Chapter 3: See him again

One month had passed since the tumultuous events unfolded in Emma's life. After returning home, she found herself grappling with not one, but two shocking revelations that struck her like a hammer, causing a mental breakdown that left her emotionally shattered.

For the next two weeks, she rarely left the confines of her home. Her mother, worried and heartbroken, diligently brought meals to her room, only to be disheartened by the sight of her daughter barely eating. Emma's father tried his best to push her to join the family company, hoping it might help her heal. 

In the past, Emma's family always objected to her love for David, but she risked everything to be able to love him. However, David - the man she had sacrificed so much for, betrayed her trust in the cruelest manner possible. Mr. Garcia had a heart disease so just encountering something stimulating would easily make him relapse. She no longer dared to disobey her parents anymore.

Sitting in her familiar room, she found herself gazing out at the radiant summer sky through the parted curtains. The warm rays of the sun filtered into the gloomy corners of her room like gentle hands, seemingly coaxing her out of the prolonged darkness that had enveloped her.

That's right, she wondered why she had to suffer because of such a damned couple. In front of the mirror, Emma looked at her slightly worn-out face, just a smile could make her return to her normal beautiful appearance.

She must live better than those who betrayed her, and pay back those who hurt her bitter ending.

After refusing to work in her family's company, she found a fresh start elsewhere. Fortunately, her determination paid off when she secured a job at another company after just two days of interviews.

At HJS Corporation.

“Emma, Miss Chloe asked you to give this document to the finance office on the 30th floor right now.”

A woman about Emma's age walked up to her desk, handed a file, and smiled. Emma just finished her work, happily replied, and immediately went to the 30th floor.

Currently, Emma was an employee of the Research & Development department at HJS Corporation. It was considered one of the initial brain departments of a business. Moreover, the Handerson family owned HJS Group - the country's richest and most powerful family, contributing up to 70% of the country's total GDP. So it would undoubtedly be noticed for someone contracted to work for a year without an internship like Emma.

Since entering the company, she had heard some gossip about this issue. Fortunately, Emma was charming and friendly. Therefore, just a few days into the company, she got acquainted with all her colleagues and invited them to a party. The camaraderie was also more connected from there. Besides, everyone in the R&D department significantly acknowledged Emma's working ability. Although she was new to the company, she was able to handle all the tasks assigned to her ideally and always offered to help others.

On the 30th floor, Emma pushed the door to the work area. Each floor belonged to different operating departments and was surrounded by glass doors with installed security protection equipment. Therefore, Emma needed to scan the employee card to enter.

As soon as she stepped inside, she felt an unpleasant atmosphere pervading the room. The director seemed to have just reprimanded the finance department, making everyone uncomfortable.

She walked along the staff's desks to the director's office, faintly overhearing the people around her talking.

“I don't understand why he hasn't been fired yet. His work capacity is very very bad, and so is his work spirit. He went to work to text his girlfriend all day…”

"It's rumored that he broke up with his girlfriend. While working, he was always moody. I told him to send the work report, he even didn't care about me."

"It's just breaking up with the girlfriend abroad. He is dating a model now. Every day she always picked him up from getting off work..."

Emma Garcia thought, "Were there still toxic figures in a big company like HJS?" Fortunately, her department did not have this case.

Just as Emma was about to knock on the door of the CFO's room, the door was pushed from the inside, startling Emma. But as soon as she saw the face of the person opposite her, Emma was even more surprised.

“Emma?” He couldn't hide his surprise and called her name.

David? Since when did he work here? He had never told her about moving to another company before.

“Emma, it’s been a while, can we…” David continued.

Emma took a step back to maintain some distance. She had no intention of engaging in small talk with this damned guy. She avoided him and went inside, despite David's nostalgic look.

When it was time to leave work, Emma greeted her colleagues and hurriedly left. Tonight, she would have dinner with Christine Walton - her best friend at university. Christine said she would wait for her at the company's front door, so as soon as it was 5 o'clock, she immediately ran down to the big hall.

Ting.

The phone message sounded.

[Bestie, are you off work yet?]

[Yehh, I'm going down the hall to wait for you.]

[OK, wait a minute. The road is so congested. I'll probably be 10 minutes late.]

Pale yellow light illuminated an ample space. The big hall of HJS Corporation at the end of the working day was always a chaotic hubbub, with people rushing about and a cacophony of voices echoing off the walls. Amidst the bustling crowd, Emma's petite figure seemed to shrink even further, her platinum hair cascading slightly over her shoulders as she navigated through the crowd, her attention fixed on the text Christine had just sent.

Lost in her world, Emma suddenly bumped into a tall man standing with his back to her, and her body lurched backward. However, strong arms enveloped her, preventing her fall. His reaction was so quick that her petite body rested in his arms right away.

Emma immediately recovered, straightened up, and bowed to this man, "I'm sorry..."

“Is it you?” A familiar but strange voice resounded on the top of her head. The low, husky voice seemed to carry a charm that made her heart flutter momentarily.

Emma slowly raised her head to look at him, her heart beating faster as a stream of memories flashed through her mind. She couldn't forget his outstanding, handsome face that resembled a Hollywood actor. Yet, she chose to remain composed, holding back the rush of emotions threatening to surface. Instead, she replied politely, "I'm sorry about what happened just now. We don't know each other, right?"

The word "right" was more than just a response; it was an affirmation of her decision to keep their previous encounter private. That day, before saying goodbye, both of them had already agreed to each other.

Harry Handerson narrowed his eyes at the girl's expression before him. He knew her name was Emma Garcia. Chuckling softly to himself, Harry admitted he hadn't anticipated running into her again so soon. But the universe seemed to have other plans, reuniting them in the bustling hall of HJS Corporation, the girl who generously signed a $2000 check for him.

At the same time, near them, an extraordinary scene took place. David Thompson got off work, too, walking down the hall. A woman approached and hugged him, "David, I'm here to pick you up from work."

This woman was Selena Shirley, who had betrayed her best friend by stealing her boyfriend. Her voice was so loud that it attracted a lot of attention. But it seemed to have achieved her wish, Selena was even more delighted, hugging David tightly without hesitation.

Amidst the crowd, Emma Garcia watched the scene unfold before her eyes, her heart filled with a mix of hatred and anger. She did not dare to think if she now used a microphone with a speaker to unmask this damn couple at the big hall of her company, how interesting would that scene be?

However, she was not an ordinary shrewish woman. Behind her was a corporation of the Garcia family. Doing so would put her family at a direct disadvantage. Because of these two adulterers? Unworthy!

David felt everyone's eyes on him and shyly pushed Selena away. In the corner of his eyes, he spotted Emma standing nearby, and his heart sank further. Selena felt unusual, and her attention also fell on Emma. Selena's hands clasped together; anger began to rise in her heart.

She took David's arm and pulled him closer to Emma.

“Oh my god, my bestie, do you work here too?”

The only response for her was silence followed by a look of disdain.

Selena saw Emma not answering, looked at the man standing beside her, and slightly pouted, "New boyfriend? Hmm, quite handsome."

The man standing next to Emma was even more handsome than David, Selena didn’t lie. Clad in a sleek black suit, his tall, well-defined figure exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. Why just broke up with David, Emma could already find someone better? This made Selena even angrier, saying harsh words:

“Turns out I was right. Just broke up, you already had a new boyfriend, not a high-class type. Is your taste still the same? The face of this man is also worthy. I quite like it, but I'm not sure this man is as good as David. Take good care of your boyfriend.”

“Who are you to judge me?” Harry coldly asked.

Emma felt a presence still next to her and her spine suddenly stiffened. He was so close to her that she could smell his fragrance. 

David Thompson heard Harry's low voice and then broke into a cold sweat. He immediately stopped Selena, "What are you saying? We're at my company… How can you tell…”

Before David could finish his sentence, Emma burst out laughing. She took Harry's arm, her face full of confidence, then cocked her chin provocatively:

“Yes, this is my boyfriend. You guys can cheat on me, why can't I have a new boyfriend after breaking up? Selena, you must be jealous, right? A cheap man like David, I'm tired of possessing him before it's your turn."

She slightly raised her eyebrows to signal him, her sparkling eyes seemed to emit a ray of urgent help, seeing him as the savior of her life.

Harry watched Emma take his arm, the corners of his mouth curled up into a gentle smile. Her words were as sharp as her actions and attitude that day. This woman, looked quite petite and lovely outside, but why was she so shrewish?

Selena was so angry that she wanted to jump up and hit Emma but was stopped by David, "Okay, okay, let's go. Please, don't cause trouble again..."

After that, he turned to look at Harry, immediately bowed 90 degrees, and apologized incessantly, "Sorry, Sir. I won't let this happen at the company again."

Selena pushed David's hand away, propped up on her hips, and said, "Who is he that you should be apologizing to? You're the deputy of the financial department! Why are you so weak?"

“Get out now! He is the CEO of this corporation. Are you afraid I haven't lost face enough?"

CEO of HJS Corporation!

When this word came out, not only was Selena Shirley surprised, but Emma Garcia was also astonished. She raised her head to look at him. Their faces met, and Harry's gentle smile sent chills down her spine.

Is this man the CEO of HJS Corporation?

W-What the hell?

Emma actually didn't know. The moment she and Harry looked at each other was captured by a camera not far away.

This news was not the most shocking news for her today!