"What''s wrong?" Mr. Hastings Senior fired off a series of questions. "What''s with that tone? Do I owe you money or something?"


    "No."


    "Alright, alright. I don''t have time to argue with you. Bring Serena home for dinner this weekend."


    The call ended abruptly. Alex hung up but remained standing beside me without a word.


    Thinking back to what had just happened, I felt my face burn with embarrassment.


    I wanted nothing more than to find a hole to crawl into.


    That had been reckless of me.


    "My dad-"


    "I know," I cut in hastily as I turned my head away. "Where... Where am I staying?"


    He nodded toward the stairs. "Second floor."


    I snatched my bag from his hand. "I''m going to bed now."


    Upstairs, I walked into the room and was immediately stunned.


    Theyout was identical to the room I had at the Hastings residence-the same two-toned bed curtains,ce-trimmed solid-colored sheets and duvet, white desk, and even the framed photo of me.


    I ran my fingers over each item as a wave of shock and confusion washed over me. I was stunned that someone as busy as Alex had managed to find and arrange so many identical things. But I was confused about why he had done it.


    I was already certain of my feelings for him. No matter how different our worlds were, I still couldn''t help being expectant.


    Even if it was just for a fleeting moment, I longed for more.


    "Ms. Ashford, have some water." Maryanne Lindth, the housekeeper who hade over from the Hastings residence, handed me a ss. "Are youfortable in this room?"


    I lowered my gaze and took the water from her hands. "Why is this room exactly like the one at the Hastings residence?"


    J.ne


    At that moment, my heart skipped a beat. I was afraid to hear the answer. I was scared it wouldn''t be a wished for and just as scared that it would be.


    "Mr. Hastings Senior always asked Mr. Hastings to look after you, but you never wanted toe over. He thought you weren''tfortable, so he had this room decorated just like the old one, hoping it would help if you ever stayed. Otherwise, Mr. Hastings Senior would have scolded him again."


    I let out augh, relieved yet inexplicably sad. "So, that''s all it was. Maryanne, I''m going to bed."


    I turned off the lights andy down, but I couldn''t sleep. I tossed and turned until


    the first light of dawn crept through the curtains.


    Then, I heard a door open.


    Alex was up. He walked to my door and stopped.


    Panic surged through me. I quickly shut my eyes and pretended to be asleep.


    After a brief pause, he walked away.


    I sat up and stared at the closed door while running a hand through my messy hair.


    .nee


    "You''reing to the office with


    after breakfast." Alex took a mouthful of oatmeal. "The contract is signed. You can return to the head office assistant''s office."


    "No." I shook my head. "Can I make a request?"


    "Go ahead." He picked up a boiled egg, cracked it against the table, and began peeling it.


    "I... I want to know what thepany is going to do about Mia."


    "She''s been fired." With a few swift movements of his long fingers, he peeled the


    egg and ced the smooth, white egg on my te.


    "Why? Do you want to plead for her?"