Chapter 29 Bring Him Dinner
I arrived at Charles’s company an hour after closing time to find the offices nearly empty and quiet.
Without missing a beat, I went straight up to the executive floor, hoping to leave the food with his secretary. But the expansive office suite stood completely empty.
Thinking he might have already left, I approached his office door and knocked uncertainly.
Just as I expected no response, his familiar deep voice called out immediately, “Come in.”
My heart fluttered as I pushed the door open to find Charles at his desk. He was reviewing documents with focused intensity, his brow slightly furrowed.
Charles had always been handsome with a good build, and his success had refined his presence into something truly compelling, especially when he was concentrated on his work.
A wave of regret washed over me–if only I’d recognized my feelings for him sooner, perhaps our three years of marriage wouldn’t have been so filled with unhappy memories.
But the truth was, nothing would have changed if I’d fallen for him sooner, since his heart had always belonged to Cheryl. If anything, I probably would have just ended up getting more deeply hurt.
While lost in these thoughts, I suddenly became aware of someone watching me intently. I looked up instinctively and found Charles’s eyes locked on mine.
My heart started racing, and I immediately glanced away.
When he didn’t speak after several moments, I glanced back to see him working again as if he hadn’t noticed me at all.
I stayed where I was, keeping quiet so as not to disturb him.
He suddenly made an irritated sound as he tugged at his tie. “What are you doing here?” he asked, finally looking at me.
The annoyance in his voice was unmistakable. Trying to ignore the disappointment I felt, I quickly placed the food container on his desk. “I brought you dinner,” I explained.
“You brought me dinner?” Charles asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Don’t tell me you’re here to ask for something else. Was the 3.5 million last night not enough for you?”
“You got me wrong,” I replied, my cheeks flushing at his reference to last night’s money. “I just came by to-”
Before I could finish, Cheryl’s bright, cheerful voice interrupted me, calling out “Charles” as she entered the room.
She carried a food container, too, and paused when she noticed me. “Oh, Ms. Thompson,” she said, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I should be going,” I said quickly, turning toward the door.
Cheryl stopped me with a warm smile. “Since you’re here, why not join us? I made plenty of food.” She gently guided me back to the table.
Noticing the food container I’d brought, she looked surprised. “You brought food for Charles too?”
Before I could respond, she reached for Charles and drew him toward us.
Charles didn’t even glance in my direction.
I could feel the tension hanging in the air between us. I figured he must be upset that I interrupted his dinner with Cheryl.
I was about to leave when Cheryl opened the container I’d brought. “These look and smell incredible. Ms. Thompson, you‘ re such a good cook,” she exclaimed.
“Our housekeeper actually prepared it,” I said quietly.
I heard Charles make a soft, derisive sound. When I glanced over, I caught the mocking look in his eyes.
I pressed my lips together, thinking that I should make the food myself next time. Even if it didn’t turn out well, at least he would see that my intentions were sincere.
Cheryl turned to Charles with a pout. “You should have told me Ms. Thompson was bringing dinner,” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. “Now mine seems rather unnecessary.”
“Not at all,” Charles said calmly as he accepted the container she brought. “I’ll have what you made.”
Cheryl smiled sweetly. “Then I’ll try what Ms. Thompson brought. It looks wonderful. It would be such a waste not to enjoy it.”
Charles remained silent, his expression giving nothing away.
I slid the container toward Cheryl. “Please help yourself if you like it,” I said with a smile. After a moment, I added, “Take your time with your meal. I should be going as I have some things to attend to.”
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Chapter 29 Bring Him Dinner
“Won’t you join us for dinner?” Cheryl asked quickly.
“I’ve already eaten,” I replied with a faint smile before turning to leave.
Just outside the door, I overheard Cheryl’s wounded voice. “Charles, I can’t help feeling that Ms. Thompson dislikes me,” she muttered.
“Pay her no mind,” Charles responded.
I lowered my gaze, that familiar ache returning to my heart.
When I stepped out of the building, night had completely fallen. Not wanting to worry Bella, I sat on the roadside for some time before finally making my way back.
When I returned, Bella asked with concern, “Why didn’t Mr. Bennett come back with you?”
I could see that Bella had completely misread the situation between Charles and me. His heart belonged to Cheryl, which meant her place was where he preferred to be.
This villa was different. He’d bought it just to spite me, a constant reminder of three miserable years of marriage. Of course, he stayed away.
I didn’t try to correct her, since there was no point. I just went upstairs and tried to sleep.
I had more important things to worry about, like finding a job. Romantic drama wasn’t going to pay the bills.
*****
The next morning came and went without a single interview offer.
Just as I was considering sending out another round of resumes, two companies called me that afternoon, both scheduling interviews for nine o’clock the next morning.
A jolt of excitement shot through me. I could hardly wait.
I went out that same day to buy a professional suit, and the next morning, I dressed neatly, ready for the interviews.
I had two interviews scheduled: one for an office position and another for a sales role.
I attended the office job interview first.
Since I’d never had a real job before, I felt a bit nervous looking at the panel of interviewers facing me.
Fortunately, the interview turned out to be fairly simple. I demonstrated some basic computer skills with documents and spreadsheets, then answered their questions one by one.
The whole thing wrapped up in under thirty minutes, though unfortunately, I didn’t get the job.
I wasn’t sure what went wrong, and I didn’t feel comfortable asking for details.
After leaving that office, I rushed to my next interview for the sales position, which was in real estate.
This interview was also quite straightforward–the hiring manager looked me over and asked a series of questions.
I believed my answers were strong and started to feel confident about landing this sales job.
To my surprise, they rejected me right after the interview, saying I wasn’t cut out for sales and that I didn’t look like someone who could handle tough work.
For a long moment, I just wandered the streets, too stunned to think clearly.
Diana had assured me that office work was straightforward and sales even simpler–jobs anyone could get.
Yet I had been turned down for both positions, sending me spiraling into self–doubt.
I sank onto the curb, desperately trying to figure out where I’d gone wrong.
That was when I heard a voice call my name from behind.
My frown came automatically as I recognized Cheryl’s voice. Before I could even turn, she was already in front of me.
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