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Camila stared at the message on her phone for a long time, her eyes slowly misting over with tears.
[No need, I’m going to rest.]
Connor replied, [Okay, call me anytime if you need anything.]
Camila responded, [Okay, thank you, Mr. Connor.]
After placing her phone on the coffee table, Camila curled up in the wicker chair. Her head hung low as she let out subdued sobs.
After some time, Erica awoke to find the spot beside her empty. She sat up abruptly, instantly alert. “Cami!” she called out as she got out of bed.
Erica slid open the patio door to see a frail figure enveloped in sadness. “Cami, are you okay?”
“Mhm,” came a choked response, the remnants of tears roughening her voice.
“Don’t do anything foolish! This is just the second floor. You won’t die. You’d just end up with broken limbs, and that would be awful.” Erica said, hurrying over and crouching in front of her.
Camila gave a bitter smile. “I’m not that foolish.”
It was Erica’s first time seeing Camila like this, and it pained her deeply. She cursed, “It’s all that damn Connor’s fault!”
Camila turned to look at her, her eyes filled with sorrow. “What did he do wrong… he never… liked me…”
A single tear fell and landed on the wicker chair with a soft plop as she spoke.
my poor baby, it’s gonna be alright,” Erica said softly, gripping her shoulders.
Camila let out a sigh. “I was just fooling myself… He’s the company’s CEO, handsome and wealthy, with outstanding character and abilities. How could a man like that… possibly like someone like me…”
At that moment, her feelings of inadequacy surged.
“Camila, you are amazing! It’s his loss!” Erica affirmed.
Camila managed a smile. “Thank you for comforting me.”
She took a deep breath. “Don’t worry, I’ll get over it after a bit of grief. Just let
She forced another smile. “Tomorrow, you’ll see me back to full strength.”
nodded and glanced at the clock on the coffee table.
3:10 PM.
me
vent for a day.”
“It’s so late–no wonder I’m hungry. I’ll make us something to eat,” Erica stood up.
Camila held her hand. “I’m not hungry…”
“You have to eat something!” Erica frowned.
“Just get me candy from my bag. I feel like having something sweet.” Camila looked up at her, eyes reddening.
**Okay.” Erica immediately went to the bedroom and fetched a few candies from Camila’s bag. She unwrapped one and handed it to
Camila.
Camila tasted the candy and frowned slightly. “It’s so bitter…”
Erica gave her a gentle hug. “Call me if you need anything.” She left the patio to Camila, giving her some space to be alone. Camila closed her eyes. She regulated her breathing, instinctively avoiding memories of her interactions with Connor. She had been working for several years, and this job had been the longest–standing and well–paying one with lots of perks.
She lived in a company–provided apartment, ate company–provided meals, and was reimbursed for her expenses. Every month, after some basic spending, she saved a good amount of money. Her bank account savings had grown to almost a hundred thousand dollars, a sum she had never imagined before. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
She looked up, gazing at the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, all speaking of the city’s prosperity.
Camila understood that her sense of security came from the money. The thought of leaving Future Inc. didn’t appeal to her at all. As for Connor, she decided to consider it a dr