Chapter 2

2

The next morning, I showed up at the office with crutches.

My coworkers threw sympathetic looks my way, but I ignored the pity and took my seat.

Before I could boot up my computer, Avery placed a bowl of extra spicy chili noodles on my desk.

"I didn't mean to steal your spotlight last night," she said stiffly. "Even though it wasn't entirely my fault, here is my apology."

I glanced at the bowl, remembering the doctor's strict orders to avoid spicy food due to my medication.

"Thank you, but I cannot eat spicy food right now. Please take it back."

She refused to back down and shoved the bowl closer. When I pushed it away again, her temper flared.

Assuming I was looking down on her, Avery ripped the plastic lid off and slammed the container down. Red chili oil splattered across the blueprints I was reviewing.

"I opened it for you! What gives you the right to reject my apology?"

I looked at her with pure exhaustion. "I told you, I'm not holding a grudge against you."

Something in my tired gaze triggered her. Her eyes welled with tears instantly.

"You just despise me, don't you? If not, why won't you eat it right now?"

She grabbed the bowl, trying to force a spoonful into my mouth.

I dodged instinctively, but the boiling soup splashed directly onto my injured right leg.

A searing pain shot up my spine. I stumbled backward and crashed hard against the filing cabinet behind me.

At that exact moment, the office door swung open, and Nathan stepped inside.

"What is going on here?"

His eyes darted across the messy room before locking onto Avery's tear-streaked face.

Avery burst into dramatic sobs. "I knew wealthy people like you looked down on girls like me! Even when I serve you personally, it's not enough. Do I have to get on my knees for you to forgive me?"

A flash of raw heartache crossed Nathan's face. He turned toward me, his voice icy cold.

"Apologize to her."

I trembled with sheer disbelief. "Nathan, I just told her I cannot eat spicy food!"

His expression darkened even further. "Penny, do you still care about keeping your job here?"

He was actually threatening my career for the sake of an intern.

I bit my lower lip until I tasted iron. Seeing the cold resolve in his eyes, I dragged my broken leg forward and sank slowly onto the floor.

"I am sorry," I whispered.

Avery crossed her arms, still unsatisfied. Under Nathan's stern nod, I bowed my head all the way to the carpet and raised my voice.

"Please forgive me!"

A smug look finally settled on Avery's face as she let out a cold scoff.

"Remember this. I might be poor, but I am not your punching bag!"

Nathan immediately pulled her into his arms, whispering gentle words to soothe her.

I pushed myself up against the wall, dragging my throbbing leg toward the emergency exit. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out the ninety-eighth letter and set it on fire.

Watching the parchment turn into black flakes, I remembered the afternoon Nathan wrote it.

Back then, his eyes sparkled with boyish innocence as his cheeks flushed bright red.

"Penny, I love you so much. Please give me a chance to spend my life with you."

"What are you burning?" a voice suddenly demanded behind me.