“Does Peter support Alvin’s madness?” I asked, recalling that Philip had mentioned Peter knew about Alvin’s behavior.
“No,” Philip answered firmly. “My dad’s scolded him. He warned Alvin that if he doesn’t stop, he’ll be kicked out.”
I believed him. Having lived in the Dolton family for so long. I knew how Peter operated.
He was always clear about keeping personal and professional matters separate. If Alvin made a wrong decision or did something wrong, Peter wouldn’t hesitate to punish him.
Considering Alvin’s ongoing sabotage, I couldn’t help but remark, “It seems Peter’s warning didn’t work.”
Philip picked up on my tone. “Is Alvin still at it?”
“Yeah. It feels like he’s trying to crush thepany I’m working for,” I said, my voice trembling with frustration.
I couldn’t be angry anymore. Thepany was suffering because of me, even the clients were being affected. I felt responsible.
“That’s ridiculous. I’ll talk to my dad about this,” Philip said, his face now etched with anger.
“I’ll take care of it,” I replied, adding quickly, “I’ve already prepared a birthday gift for Peter. Let me see if he likes it.”
Philip’s eyes lit up. He smiled warmly. “Great, today, right? We can head back together.”
Seeing his hopeful expression, I pressed my lips together and said, “Yes, but I’m bringing someone with me.”
“Who? A friend?” he asked, still smiling expectantly.
“My boyfriend,” I answered without thinking. The moment the words left my mouth, I saw his smile freeze.
His shock was instant, and the way his expression shattered-his eyes wide, his lips parted-was almost painful to witness.
I could tell from his reaction that he had feelings for me. Michelle had hinted at it before, but now, I could see it in his face. It was better for him to face this now rather thanter.
After a long pause, he stammered, “Zoe… you… your boyfriend is…”
“Josh,” I said.
Philip’s face darkened even more. “Zoe…”
“Philip, I know what you’re trying to say, but I’m not going to y games with my happiness, and I’m not going to do anything out of spite,” I said, even though I didn’t truly believe it myself.
Philip’s usuallyposed face now showed a hint of pain as he said, “But I can’t believe you’d let go of your feelings for Alvin so quickly.”
I almostughed at that. If he knew, why would he still be trying to make a y for me?
Wait-did he have feelings for me even before he left for his studies abroad? Maybe he hadn’te back because of me.
Thinking about this, I suddenly felt a heaviness in my chest. I turned away, keeping my face cold. “You’re waste time on people or feelings that aren’t worth it.”
wrong.
I don’t
I paused for a moment, then added, “Besides, Josh is better than Alvin in every way. Why would I hold on to something that wasn’t good for me?”
I could feel Philip’s gaze burning into me. I tightened my shoulders, my body tense as if to block him out.
It was a long while before Philip spoke again, his voice unsteady. “Alright. Even if you’ve let go of Alvin, you’ve known Josh for, what, a few days? Do you even know him?”
Philip was still trying to convince me. He didn’t want me to be with Josh-or perhaps he didn’t want me to start a new rtionship at all. That way, even if I didn’t end up with him, there’d always be hope.
But I couldn’t give him that.
I gave him a mocking smile. “Does it matter? I was with Alvin for ten years. I knew everything about him-how long he took to pee, how hot he liked his shower water. Was there anything more to know? But what came of it?”
Saying that, I felt a sharp ache in my chest. I had loved Alvin-really loved him. Loved him to the point that I lost myself. Maybe that’s why his betrayal had destroyed me sopletely.
“Alvin’s the exception. Not all men are like him,” Philip said, his hand unexpectedlynding on my shoulder, pulling me to
face him.
I stiffened, but he didn’t seem to notice.
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