Only Ten Years - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I moved back to my old place.

I’d gotten used to living in the lap of luxury. Turns out, I’d developed an issue with sleeping in any bed that wasn’t mine. I couldn’t fall asleep all night.

The next day, I ran into Liam at the office. I gave him a quick nod. Liam’s brow furrowed.

“Babe!”

Ashley came running over, standing between us.

“Hi, I’m Liam’s fiancée,” she declared.

I nodded, “Nice to meet you.”

My voice made her face twist. I turned to walk to the elevator.

“Jane, right?” Ashley followed, Liam close behind.

“Liam always talks about you, how great you are at work.”

“But honestly, women shouldn’t be so visible in this place. Hang out with the girls, get your nails done, you know? Leave the work to the guys. Right, Liam?”

Liam gently stroked her hair, so tender.

“You think I’d say no?”

I didn’t react to Ashley’s digs.

She must have recognized my voice, trying so hard to rub her relationship with Liam in my face.

“At work, call me ‘Ms. Jiang.‘ If you don’t know how to conduct yourself, HR can provide training and accommodate you.”

I ignored what they had to say, flicking off the spot where Ashley had touched me. But my reaction seemed to annoy Liam. After sending Ashley off, he came straight into my office.

I frowned. “Mr. Miller, knocking is basic courtesy.”

I emphasized the last few words. He was repeating everything Ashley had said. He smirked, leaning in, boxing me in between him and the couch.

“You were the one who opened the door last night,” he whispered.

His gaze traveled to my skirt.

“Slap!”

I slapped him hard.

A bright red handprint appeared on his face. Liam smiled, got up, and sat across from me.

“That townhouse in the city is already in your name, along with the land you were eyeing. The deal is getting finalized soon.”

He looked at me flatly.

“Let’s call it a day.”

He always knew how to strike a nerve. The knife I’d given him. He was using it against me. He was acting like those stepdads I had. Saying all the sweet words while using money as a power move.

The infatuation had become a power trip. Ashley came in with lunch, catching me splashing water on Liam. She screamed, and slapped me. I never took crap from anyone. My only screw up was falling for Liam.

I raised my hand, but Liam stopped it. He stood in front of Ashley, his voice sharp:

“Jane! This isn’t the place for a freak out!”

I lifted my other hand, and landed another blow on his face. Looking at the matching handprints on Liam’s cheeks, I felt much better.

“Without Liam, a woman like you wouldn’t be here,” Ashley said.

“You’re fired.”

“What? That’s not fair!” Ashley stood tall, trying to look tough.

Ashley looked frantic, glancing at Liam who was silent. Still, she continued to provoke me.

“Liam’s the majority shareholder, and I’m his fiancée.”

“Who are you to talk? You’re the one who should leave!”

A crowd had formed outside of the office. Liam was still silent, endorsing her actions. I realized there was no point in this charade.

“Fine, it’s over.”

“I’ll sell my shares to you at market value. Liam, I’m done.”

Liam, who had been silent until I brought out the agreement, finally showed a chink in his armor. He probably didn’t expect that I’d already prepared the paperwork.

Ashley smiled smugly, the golden child.

“Who called the cops?”

I covered my face as I walked forward, stumbling a little.

“Officer, I was assaulted. I’m dizzy, and I think I might throw up.”