Chapter 4 The Years They Spent Together

• And where does that leave me?
• Melanie pondered the eight years spent alongside Yohan, her breath held in anticipation.
• Yohan's voice, as firm as when he spoke of Yuki's compliance, rang out. "You know, your type isn't my thing."
• True enough.
• Except for the initial phase when Yohan was unattached, the women he chose were nothing like Melanie.
• He favored the obedient and compliant, yet Melanie's unwavering obedience didn't quite hit the mark for him.
• Melanie's eyes remained concealed in the shadows, betraying nothing.
• Her voice, as cool as a stream, pierced the silence. "You staying over?"
• Yohan rose, snatched his coat, and muttered, "Never mind."
• Melanie couldn't decipher if Yohan's 'never mind' meant wiping their slate clean.
• Yet, the next morning at the office, Yuki's desk had shifted beside hers.
• From her spot, Melanie had a clear view of the CEO's office with just a glance upwards.
• Yuki chirped, "Morning, Melanie."
• Stowing her bag, Melanie noticed the concealed excitement in Yuki's eyes and questioned calmly, "Why didn't you speak up yesterday about not liking your new spot?"
• Taken aback, Yuki fumbled a bit. "I didn't mind it. Mr. Stewart called me over to oversee my work."
• Her cheeks reddened once more as she spoke, but noticing Melanie's presence, her eyes darted uneasily.
• Melanie felt a twinge of guilt, akin to the evil stepmother in Snow White, as if she were toying with someone's emotions deliberately.
• Avoiding eye contact, she redirected, "Let's focus on work."
• Word of Yuki's desk move circulated swiftly in the office. When Melanie descended to deliver her tasks, she caught wind of the chatter.
• The gossipers hushed as soon as they spotted her, exchanging knowing glances.
• Melanie brushed it off, gathered her belongings, and exited the scene.
• Back at the CEO's office, Melanie's next task loomed: reminding Yohan about his long-awaited client meeting.
• As the elevator doors slid open, she found herself face to face with Yohan and Yuki, catching them mid-conversation.
• Surprised by her sudden appearance, the duo exchanged glances. Yohan took the lead, stating, "Off to meet Mr. Watson."
• Melanie acknowledged with a nod. "I'll arrange the car."
• Yohan waved off the suggestion. "It's alright." He turned to Yuki. "Ms. Simpson will accompany me."
• A momentary pause gripped Melanie before she composed herself. "The shareholders' meeting is scheduled for three in the afternoon."
• Yohan escorted Yuki elsewhere.
• As the clock ticked toward the shareholders' meeting, their absence became conspicuous.
• Melanie managed to soothe the shareholders' nerves and stepped out of the meeting room, dialing Yohan's number.
• The phone rang persistently until someone picked it up. Melanie was about to talk, but Yuki's voice reached her first, "Melanie? Is something the matter?"
• For a moment, Melanie said nothing. Then, she asked, "Where's Yohan?"
• "He's out getting medicine for me," Yuki explained softly. "I twisted my ankle, and Mr. Stewart insisted on taking me to the hospital."
• Melanie's worry surfaced. "Is it bad?" she inquired, glancing at the potted plants lining the corridor.
• Yuki's voice held a tender innocence as she relayed, "Mr. Stewart mentioned it's quite serious."
• Melanie mused silently, understanding why Yohan was drawn to her gentle nature.
• "Let him know the shareholders' meeting is starting soon," Melanie instructed.
• As she hung up, a different voice greeted her from the line. Yohan's casual tone filtered through, "The shareholders' meeting's postponed. Tell themI've got pressing matters to handle."
• In the quiet corridor, Melanie stood with the disconnected phone in her hand.
• The assistant eventually summoned her. She massaged her temples and wheeled into the conference room.
• Wrangling with the shareholders was no walk in the park. Just as she bid them farewell, Melanie's phone buzzed with a call from Yohan's mother, Sarah, summoning her to the Stewart residence.