The dance began right after the auction. However, my mind didn’t seem to let go of Adam and his ex-wife, thinking about how they got back together. I remembered when Adam wouldn’t stop sending me messages when I left him. One day, he just stopped. Maybe he realized he still loved his ex-wife and ran back to her.“Looking for someone?” Luke asked, bringing me back to reality.“Uh, no. I’m looking for Jake.” I emptied my third shot of vodka and lemon.“He must be outside. Do you want to look for him?”“Uh-no, it’s fine. Thank you.”“Then, do you want to continue dancing?”“I thought you are not a party person?” I teased.“No. I’m really not.”I chuckled. “Okay. Be my guide.” I grinned, giving him my hand.He took me back to the dance floor. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and let his hands envelop my waist. A romantic Ricky Martin song was playing in the air.“So, how long did you work for Cavendish?”“Two years.”“Why did you leave?”“I resigned.” Actually, I didn’t. I left. “It

“I'm so sorry for what happened.” Jake sat on the couch next to me and then tried to hold me for another embrace, but I refused. I don’t deserve any comfort right now. I deserved it. I was precisely how Adam described me—selfish and immature.Luke offered a ride when he found me like a crybaby in my office. It was embarrassing, but I couldn’t do anything to take away the pain. He was now sitting quietly in my living room, but he called Jake and asked him to come. He probably didn’t know what to do with me.“I've lost him forever now.” I sniffed, then wiped my nose with a napkin.“Just what am I going to do with you?” Jake sighed in frustration. “I guess I’m staying here tonight.”I cried even more. “I'm getting him back,” I declared.“What?” Luke spoke this time. “Are you out of your mind?”“Yes, she is. She’s out of her mind,” Jake agreed. “And then what? What will happen if you take him back? He’s already engaged.”“He doesn’t love her,” I uttered.“Oh God, I'm so out of here.” Luke

The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why

JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin

I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone