Chapter 5

Dorothea had just left the hospital after getting her bandages changed when Mandy called her in a panic.

“Dorothea, did you finish at the hospital? My daughter’s running a fever, but there’s a document Albert needs to sign right away. Can you swing by the office and deliver it for me? I really owe you one p>

Dorothea couldn’t say no when Mandy asked like that. “No problem, Mandy. I’ll head back and grab it now p>

She made her way to the restaurant, file in hand, and paused outside the private room. The door was half open, and laughter and chatter spilled out.

“Carola, Albert’s totally into you!” someone teased.

Albert was leaning back in his chair, looking relaxed, his hand draped casually over the back of Carola’s seat, claiming her for everyone to see.

Carola gave Albert a playful poke in the stomach and hid her face behind her hands. “Albert, they’re all making fun of me p>

He looked down and chuckled. “No one’s laughing at you. Or are you trying to say you don’t want to marry me p>

Dorothea froze outside the door. Her heart, numb as it was, felt that familiar ache all over again. She took a shaky breath and knocked.

“Who is it?” someone called out.

She pushed the door open and walked in, making herself look as calm as possible as her eyes landed on Albert.

“Albert, this document’s urgent. I need your signature right now p>

Someone in the group snickered. “Albert, is that your secretary? She’s way too pretty to just be a secretary p>

The guy’s gaze was openly leering, making Dorothea’s skin crawl.

Albert’s eyes narrowed just a little. It was clear he didn’t expect her, but he quickly went back to his usual calm. “Bring it here p>

She handed him the file. He signed without hesitation, not a hint of embarrassment at getting caught in that scene. His tone was cold and distant. “Take it back p>

Carola shot Dorothea a wary look, then put on a sweet voice. “Albert, let Dorothea stay and hang out with us p>

With a bright, fake smile, Carola reached for Dorothea’s injured hand. “Dorothea, we haven’t seen each other in forever. Stay for a bit, okay p>

Dorothea sucked in a sharp breath. The pain nearly made her tear up. She yanked her hand back.

“Don’t touch me. You all have fun. I have to get back to work p>

The whole table went quiet, shocked by how abruptly she pulled away.

Albert’s expression darkened. “Carola was just being nice. Who are you showing that attitude to? Apologize to her. Now p>

Dorothea pressed her nails into her palm to keep herself from crying didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m not apologizing if you want to fire me go ahead p>

She turned and hurried out. If she stayed a second longer, she might lose it completely.

Albert felt a spike of irritation, one he couldn’t quite place. He stood up. “Wait for me. You guys eat p>

He followed her out, leaving the group whispering behind him.

“Looks like Albert’s secretary is in trouble,” someone joked.

Out in the hallway, Albert caught up, grabbing her arm. “Dorothea, stop p>

She forced herself to look calm. “Albert, do you need something else? If you’re away too long, your girlfriend might get jealous p>

Albert frowned, but there was a softness there. “What happened to your hand p>

So he’d noticed after all.

Dorothea gave a bitter little laugh. “Don’t worry about it. We broke up, remember?” “Broke up?” Albert’s tone was mocking and cold. “Who said we were ever together p>

The pain in her chest spread everywhere. Dorothea bit her lip hard. “Got it. Don’t worry. From now on, we’re nothing to each other p>

Albert’s face was stormy as he watched her walk away. He made a move to follow, but Carola’s gentle voice called from behind.

“Albert, aren’t you coming back in p>

He took a long breath, turned around, and forced a smile. “Coming, Carola p>

Once she turned the corner,

Dorothea couldn’t hold it together anymore. Her tears fell all at once, as if the last bit of strength inher heart had finally given out.

She stood outside the hotel, leaning weakly against a stone pillar, her shoulders

shaking. She didn’t even notice someone slowly approaching.

Latham braced one hand against the

pillar next to her and leaned in, his voice low and lazy in her ear. “Looks like my wife just got her heart. broken, huh p>