Chapter 4
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Christine watched as he walked away, his back growing smaller until he disappeared from sight. She finally let her tears fall, hot and silent, after holding them in for so long.
She forced herself up, ignoring the ache in her body, and grabbed a broom and mop to clean up the mess–broken glass, spilled coffee–all scattered across the floor.-
A couple of coworkers came over to help, their faces full of sympathy.
“I heard that girl ask for iced coffee with no sugar. How did it end up being your fault? Christine, did you do something to piss her off?“”
“Does she even need a reason? Everyone knows she’s spoiled and impossible. If something isn’t perfect, she throws a tantrum. People talk about her all the time, but with Mr. Tate backing her up, no one dares say anything to her face.”
“I’ve never seen Mr. Tate treat anyone the way he treats her. Christine, you have to be careful. We’re just regular people. We can’t compete with someone like her–an heiress with Mr. Tate on her side. Even if you get hurt, you’re the one who ends up taking the blame.”
Christine knew they meant well, but their words left her with a mess of emotions she couldn’t untangle, let alone respond to.” She remembered a time when a contract she managed went wrong. The fault was on the client’s end, but they blamed her. Under pressure, Brad had believed in her, stood up for her, and cleared her name.Д
But now? Ava could lie without a second thought, and Brad wouldn’t even check the facts. He didn’t give Christine a chance to explain–he just believed Ava and pinned it all on her.”
She’d worked herself to the bone for him, fixed so many of his problems, and in the end, she didn’t even earn a little bit of trust?? Or maybe, to Brad, right and wrong didn’t matter–Ava’s happiness was all he cared about.”
The thought hit her hard, leaving her bitter and hollow inside.
It took forever to finish cleaning. When Christine finally got home, she was exhausted to the bone.
She’d barely finished washing her face when Brad called.”
“Bring some brown sugar and a heating pad,” he said.”
She pulled herself together, gathered the things, and hurried to his place.”
She hadn’t been to his house for a few days, and the change was shocking. The peach tree Fred had planted was gone, replaced by a garden full of tulips. The black–and–white furniture had been switched out for everything pink–Brad’s least favorite color. The shelves were packed with jewelry, handbags, and expensive gifts.
It was obvious: everything was arranged for Ava.
Christine took it all in quietly and walked to the bedroom, where the light was on. She knocked on the door.
Brad opened it, took what she brought, and only then looked at her. Now that the coffee had been washed off, the bruise on her face stood out even more. He stared for a second, surprised.}
“It looks pretty bad. Did you get it checked out?“>
Christine just shook her head.}
He pressed his fingers to his forehead, sounding a little softer than usual. “Ava’s just not feeling well. She didn’t mean to take it out on you. Don’t let it bother you. I’ll add the pay I docked from you to your year–end bonus. Go to the hospital, and if it’s serious, take a few days off. I’ll approve it, no need to go through HR.”
“That’s okay. After this month, I’ll-”
She tried to tell him she was leaving, but he cut her off, handing her a bank card.
“Don’t argue. I still need you to take care of Ava’s welcome party. Rest up and get better.“}
The words caught in her throat. She just nodded, took the card, and left the house.
The door had barely closed behind her when she heard Ava’s sweet voice from inside.
“Brad, is my brown sugar drink ready yet? I want you to come rub my stomach.”
“I’m coming. Just lie down and don’t move around,” he replied, his tone warm and gentle.
Hearing his voice, so soft and caring, Christine gave a silent, self–mocking smile.
She had terrible period cramps too. She’d fainted at the office more than once and ended up in the hospital, coworkers worried sick.
Brad had only ever approved her leave. He never came to check on her, never bothered to bring her brown sugar drinks or heating pads.
She used to think he was just too busy.
Now she realized–he just didn’t care.
Chapter 4
After leaving his house, Christine stopped by the hospital for a quick check–up and got her injuries bandaged.
She spent a few days at home recovering. Then, the assistant sent over the plans for Ava’s welcome party–every little detail spelled out, from the flowers to the desserts to the waitstaff uniforms.
She only had three days to pull it all together. She forced herself to focus and got to work.
After days of running around, the party finally started at seven sharp that evening.”
Ava made her entrance, dressed in a custom designer gown, soaking up everyone’s admiration.
Guests crowded around her, showering her with compliments that made her glow.
“It’s been years, Ms. Smith, but you’re as stunning and elegant as ever! This party is incredible–Mr. Tate must really adore you!“>
“I remember back in school, some guy confessed to Ava, and Mr. Tate made sure he got transferred. Any love letters? Mr. Tate ripped them all up.
anyone talked behind her back, he’d hunt them down and teach them a lesson–some even ended up with broken bones…” “Everyone knows Ava is Mr. Tate’s first love–the one he treasures most. Look at the jewelry she’s wearing–it must be worth millions! And that dress is totally one–of–a–kind. Mr. Tate never holds back when it comes to making Ava happy!“}
Chapter 5
7
