Chapter 2 Do You Really Want To Leave

The bold text made Cassidy's eyes sting.

Beneath the bold text was a photo of Franklyn and Maggie Valdez, the daughter of the Ascendant Group's chairman. The two were hugging each other in the middle of the night by the sea, looking like a picture-perfect, loving couple.

The clothes he was wearing in the photo, however, were the same ones she helped him wear when he left her place last night. For a moment, Cassidy didn't know whether she was the pitiful one or Maggie.

Cassidy closed the browser and tapped on her chat with Franklyn on WhatsApp. The last message he sent was from yesterday afternoon, when he said that he would be visiting her that night.

Franklyn hadn't given her the ultimatum yet, so perhaps he was still in Maggie's bed.

Taking a deep breath, Cassidy dragged herself out of bed. She had made up her mind to break up with Franklyn, even if he never brought it up with her.

It wasn't her style to beg Franklyn to stay, even though her love for him had only grown deeper over the past few years.

After washing up, she got dressed and rushed to the company. As soon as she arrived, she submitted her application for a transfer.

She had applied to be transferred to their office in Canada to fill in the vacant managerial role. No one wanted that position, but now she felt that it was tailor-made for her.

Cassidy had thought that her transfer would certainly be approved. But unexpectedly, when she came back from a meeting, she received an email that rejected her transfer application.

She frowned and immediately called the human resources department. Their explanation left her very confused.

On the other end of the line, the director of the human resources department, Raya Todd, shrugged and said, "Miss Wright, there's nothing I can do. Your transfer application was rejected by the big boss himself."

Cassidy frowned when she heard this. Big boss? Franklyn was the one behind this? What did he mean by doing that?

She was the one who took the initiative to leave the country. Wasn't that what was best for them?

Confused as she was, there was nothing she could say in protest. "I see. Thanks, Raya."

After hanging up, she fell into deep thought. Finally, she made up her mind and started walking toward Franklyn's office. She seldom came to see him in his office, so it was a little nerve-wracking.

Tami Sugden, the CEO's secretary, was shocked when Cassidy showed up. Thinking of today's trending news, Tami thought that Cassidy was here to make trouble, so the smile on her face suddenly became a little strained.

"Miss Wright, what can I do for you?" she asked stiffly.

"I'm here to see the CEO. Please inform him," Cassidy said, smiling politely.

Tami knew about the shady relationship between Franklyn and Cassidy, so she was a little unnerved to see Cassidy so calm.

She called Franklyn through the intercom. Cassidy overheard his deep voice saying, "Let her in."

When Cassidy entered the office, she found Franklyn busy reading a report on his desk. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, revealing his strong arms.

"Mr. Pierce." Cassidy stopped a few feet away from Franklyn's desk, keeping a professional distance from him. "May I ask why you rejected my transfer application?"

Franklyn didn't even look up from the report. Cassidy was not convinced and continued, "I'm the youngest sales director of the company. My performance is top-notch, surpassing the rest of the business department. I think I'm qualified for the post in Canada."

Franklyn was a person with a strong sense of control. Over the years, Cassidy had always been obedient to him like a kitten. That was how she was able to stay by his side all these years.

This was the first time that Cassidy ever questioned him.

He pursed his lips, plucked a cigar from the box at the corner of his desk, lit it unhurriedly, and then exhaled a thick puff of smoke.

"Do you really want to leave?" he finally asked.

Cassidy nodded.

"Why?"

"I believe I've proven myself to be the best candidate for the position."

Squinting at her, Franklyn chuckled. "You're a smart girl. You know that's not what I'm asking."

Cassidy paused and then raised her head to meet his sharp gaze. "Mr. Pierce, you're going to be engaged. It'll be best for you, Miss Valdez, and me if I leave now."

Look how considerate and understanding she was! As soon as she found out that Franklyn was about to abandon her, not only did she not make a scene, but she also took the initiative to leave. Any normal man would be grateful to her for being so understanding.

But Franklyn was obviously not a normal man. After he heard out Cassidy's explanation, his expression darkened.

He snubbed out the cigar in his hand, stood up, and walked over to Cassidy. His tall shadow immediately enveloped her, making her shiver slightly.

"Are you saying you're dumping me?"

Damn it! He was getting engaged to another woman. Why did he make it sound like he was the one who was dumped?

Cassidy was about to complain when Franklyn suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, forcing her to look into his eyes.

Cassidy saw a light flash through Franklyn's cold eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly in his throat, which made her subconsciously step back.

Having been with Franklyn for so long, she knew very well what he looked like when he wanted sex—and that was what he looked like now.

But they were at work...

Franklyn didn't give her time to think. The next second, he pressed his lips against hers. His kiss was fierce and passionate. Cassidy had never been able to keep up with his fierce kisses.

By the time he scooped her up and carried her to the sofa, her sanity was on the verge of collapse.

But somehow, she managed to grasp onto the last vestiges of her sanity before it completely crumbled. "Mr. Pierce," she whispered in a trembling voice, "we're at the office..."