Just remembering the year's worth of sweet nothings left me teary-eyed, but on the bright side, I had only stayed in touch with him using my backup number.
Otherwise, heaven knew how awkward it would be if he caught me.
Hence, I took solace in the thought that I could make up for my defeat in romance by succeeding in my career.
And as a mature, rational woman, I couldn't just throw away my job over something so stupid.
In the afternoon, Neil texted me.
[Winnie, come in to fill our investor with the details. He thinks our project has potential.]
I composed myself and headed into Neil's office like nothing ever happened.
"Oh, Winnie! This is Carl Graham, a representative of our investors and my childhood friend. There's no need to be wary—just tell him everything you have in mind."
Brushing past Neil to look at the man on the couch, I froze when our eyes met.
Unlike Neil's warm, cheery personality, Carl carried himself with a cool, noble presence that kept people at arm's reach.
