The morning light poured gently through the office windows, casting a soft glow across Chloe's desk. She stared at her resignation letter one last time before slipping it into an envelope. Her fingers trembled slightly, but her resolve did not waver.
Today marked the end of a chapter she had clung to for far too long.
She walked into Leo's office, finding him seated behind his desk, typing rapidly. He looked up, surprised to see her.
"Chloe, how have you been? I didn't see you at the party last night," Leo said with a calm smile.
"I'm here to tender my resignation," Chloe replied, holding out the envelope.
Leo's smile faded as he took the envelope but did not open it.
"Why, Chloe? If it's about the salary, I can raise it. Or if you're tired, I can give you more leave."
"No, it's not that," Chloe said firmly. "I just need a new work environment."
Leo leaned back in his chair, studying her. He had always known that Chloe had feelings for him. Over the years, he had grown comfortable relying on her kindness and quiet loyalty, both professionally and personally. But he had never seen her like this. She was calm, distant, and resolute.
"If it's about Linda, I can explain," Leo said, standing from his seat and stepping toward her.
Chloe shook her head. "No need. I've already gotten engaged. I can't work here anymore."
Ryan's eyes narrowed. "Engaged? Chloe, you could've come up with a better reason to leave."
"Believe me or not, it's true. Please accept my resignation. Thank you."
With that, she turned and walked out of his office. She returned to her desk, packed her belongings into a small box, and took one last look at the place she had worked so hard for. She had given so much of herself to Leo and to this company. But now, she had to move on. She had done more than enough.
That evening, after a quiet train ride home, Chloe arrived at her apartment, her box of belongings in hand. As she approached her front door, she stopped in her tracks.
Ryan was standing there, ringing the bell again and again.
She blinked in surprise. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Chloe spoke.
"Sorry. Have you been waiting long?"
She stepped forward and opened the door. Ryan reached out and gently took the box from her hands without a word.
"Thank you," Chloe said, a little shyly.
Ryan stepped into her apartment. The living room was modest, clean, and cozy.
"You can put the box on the table. Thanks," Chloe said, then rushed into the kitchen to pour him a drink.
They sat on the couch, the silence between them thick but not entirely uncomfortable.
"You know who I am," Ryan finally said, his voice low.
"Yes. When I saw you last night, I guessed you were my fiancé," Chloe replied.
"You didn't come to the engagement dinner yesterday. Are you having doubts?" Ryan asked.
"Doubts?" Chloe echoed, unsure how to respond. Her mind flashed to the ballroom, to the pain of watching Leo introduce Linda as his fiancée. She looked down at her hands.
"If there's someone else in your heart, we can talk about it," Ryan said calmly.
Chloe was caught off guard by his straightforwardness. She looked up, meeting his gaze.
"To be honest, I only learned about the engagement a few weeks ago when your brother visited my parents. Since your parents passed away, my mom assumed the arrangement was canceled and never told me. I'm sorry. As for yesterday… I found out someone I admired for years got engaged to his ex. I felt stupid. That's why I was crying. I have also quit my job today," she said.
Ryan nodded. "You don't need to be sad over a man like that. I'm glad you realized it before you got hurt worse."
His words were steady, even kind. Chloe studied his expression. He was composed and unaffected, as if hearing that his fiancée had been in love with someone else meant little to him. Maybe it didn't. After all, they barely knew each other.
"If you need a job, come interview at Sinclair Group tomorrow," Ryan said, pulling a business card from his wallet and handing it to her. "I'll arrange it."
Chloe hesitated, surprised. "Thank you."
"Don't worry. The company is fair. If you're unqualified, you won't be hired even if you're my fiancée."
Chloe blushed when he used that word. Fiancée. It sounded strange coming from him, and yet it sent a flutter through her chest. She could not understand why he had accepted the engagement so easily, especially since he hadn't even attended the engagement dinner too. He was a mystery, and now, her curiosity about him was growing.
"I'll arrange the interview. Text me if anything comes up. You have my number," Ryan said, rising from the couch.
Chloe stood as well and walked him to the door.
After he left, she leaned against the door, her heartbeat still racing. There was something about Ryan that drew her in. His calm demeanor, the way he didn't ask unnecessary questions, how he stepped in at the right moment without forcing anything.
He was unlike anyone she had ever met.
*****
The next morning, Chloe's phone buzzed on the nightstand, vibrating softly against the wood.
Still wrapped in her blanket, Chloe reached for it with half-closed eyes. The notification on the screen caught her attention, instantly waking her up.
It was a message from Sinclair Group. She was invited for an interview.
Chloe sat up in bed, stunned for a moment.
Ryan had kept his word.
Her heart fluttered at the realization. He had arranged everything overnight, just as he said he would.
She placed the phone in her lap and looked around her quiet apartment. Her box of office belongings still sat by the door, untouched.
A new chapter has begun.