Chapter 2

The next day, I arrived at the office early.

The signed resignation letter sat quietly in my drawer, waiting for the right moment to be submitted.

My phone buzzed. It was a text from Chloe.

"Audrey, I heard you've been taking care of Julian for so many years. You’ve worked hard."

"He told me that if it weren't for your excellent work, he wouldn't have kept you around for so long."

"Julian and I are going to pick out wedding rings today, so please take care of the company while we're out."

I read the text with a blank face. My finger hovered over the screen for a second, but in the end, I didn't reply.

Then I opened the zip file she attached. It was filled with photos of Julian and her traveling together over the years.

Five years ago, three years ago, one year ago.

So they had never stopped talking.

While I was drinking myself to a stomach ulcer at business dinners to secure contracts, they were skiing in the Alps.

While I was staying up until dawn revising pitches, they were kissing under the Eiffel Tower.

While I was taking work calls with an IV drip in my arm at the hospital, they were watching the sunset on a beach in the Maldives.

...

I had suggested traveling together once, even just a short weekend getaway.

But he would always rub his temples, leaning tiredly against my shoulder.

"Audrey, I can't relax right now. Let’s go when the company goes public, okay? I’ll take you anywhere you want then."

I had believed him. I even secretly researched so many travel guides.

But as it turned out, his annual "solo business trips" were actually dates with Chloe.

Staring at the screen, I suddenly laughed.

Without a shred of hesitation, I took my resignation letter and walked straight to HR.

Sarah, the HR specialist, looked at me in shock. "Audrey, you've been here since the company was founded. We just went public! Why are you leaving now?"

"Besides, didn't Mr. Vance promise to grant you any wish once the company went public? Isn't it a pity to leave now?"

My love for Julian was an open secret in the company.

But he never allowed any public intimacy, nor did he let me cross any boundaries.

He even insisted we take different routes to and from work.

My colleagues all thought I was just leaving because of unrequited love.

In hindsight, that was actually for the best.

Loving him was my choice.

Now that I didn't love him anymore, I could walk away cleanly.

As for that wish... I had originally planned to use it to propose to him.

He had once told me he didn't care for marriage, so he didn't plan on getting married anytime soon.

I had waited seven years, so I didn't mind waiting a few more.

But now, I was exhausted. I didn't want to wait anymore.

"Yeah, maybe it is a pity. But I really just want to take a good rest. Let's just process the paperwork."

Seeing how determined I was, Sarah stopped trying to persuade me.

After wrapping up the exit process, I went back to our shared apartment. I saw Julian staring blankly at a diamond ring.

When he saw me walk in, he hurriedly hid it, acting guilty. "You're back? Oh, by the way, I have a business trip tomorrow. Just letting you know."

I set my keys down. "Okay."

I never argued, nor did I ever question his decisions.

Just as I was about to walk into the bedroom, he grabbed my wrist.

"Audrey, why aren't you asking me how long I'll be gone?"

I froze. I hadn't expected him to ask that.

In the past, he would only notify me so I could pack his bags.

Looking at his guilty, dodging eyes, I forced a small smile.

"Sorry, I’m just a bit distracted today."

He smiled gently and suddenly kissed me on the cheek.

"Audrey, we haven't even celebrated our company going public yet. Tell me, what's your wish? I’ll make it happen when I get back."

I knew I should let go.

But a small, stubborn part of me still wanted to make one last attempt.

Just to give these seven years a proper closure.

I took his hand and looked him in the eye.

"Julian, if my wish is for us to get married, would you say yes?"