Within the confines of the Head Manager's office at Tj Corp.
Alvaro sat lost in thought, apparently unfocused and unable to tackle the presentation diagram that was undoubtedly crucial—a task that demanded completion today.
Yet his mind kept straying to his ex-lover, none other than Angel.
This morning's incident had left him perturbed. Why was Angel in tears? Wasn't she the one devoid of any feelings?
Even when he married Sanaya, Angel hadn't shed a tear, while he yearned to witness the shattering of her heart.
"Damn."
He leaned back in his chair, running his fingers through his light brown blond hair. His emerald eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.
Four years—a significant span spent in a relationship with his former sweetheart wasn't trivial, and certainly, Alvaro wasn't just toying with emotions when he courted Angel. He truly loved her, even planning a surprise proposal.
But then.
Alvaro had once caught Angel in a nightclub with another man, all the way to a hotel room. His heart was pulverized then, the woman he adored committing infidelity.
This happened after his one-night stand incident with Sanaya. He had thought Angel was seeking retaliation for his sleeping with another woman. It wasn't like that at all. His encounter with Sanaya was a mistake, unlike Angel, who consciously cheated on him.
His disappointment and anger towards Angel were profound.
In the end, he chose to tie the knot with Sanaya, his current wife, whom he loved.
However, Alvaro was unaware that Angel was then being framed by someone. Luckily, she had escaped from the man who drugged her and nearly violated her honor.
He should not have hastily left that day. Without soliciting any explanation from Angel, he hastily branded her with despicable names.
He sighed heavily, standing from his chair with an intention to grab coffee. He hoped the bitter liquid would erase Angel from his thoughts—she didn't merit his consideration.
Opening the door, he stepped out, but as he turned, someone collided with him.
Thud.
"Ouch."
He stood silently, gazing at Angel. Correction, Renata, who was wincing, clutching her forehead struck against his muscular chest.
Their eyes met. Alvaro's thoughts tangled even more upon seeing Renata's sorrowful look, eyes that seemed fresh from tears.
What now with this former flame?
Renata glared fiercely, unhappy with his continued gaze. She itched to gouge those green eyes.
Around them, onlookers anticipated the usual performance, where the girl seemingly flirts with the Head Manager, inevitably leading to humiliation—an entertaining spectacle.
"Move," Renata commanded frostily.
The audience was taken aback, utterly unprepared for such a cold demeanor from the girl who normally chased after the man with flippant charm and needy antics—where was the flirtatious Renata, infamous for being a home-wrecker?
Witnessing Alvaro's stillness and barrier to her path, Renata clicked her tongue and moved to sidestep him.
"Stop," said Alvaro, arresting Renata's departure by grabbing her wrist, "Do you reckon I'll be swayed by this act?" he mocked.
Renata raised an eyebrow, realizing Alvaro still assumed her to be acting. It appeared his insight was too shallow to distinguish between playacting and genuine behavior.
"Drop all your schemes, for I will never leave Sanaya for someone like you. Recognize where you truly stand," continued Alvaro, smirking askew.
Renata laughed at his words, her delicate laughter causing an entranced silence among the onlookers, Alvaro included.
Her allure was undeniable.
Regaining her composure with a few coughs, Renata reverted to her stoic expression and stared daggers at Alvaro. She freed her wrist from his grip.
"Just so you know, I'm not acting to draw your attention. I am utterly sick of your disdain; my love for you has eroded to nothingness. Henceforth, I shall not intrude into your life with Sanaya."
The onlookers from Tj Corp whispered frantically, having overheard her declaration.
Meanwhile, Alvaro stood petrified, as if glued to the tiled floor—his heart thunderous with the shame of being publicly slighted and anger that she no longer loved him.
Was this not a good thing? Then, why these unsettled feelings of rage and discontent?
No, this sentiment was misplaced. Alvaro was convinced he had moved on from his past love. Now, he truly adored Sanaya.
But was that the truth?
Renata then gently patted Alvaro's shoulder, "Let's end it here. I hope this is our final conversation."
With that, Renata walked away, leaving a mute Alvaro in her wake.
Elsewhere, amidst the employee crowd watching their exchange.
Anya glowered at Renata's retreating figure. This could clean up Renata's reputation, lifting her above all else—a scenario Anya detested.
"It can't be like this. Angel must retain the wicked label. She cannot eclipse me, claiming everyone's attention. I've had enough being her shadow, always trailing behind. Now, it's my turn to outshine Angel," Anya thought, filled with enmity.
Ever since Anya befriended Angel, she felt overshadowed. People always preferred Angel for her beauty and wealth, turning suitors' affections from Anya to Angel. Anya was known merely as Angel's friend, never for herself.
Endlessly, praises for Angel would reach her ears.
Anya was irate.
Truthfully, her friendship with Angel was a ruse for popularity since Angel was well-known back in school. Her intentions were never sincere.
Yet, her shadow role ended once she and Angel secured positions at Tj Corp., facilitated by Angel's recommendation.
Ungrateful as the day is long.
It was Anya who always pushed and prodded Angel towards usurping Alvaro from Sanaya and she spread malicious gossip about Angel.
Her actions were vile. Yet, Anya blamed Angel, driven by envy for Angel's beauty, wealth, and seemingly flawless life, while she was a poor girl with nothing.
Grabbing her phone, Anya contacted the only person capable of tarnishing Angel's reputation again.
"Hello, Sanaya," Anya initiated a conversation on the other end.
To Be Continued
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 167 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments