Chapter 2
When I handed in my resignation letter to Ms. Parker, she didn’t sign it right away.[]
“Setting aside your personal relationship with Dylan, I really value your abilities. You know there are plenty of people trying to poach you for operations roles, right? If this is just about Dylan, I can arrange for you to transfer to another team.“]
I was caught off guard.]
Turns out after all these years, what started as passion had become real expertise.[]
Ms. Parker could see my hesitation. “I won’t sign this yet. Take a month off, then give me your final answer.”
I went home and crashed hard. When I woke up, it was already evening the next day.
I opened Instagram and saw Susan’s latest post||
“First time at a fashion gala, had no clue what to wear, so grateful you personally helped me pick out everything. Used to just keep my head down and work, now I’m realizing how dazzling the view is when you look up. Hope I can keep up with you.“[]
The photo showed her in a formal dress, posing alone.
But in the background, there was clearly a tall, familiar silhouette.
The careful way she’d positioned herself for the photo, the obvious longing in her caption–and that black outfit was exactly the suit I’d put together for him yesterday.[]
The text on my phone came at just the right moment.]
“I wore it. Happy now?”
Attached was a full–body mirror selfie.
Almost twenty–four hours had passed, and he still thought this was just about whether or not he wore an outfit.]
I scrolled through my phone, looking at all the marketing tasks I’d handled for him.[]
Every perfectly retouched photo, every carefully crafted caption that subtly built his image, even the precise timing of each post.
All these years, he’d never strayed from my blueprint.]
But he’d already strayed from my life.
I deleted his contact info and wiped all the backup files I had under his name.[]
The next day when I went back to Grandma’s house, she was shocked to see me.]
“How did you get so skinny? Didn’t you say you were making good money? Can’t even afford to eat?” Grandma cupped my face with worried hands. “Where’s Dylan? Why didn’t he come with you? He doesn’t even care that you’re not eating, meanwhile he looks all pampered and well–fed!“]
I glanced at the TV, which was playing his new show.
12.39
Chapter 2
I couldn’t be bothered to explain that actors look heavier on camera–Dylan was actually pretty thin. But someone else would be taking care of his meals and daily needs now. It wasn’t my turn to worry about him anymore.[]
I threw myself into Grandma’s arms. “I’m starving. Want some spaghetti and meatballs.“]
After wolfing down the whole plate, I got to the point. “I’m probably gonna be unemployed, Mrs. Thompson. You’re stuck taking care of me.“]
Grandma kept clearing the dishes without missing a beat.[]
“I’d love nothing more, but you’re the one who can’t sit still. Besides, how long can you really stay away from Dylan? Just like your mother–hopeless.”
I wrapped my arms around her hunched shoulders from behind.[]
“Grandma, it skips a generation. I’m nothing like her.” I said seriously, “I can still tell which is more important–Dylan or myself. I want to go traveling–wanna come with me?“]
Grandma froze for a second, then twisted around to push me away.
“Go on, wipe your mouth.“[]
She didn’t say it, but I knew she must be smiling.
Just then, the doorbell camera alert went off on my phone.]
The screenshot clearly showed Susan’s face.
“What now? Another emergency?” Grandma waved her hand dismissively, totally used to this. “Go on then. Next time give me a heads
up so I can go grocery shopping… actually, forget it, your job doesn’t allow for advance notice anyway.”
That’s when it hit me–because of work, because of Dylan, I was always rushing in and out.]
I took a couple steps, then turned back around.[]
Sure enough, Grandma was still watching from the kitchen doorway. When she got caught, she pretended to busy herself with cleaning up. Turns out when someone really cares about you, they can’t hide it at all.
