Edward’s request made my heart race.


    :.


    Without thinking, I blurted out, “Sorry, that’s not convenient.”


    Edward’s eyes grew darker.


    ‘Guys like him probably never get turned down,‘ I thought to myself.


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    ‘Still, I really don’t have any reason to invite him over to my ce,‘ I added silently.


    “How about next time?” Edward pressed on, not ready to give up.


    I shook my head. “Mr. Jennings, let’s keep some distance between us. It’s better for both of us.”


    Edward seemed to have seen thising. He gave a rxed smile. “Are you guarding yourself so closely because Ryan isn’t married yet?”


    “Even if he does get married, there still wouldn’t be anything between us,” I replied, a heaviness settling in my chest. ‘Honestly, now that things are over with Ryan, I can finally throw myself into work and really hone my skills,‘ I thought.


    Edward’s face grew somber. “Alright, go on upstairs.”


    “Thanks for bringing me back. Goodbye,” I said politely, stepping into the elevator just as the doors opened.


    I pressed the button, and before the doors closed, I looked up at Edward, unable to help myself.


    He was staring right at me, our eyes meeting for a split second before the elevator doors slid shut between us.


    All the strength I’d managed to hold onto during the ride just vanished. I slumped against the elevator wall, my mind spinning.


    I hadn’t told anyone about my breakup with Ryan. I just poured all my energy


    into work.


    :


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    With the end of the yearing up, everypany was getting ready to take time off for the holidays. I got the holiday break notice from HQ too.


    My brother’s been on a roll at worktely–he scored two great projects and got a fat year–end bonus. He could barely sit still with it, like it was burning a hole in his pocket. First thing he did was buy me a ne, then picked out gifts for our parents. That night, he was buzzing with excitement, saying he wanted to treat me to dinner and even told me to bring my boyfriend along.


    I came by myself, and my brother looked absolutely smug, grinning from ear to ear. Sophia was practically glued to his side, all soft and affectionate.


    “Hey, sis…” Aiden jumped up as soon as he saw me. “Where’s your boyfriend?”


    I set my bag down and smiled. “He’s busy.”


    Aiden knew Ryan’s job kept him tied up most of the time, so he justughed. “Next time, make sure you bring him!”


    Sophia gave me a sly look. “Victoria, it’s almost the holidays and your boyfriend’s still working? He’s so handsome–you better keep a close eye on him.”


    Aiden shot her a look. “Show some respect.”


    Sophia pouted, then, with a little huff, sashayed back to her seat.


    “Victoria, go ahead and order whatever you want,” Aiden said, grinning from ear to


    ear.


    I nodded, grabbed the menu, and just picked a few simple dishes–nothing fancy or expensive.


    Sophia nced over the menu, looking a bit dissatisfied. “I’m bored of these home–style dishes. We eat them at the office cafeteria every day, Aiden, I want this… wagyu beef, and some foie gras too.”


    “Alright, alright. I know you’ve been working hardtely, must be exhausted. If you want it, just order it,” Aiden replied, spoiling her as usual. He’d always spent most of his money on her, and during college, he took her to see all the best ces around the country.


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    Sophia immediately put on a shy little smile and bumped Aiden with her elbow. “Come on, my sister’s right here. Stop it.”


    Watching those two with all their youthful energy, I just sat there quietly, sipping


    my tea.


    Things were finally looking up for Aiden at work, and Sophia’s attitude had improved a lot too.


    “Victoria, I got you a present. It’s not much, but I really hope you like it,” Aiden said, handing me a long box.


    “What is it?” I asked, opening it with a bit of excitement. Inside was a gold


    ne.


    Sophia immediately shed the chunky gold bracelet on her wrist. “Victoria, Aiden got me one too. Isn’t it pretty?”


    I nced at it and nodded. “It looks great. Aiden, just remember not to blow all your money at once–try to save a little, okay?”


    Aiden gave a sheepish grin. “Don’t worry, Victoria. I’ll work hard. It’s not every day I get to earn money on my own, so of course I want to spoil you and Mom and Dad first.”


    “What about my parents?” Sophia’s face suddenly fell, and she shot Aiden a sideways look.


    Aiden instantly caved and pinched her cheek. “Of course I got them something too. And I’m paying for your brother’s entire high school tuition.”


    Sophia’s expression finally softened, but she let out a sigh. “My parents don’t have cushy <i>or </i>respectable jobs like yours. They’re out there working in the dirt, rain or shine. I really hate that I can’t do more for them. I feel like such a bad daughter.”


    Aiden’s heart went out to her. He wrapped his arm around her and said, “Don’t worry, Sophia. With what we’re capable of now, it’s only a matter of time before your parents get to live the good life too.”


    “Really?” Sophia’s eyes instantly brightened, and she gently rested her head on Aiden’s shoulder. “That’s amazing. I knew I chose the right person.”