Capítulo 15

3% of Brown Corp shares were tempting, but leaving with nothing wouldn't starve me—it would just free me from upcoming entanglements sooner.

"No," William replied bluntly, surprising me.

"Aren't you worried I'll get in the way of your true love?" I couldn't help provoking him. After chasing Emma for half a month, he must sense she's different from his past flings.

He lowered his eyes, lost in thought, before murmuring, "No."

So stubborn—how could someone as sharp as William be so slow in love? I sighed, heading upstairs without another word.

The next day, John messaged: Alice, Emma and I made up. Thanks for helping us. Let me treat you soon!

I didn't reply, wondering if William would be upset.

At breakfast, William sat on the couch, moody.

"What's for breakfast, Luna?" I bypassed him, heading to the dining room.

"Three-delicacy noodles with marinated eggs. Want one? They're fragrant," Luna said, serving me bird's nest and fruit.

William joined me, and Luna placed an identical plate before him. A text on his phone darkened his face; he pushed away his half-eaten noodles and left abruptly.

"Be at my parents' by 9 AM tomorrow," I called after him. He ignored me.

The message was likely from Emma, upsetting him. I glanced at Luna—had Emma told her about the married man?

"I'm going out, Luna. Won't be back for lunch," I said, rushing to my full-body medical checkup. Afterward, I visited Nelson's department.

"Nelson!" I greeted warmly.

He frowned, eating lunch. "What now? Using me to provoke William again?"

I showed him John's whatsapp background—a photo of him and Emma. "Recognize her?"

Nelson studied it, but his reaction wasn't one of instant attraction. "No, but that's John."

"Right. William's chasing her. Did he tell you?"

"Only that he's after a college girl. How do you know?"

"I mediated their breakup yesterday. Her name's Emma, a sophomore music major at A University. She doesn't know about me and William."

Before Nelson could ask more, colleagues returned, so I invited him to dinner.

At Night Cofee bar, I woke from a nap as he arrived. "Sorry for my sleeping face," I smiled.

Over coffee, I recounted meeting Emma and John, sighing, "Who knew William would fall for her?"

"So you know everything, but they don't?" he summed up.

"Yep."

"Why not reveal the truth?"

"Do you even know William? He'd never give up Emma for me. Fighting it won't change his heart—I'm not even his ex, just a nobody," I said, voice trembling with past desperation.

Nelson looked startled—he'd never seen me react to William's flings like this.

Telling William wouldn't stop him; telling Emma might only intensify his pursuit; telling John would achieve nothing. "So why tell me?" Nelson asked.

"To prove I'm not in the dark. I want a divorce, but he refuses." My voice bitter, I added, "Stop persuading him to stay married."

Nelson stared, unconvinced. "You sure?"

"Positive."

He fell silent, finally saying as we parted, "It's good you've moved on."

That night, I slept easily, relieved someone knew the truth. The next day, I texted William: Don't forget today.

At my parents' home, I hugged Dad. "Happy birthday!"

"Where's William?" Dad frowned, seeing no one else.

Just then, William arrived with a gift. "Happy birthday, Dad." He handed over coffee—smart, since Dad hated luxious gifts.

Dad chatted with William about work while I helped Mom cook. After lunch, Dad left for a staff dinner, and William soon followed, claiming work. I hopped into his car.

" What are you doing?" he snapped.

"Giving me a ride." I fastened my seatbelt, detecting a faint scent like Emma's. Had she ridden here this morning?

As he drove, I slipped a lipstick under the seat and adjusted the recline. If Emma ever sat here, she'd find it.

"I'm napping," I said, closing my eyes. His phone rang; he glanced at me before answering openly.