Usually, Melanie would sit beside Edwin, chatting away about everything that happened the day before—who got teased by the teacher, who suddenly started dating, or which new idol everyone was obsessing over.
But today, she was quiet. Too quiet.
Edwin wasn't used to it.
"I'm full. I'll head to work now." Melanie grabbed her bag and was about to leave when his voice stopped her.
"It's raining outside. The roads are slippery. I'll drive you later."
She froze for a second. It had been so long since she'd heard something like that from him. For a moment, she felt… disoriented.
Turning back, she replied calmly, "No need, I'll take the bus. It's convenient enough."
Edwin frowned, about to insist, but Maurice spoke first.
"Melanie, it's no trouble at all! Edwin and I are going to the company anyway. We can drop you off on the way," she said with a sweet smile.
Melanie blinked, glancing at Edwin. "I thought you two were going to pick out wedding outfits today?"
Yesterday, Maurice had sent her pictures of dresses, asking for her opinion before the photoshoot.
Maurice looked up at Edwin with adoration, her hand slipping into his. "Well, that's for later," she clarified. "This morning, babe's taking me to the company for a little tour. Soon, Melanie, we'll be colleagues!"
For some reason, hearing that made Melanie feel uneasy.
And her instincts were right.
At the company, she was called into the CEO's office.
Edwin didn't waste time. "Gummy Gem—I've decided to assign that project to Maurice. She has more experience. You'll work under her and learn from her."
Gummy Gem wasn't her baby. She'd spent countless hour and resources and sacrificed other opportunities to perfectly conceptualize that game.
And Edwin knew that. He knew exactly how much it meant to her.
Yet here he was, handing it over to someone else—without even discussing it with her first.
Melanie let out a bitter laugh. "President Setchfield, I don't agree."
Edwin's expression darkened, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "Why not?"
Why not?
He knew the answer. But he was cold and distant, still pushing her to accept his decision.
Was it because he didn't love her? Was that why he had to trample all over her like this?
Melanie blinked back the tears building in her eyes, forcing herself to meet Edwin's gaze. "Because Gummy Gem is my work. I put my heart into it, and I won't hand it over to someone else. Besides, has Maurice ever developed a game on her own? Has she led a team to win awards in international competitions? She—"
"Enough, Melanie." His tone was sharp, cutting her off. "This is business. It's not about your personal feelings but profits. Stop acting like a child."
"I'm not!" Her voice shook, but she held firm. "I'm just being logical. I don't—"
"This isn't up for discussion." His voice dropped, cold and final. "The announcement will be made later today. I'm just informing you."
The CEO's face darkened a little, and it was obvious his tone left no room for argument.
Melanie stared at him, and it was at that moment that she realized how that man in front of her felt like a stranger.
This was the same person who once told her she could do anything and encouraged her to dream. But now? He was dismissing her passion like it was nothing, calling it childish.
It hit her then—he really did love Maurice. So much so that he was willing to throw away his principles and standards, even use Melanie as a stepping stone to pave the way.
"Ed," Melanie said, "are you happy now?"
The light in the office flickered unevenly, casting shadows over Edwin as he leaned back in his chair, looking up at her.
For the first time, he realized that the girl who used to follow him around had grown up. But somehow, the bright, cheerful Melanie he used to know wasn't there anymore.
And yet…
The silence was broken when the door opened.
Maurice strolled in, wearing a chic little tweed outfit, her heels clicking against the floor. Without hesitation, she walked up to Edwin, clasping his hand with a playful pout.
"Babe, I've decided! I want the office right next to yours. The view is perfect, and I love the décor!"
