"I..." My words got stuck in my throat, and my cheeks flushed red.


    What was I even thinking? Alex only promoted me to deal with Mr. Hastings Senior. Did I seriously think he''d go out of his way to open up an assistant position just for me?


    I felt ashamed for my audacity.


    "Second question." I took a deep breath. "That ne... is clearly not a custom design from thepany. It must be your mother''s keepsake. So... why did you let me wear it?"


    My voice was tentative and soft as I tested the waters.


    The real issue wasn''t why he gave me the ne but the story behind it. Alex didn''t deny what Jolene had said, which meant her im was probably true. That ne was meant for the future Mrs. Hastings.


    I wasn''t sure what kind of answer I wanted to hear. But after asking, I felt a wave of nervousness and unease wash over me. I was afraid of the truth-afraid that it might confirm my thoughts yet also terrified it might not.


    Alex stayed silent for a long time before speaking. He began, "I took the wrong one." And after what felt like forever, he continued, "Oliver brought over some samples, and I just put them in the drawer. That day, I identally picked up the wrong one."


    Hearing his words, my emotions became a tangled mess, and I averted my gaze.


    He was lying! At least I was sure that he was lying when answering the second question.


    Thepany''s custom designs came in luxury leather boxes. But the ne he gave me was in an elegant wooden box. There was no way he''d just leave something so significant mixed with the samples.


    My thoughts were all over the ce. I didn''t want to press him for the truth, but I couldn''t stop overthinking either. So, we drove all the way to the university gate in silence.


    "Pack your things tonight. I''ll help you move tomorrow," he said in amanding tone.


    "There''s no need." I waved my hands to refuse, but the moment I said it, I regretted it. I didn''t know why, but I wanted to spend more time with him.


    But the words were already out. His gaze fixed on me, and I


    bring to take it back. Instead,


    I scrambled for an excuse.


    He smiled faintly and said, "Hiring a movingpany will cost you a week''s rent."


    "Then fine, I''ll leave it to you," I said, taking the out he offered. "I''ll treat you to a meal."


    Alex''s smile deepened. "Go on. Get some rest."


    He then turned the car around and drove off.


    ...


    The next morning, I got a call from Alex.


    "I''m at the university gate." His deep, maic voice came through the phone. "Need help with your luggage?"


    The thought of Alex helping me


    move


    other students made me cringet


    getting stared at by the


    rumors would spread like


    The


    fire.


    So, I quickly refused, "No, I... I can manage."


    Half an hourter, I showed up at the gate, loaded down with bags and dragging


    three suitcases behind me.


    There he was, dressed casually but


    sharp. He was leaning


    t the hood ofstel


    phone.


    Rover while scrolling on


    Everyone passing by, be they guys ordies, couldn''t resist sneaking a nce at him.


    In contrast, I looked like aplete mess, like a refugee on the run.


    I felt my face heat up. Why hadn''t I thought to make two trips? Now, I was


    standing before Alex looking utterly disheveled.