Chapter 3

Clara's POV

I saw Julian the next day at the office.

About his overnight absence, Julian explained, "I entertained that client very late last night, drank a lot, and just decided to rest at a nearby hotel."

I remained expressionless, not bothering to expose his clumsy lie.

Seeing my low spirits, Julian wrapped his arms around my waist, his voice soft and tender. "What's wrong, baby? Are you mad?"

I forced a smile, pushing him away and handing him the documents. "Sign these."

"What are they?"

"My resign-"

Two sharp knocks cut me off at the office door.

Julian looked up. Vivian stood there.

Vivian, in a stunning red dress, leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow. "Hope I'm not interrupting your work?"

Julian's eyes lit up, and he immediately rushed towards her. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've come down to meet you."

"I'm perfectly capable of coming up myself. Why do you need to pick me up?"

Julian ushered her into the office.

Vivian's gaze fell on me. "And this is...?"

Only then did Julian remember I was still there. He calmly and composedly introduced, "She's my assistant, Clara."

In front of Vivian, I wasn't even worthy of being called his "girlfriend." I was merely his assistant.

Julian then introduced me to her. "This is Vivian, my best friend since childhood."

Best friend?

My gaze inadvertently swept over Vivian's ring finger, where a dazzling, expensive diamond ring shimmered.

So, he gave engagement rings to his "best friends."

Julian looked at me. "I'm showing Vivian around the office. You go back to your work."

I didn't leave. Instead, I handed him the documents again.

"You haven't signed this yet."

Julian didn't even glance at what the documents were, picking up a pen and scrawling his signature in a few quick strokes.

Taking the signed papers, I turned and left the office.

I vaguely heard Vivian and Julian's voices behind me, but I didn't listen to what they said.

Holding Julian's signed resignation application, I submitted it to HR.

The HR person said, "Hand over your work within fifteen days, and then you won't need to come in anymore."

News of my resignation spread quickly through the company.

Colleagues I was close with came to ask me, "Clara, why are you suddenly resigning?"

After graduating, I chose to stay in Las Vegas for Julian, joining Quinn Corporation and, through my own abilities, became his chief assistant.

I smiled faintly. "I'm going home to get married."

"Married? You and Mr. Quinn are getting married? Congratulations, Clara! You'll be our boss's wife!"

I was about to deny it when Julian's voice suddenly came from behind me. "What are you all doing? Are you that idle?"

The colleagues flinched. "Mr. Quinn..."

Julian's gaze locked onto me. He stepped forward, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me into an empty corner.

His handsome face was etched with displeasure. "Clara, I told you, I'm not considering marriage right now."

Realizing he also thought I wanted to marry him, I couldn't help but find it amusing.

I chuckled. "No, you misunderstood."

He frowned, confused. "Misunderstood?"

I didn't want to explain anymore. My lips moved, "Julian, let's break up."

"Julian, are you done?"

Suddenly, Vivian walked towards us.

Julian hadn't heard what I just said, his attention completely drawn to Vivian.

Vivian flashed a bright, charming smile. "Oh, Clara's here too."

I gave her a cool, indifferent look.

Vivian, as if just remembering something, cooed and pleaded with Julian. "I left my bag in your office. Julian, could you please go get it for me?"

Julian didn't think twice. "Sure. Wait here for me."

As soon as he left, Vivian began to scrutinize me.

I wanted to turn and leave, but Vivian intimately and warmly linked her arm through mine.

"Clara, your skin is amazing! How do you take care of it? I'm always traveling to places like Africa and the rainforests; my skin gets so bad. Can you teach me your routine?"

My gaze dropped to Vivian's hand, adorned with the ring, a stinging sight.

"For skin issues, you should consult a professional. Mine is natural; I can't teach you."

Unwilling to stay with Vivian, I pulled my arm away.

I hadn't even used much force, but Vivian, following my movement, tumbled to the ground with a cry of "Ah!"

Julian, rushing back, saw the scene and angrily snapped, "Clara, what are you doing!"