Chapter 4

When I arrived at the firm, I submitted my prepared resignation letter.

My boss looked somewhat surprised.

"Elia, you're very capable. Why resign?"

I really liked the atmosphere at this firm, but unfortunately Robertson was a partner. I didn't want any further entanglement with him.

I smiled faintly without directly answering.

"Personal reasons. Before the resignation process is complete, please don't announce my departure."

When I left the office, there were cupcakes I loved on my desk, along with a cup of hot milk.

My colleague Natasha teased with a smile, "Attorney Robertson brought them. He said you didn't eat much breakfast."

Years ago I'd worked too hard and developed stomach problems. Robertson always remembered.

Worried that takeout wasn't clean, he'd personally cook three meals a day whenever he had time.

Nutritious and tasty, he'd spoiled my stomach until it became finicky.

A commotion pulled me from my memories.

"Everyone, quiet down. Let me introduce our new colleague—Elliot. She just returned from abroad, an elite talent officially joining our firm today..."

Applause rang out enthusiastically, but I just stared blankly as Elliot intimately linked arms with Robertson, the two of them smiling at each other.

"What a handsome couple. They're so well-matched."

"I heard Attorney Robertson personally requested that Elliot be his assistant."

"You guys don't know—Elliot is Attorney Robertson's first love. Attorney Robertson stayed single all these years because of her."

Natasha heard these comments and glanced at me awkwardly.

Using his career as an excuse, Robertson had never made our relationship public. Only Natasha in the entire company knew.

I handed her my breakfast and said flatly, "Want it?"

After receiving a negative answer, I threw the breakfast into the trash.

I felt in my pocket—only a half-melted chocolate remained.

Robertson had prepared this in case my blood sugar dropped.

I casually tossed it away and went downstairs to buy different breakfast.

While waiting for the elevator, Robertson pulled me into a deserted area.

He snatched the bread from my hand, frowning slightly.

"You have stomach problems—you can't eat things that are hard and cold."

"Stop throwing a tantrum. I'll go buy you something else."

Before I could say "no need," Elliot walked over.

"Robertson!"

Robertson instinctively pushed me away, explaining to Elliot as if to avoid suspicion.

"Just an ordinary colleague. Not close..."

Watching the two of them walk away, I silently picked up the bread that had fallen on the floor. My long-dormant stomach condition came back with a vengeance.

I curled up against the wall, hurting so much tears came out, but this time there was no one to warm my stomach for me.

Gently brushing the dust off the wrapper, I ate the entire breakfast mixed with tears, one bite at a time.

By the time work ended, Robertson and Elliot still hadn't returned.

Colleagues teased with smiles, "Looks like we'll have good news from the firm soon."

When I heard these words this morning, my heart still ached.

Now, only a numb, dull pain remained.

I finished my handover work and said goodbye to Natasha.

She looked at me reluctantly.

"Elia, don't be sad. Robertson doesn't deserve you!"

I smiled and sent her a copy of my client list.

"Hope you become a top attorney soon!"

While waiting for the elevator, Elliot posted an ambiguous update on Twitter. Someone in the firm's gossip group shared it, and the long-dormant chat instantly exploded.

I didn't look closely because my blind date had already arrived downstairs.

I left the group and deleted Robertson's Twitter.

I walked toward the man holding flowers by the coffee shop.

"Hello, I'm Elia."