SWNOVELS Chapter Boyfriend Ran 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
I hadn’t seen Michael for several days. I wasn’t sure if he had even been home. The couch remained perfectly neat, without any signs of use, and I had no idea where he’d been staying, or if he was eating well.
I used to be someone who tormented herself. After every argument, I’d be upset for a long time. My mind would spiral, imagining what I’d do if things ended with Michael. The thought alone used to terrify me, overwhelming me with a preemptive heartbreak.
He was the man I had worked hard to win over, and the idea of losing him so easily felt debilitating. I admit I was rather obsessed with our relationship back then. Around the time we graduated, I pinned all my hopes for the future on Michael. He’d studied architectural design and had a good job with a solid income. I’d even fantasized about being a homemaker for him one day.
I imagined sunsets in our kitchen, wearing an apron while cooking, our child playing on the sofa as Michael wrapped his arms around my waist and sweetly asked, “Honey, what delicious meal have you made for me tonight?”
The mere thought of this scene used to fill me with blissful happiness.
But now, I wasn’t caught in an emotional whirlpool anymore. Perhaps it was the day of the appendectomy, lying alone on the operating table, the tears flowing before the anesthesia set in. Or maybe it was realizing his absence after the surgery when he didn’t return promptly to be with me, only to show up the next day with flowers Emily liked.
That was the moment my heart truly shut down. With my focus
Chapter 3
no longer on Michael, I suddenly found myself with a lot more.
time.
One Friday before closing, a colleague, Jane, mentioned she needed to attend Parent–Teacher Conferences the following day. She had originally planned to work overtime with an audit firm she had scheduled.
This unexpected conflict was a big deal, and with Saturday being the weekend, no one in the department wanted to work extra hours. Since I had nothing else to do–and with Michael
intentionally avoiding me with his silent treatment–offered to fill in for her.
Jane sighed in relief, profusely thanking me.
I thought nothing of it at the time, but it turned out that Jane
spoke to Mr. Green, our CFO, about my proactive nature, describing me as a reliable finance worker. It just so happened to align with this year’s salary and position reviews. Mr. Green put in a good word for me with Mr. White, the HR Director, and I unexpectedly received a significant raise.
It was an eye–opener for me. I realized women can indeed rely on their own hard work and efforts–life doesn’t end without a man by your side.
That experience ignited a newfound passion for my work. While in college, when peers were busy earning certifications, I had been caught in the whirlwind of trying to make Michael happier and more reliant on me. So, I had not pursued any certifications myself.
After graduation, seeing peers with CPAS earning high salaries, I naively thought I didn’t need to push myself too hard since I had Michael, and I feared nothing.
But now, Michael was no longer my rock. I had to rely on myself.
2/3
Chapter 3
I began diligently reviewing the company’s accounts, handling my responsibilities carefully, often being the last to leave the office. One evening, I was so engrossed in my work that it was only at ten that I finally headed home.
As I was leaving, I noticed a money tree toppled over outside the company across the hall. I quickly righted it, brushing the dirt off my hands and preparing to leave.
Just then, a man in a suit emerged from the elevator. Noticing me near the entrance, he approached and said with a polite
curiosity, “Hello, I haven’t seen you around here before. May I ask who you are?”
In a hurry to explain, I replied, “I work in finance with the company across the hall. I noticed your tree was down and decided to help. I’m not trying to steal it.”
Amused, the man took a business card from his pocket and handed it to me, saying, “Thank you. Here’s my card. What’s your name?”
Glancing at his card, I saw it read “Ethan Carter, General Manager of Alliance Corp“-our neighbor across the hall.
I didn’t take the card and simply replied, “No need to thank me,” before quickly hurrying away. I preferred to stay under the radar–no need to draw attention from someone like a general manager.
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