You know why, Dulcie responded, her voice steady.
I need to hear you say it, he said, his tone devoid of emotion.
Feeling her frustration rise, Dulcie exined, I cant stand being constantly scrutinized and criticized, or having people believe Im only here through underhanded means.
I dont want to be the source of rumors that affect you.
You managed to handle Audrey, but you cant possibly take on the entirepany.
I cant be the reason your career ispromised.
We signed a secret marriage agreement for a year.
No matter what they say, I cant reveal my rtionship with you.
Im tired of this endless cycle.
Ive had enough.
Rather than endure this, Id prefer to leave.
Please, just approve my resignation.
Voicing her long-suppressed feelings brought Dulcie a fleeting sense of relief.
However, Kysons expression grew sterner, his brow furrowed in disapproval. He shot her a sharp nce, his voice firm.
I dont agree.
Why not? Dulcie asked, confusion and exasperation clouding her thoughts.
Her departure wouldnt impact him.
On the contrary, it would remove a source of tension.
Wouldnt her leaving simplify things for everyone? Theres no why.
I said no, and thats final.
Kysons authoritative tone was moremanding than Dulcie had anticipated, and it caught her off guard.
Her frustration, long suppressed, now burst forth.
Why do you think you can make decisions for others so easily? What rule says I cant resign if you dont agree? Her voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes reddening with unshed tears, her lip caught stubbornly between her teeth.
Kyson, observing her distraught expression, felt an unexpected twinge of irritation-and pity.
He suppressed these feelings, maintaining his stern facade.
Because Im the CEO of Shaw Group.
Im your highest authority here. Dulcies voice rose, her defiance clear.
Kyson, just because I have feelings for you doesnt mean you can summon me or dismiss me at your whim.
Im not just an object for you to control! This outburst marked the second time she had lost herposure in front of him.
Her eyes and nose were red, tears shimmered but did not fall.
Kyson was taken aback.
He had always seen Dulcie as resilient.
Her words now made him realize how he had exploited her affection, acting without regard for her well-being.
Seeing him silent, Dulcie poured out her heart.
I do care about you.
I know I might not be what youre looking for, but Im trying to be better for you, to learn what I dont yet understand.
I never expected you to reciprocate my feelings.
Just being close to you for one year is enough for me.
But Kyson, Im human too.
I need support, some sign of care… Cant you show me just a little concern? By the end, her voice broke, choked by sobs. Despite the harsh treatment from her colleagues, Dulcie had never allowed herself to cry at work.
However, facing Kyson-confronting his relentlessmands and coercion-brought an overwhelming wave of sadness.
Ovee, she crouched down, wrapping her arms around her knees in a gesture of deep distress.
She thought perhaps after today, Kyson might regard her with even less favor.
But at that moment, none of that seemed to matter.
Kyson, witnessing her copse into herself on the floor, sat frozen, his blue eyes wide with shock.
After a few seconds of stunned silence, he exhaled a quiet sigh, the emotion briefly shadowed by his long eyshes.
Then, with deliberate steps, he approached, scooped Dulcie gently from the floor, and carried her to the sofa.
Dulcie was paralyzed by terror, her body stiff with the fear that any struggle might send her tumbling to the floor.
Feeling his warmth pulsing and his heart beating, she tentatively turned and raised her gaze to meet his, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
In that moment, her eyes mirrored those of a wounded fawn, full of desperation, silently pleading forfort and the sce of a warm embrace to soothe the cruelty she had endured.
Kyson, settled on the sofa, gently put Dulcie on hisp.
His fingers delicately wove through her hair, softly massaging her scalp.
The transformation in Kyson left Dulcie bewildered.