In truth, the application had been ready for a while. If it weren't for the upcoming wedding and Cayson's pleas, I wouldn't have set aside my career goals.
I pulled the document from my drafts folder, printed it out, and headed straight to the office. At a little past eight, predictably, Diego was still there, burning the midnight oil. Through the glass of his office, I saw him bent over his desk, absorbed in his work.
I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"How did you get here... so quickly?" Diego's eyes widened in surprise, and he quipped, "Is this the kind of efficiency we can expect from a CFO? No wonder everyone recommends you for leading the European project."
I offered a noncommittal smile and handed him the application. Diego complimented my abilities but twirled a pen between his fingers, taking his sweet time before signing.
Feeling a bit impatient, I asked, "Is there a problem with the document, Mr. Taylor?"
Diego raised an eyebrow. "The document's fine, but you turned down the offer so decisively before, and now you're rushing in for a signature. How can I be sure you won't change your mind again?"
"Once the overseas project starts, I won't let you back out. Are you really sure about this?"
His intense gaze was almost overwhelming. Just as I was about to respond, my phone rang. A call from [Husband] appeared. I declined the call, but a WhatsApp message quickly followed: [Are you at the office? When will you be done? I'll pick you up.]
My annoyance deepened.
"I'm sure, Mr. Taylor. Please sign."
"But it feels like you're acting out of spite."
Diego's gaze shifted from my phone screen to me. "I'll sign, but I don't want any personnel issues on the new project. I'll give you three days to think it over. If you're still sure after that, come back to see me."
How could I tell him that I was already as certain as one could be? After a moment of frustration, I reassured myself. I might as well use these three days to sever ties with the past and prepare for what's ahead.
Taking back the application Diego had returned, I stood up to leave, but he stopped me. "You came all this way for a signature. Have you eaten yet?"
I paused, "Not yet."
"Then let's grab a bite together."
"Maybe another time, Mr. Taylor. I have other matters to deal with."
Having just suffered the betrayal of both a lover and a friend, I really wasn't in the mood to dine, especially not with a young, unfamiliar boss. There were too many rumors about Diego, and I didn't want to be caught up in gossip about climbing the corporate ladder through relationships with men.
I forced a smile and reached for the door. But I froze instantly.
"Trinity? What are you doing here?"
The moment our eyes met, Ariah and I were both caught off guard. Since agreeing to Cayson's proposal six months ago, our interactions had dwindled. Once a close friend, now she felt like a stranger.
I sensed a subtle wariness and hostility in her furrowed brows and eyes. Something I never noticed when we were all together with Cayson before.
I glanced downwards; Ariah was holding an elegant thermos lunch box.
It appeared she was here to bring Diego lunch—something homemade, no less.
