The wind was strong today, making the fire burn quickly. My hand was scorched as I reached for the letter, and I almost dropped it back into the fire basin from the pain.The burned area was reddish. I blew on it gently, then went to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and ran cold water over it for a while.Once the pain subsided, I dried my hand with a towel and picked up the letter I had placed on the sink.When I first threw it into the fire basin, I had only glanced at it briefly. Now, looking more closely, I was even more certain it was Max's handwriting.Max sending letters to himself? What kind of game was he playing?He always had countless schemes, none of them good. This had to be another trick. Ever since I received Cindy's video, it was like opening Pandora's box. With Max's death, everything should have ended, and his dirty secrets should have been buried with him.I raised my hand to throw the letter away, but curiosity got the better of me.I pulled back my hand
I quickly cleared my throat, afraid she might detect something was off.As soon as the call connected, Wendy's worried voice came through, "Jen, are you alright? I've been calling and texting you with no response. I was so worried!""I was just reading with my phone on silent," I said, using my playful tone with Wendy. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Wendy. It won't happen again.""Given your good attitude in admitting your mistake, I'll forgive you this time." Ever since the previous incidents, Wendy would get anxious when she couldn't reach me.She put down her car keys and lay on the sofa. "How's that scar removal cream I gave you last time working?""It's like a miracle drug!" The last time Wendy brought me letters, she also gave me a bottle of cream, saying her friend brought it from abroad. It was supposed to be very effective for scar removal, and she told me to apply it regularly.Everyone wants to look good. Although I could cover the scar on my cheek with makeup, I'm a cas
And maybe that person was hard to pursue, or perhaps Wendy cherished their relationship so much that she was afraid to break that delicate balance, fearing the other person might not feel the same way.As soon as this thought crossed my mind, I quickly dismissed it.Wendy was so amazing; the man who could refuse her hadn't been born yet!"I've always had someone I like! It's you, isn't it? Haven't you noticed?" Wendy said in a hurt tone. "It breaks my heart that you'd ask me such a thing."Wendy was just joking around with me. I couldn't get anything out of her, so I played along and comforted her.I looked at the paused surveillance footage on the screen, tempted several times to tell Wendy about that night at the Waldorf Hotel.Wendy cared deeply about my affairs and always treated me well, never letting me be taken advantage of.If she knew Luke was the man from that night, she'd immediately storm over to his place and demand he take responsibility for me.That night was an
Fearing that I might back out, I forced myself to go to the office after two days. I tried my best to minimize our interactions."Ms. Middleton, is there something wrong with my cooking?" Marianne asked cautiously."Marianne, your cooking is the best!"I really enjoyed Marianne's dishes and desserts. I had gained ten pounds in New York and planned to lose weight after returning to Johnsonville. Sadly, I discovered that I had gained another four pounds instead of losing weight.My once slender body now felt more curvaceous.Yesterday, when I met Wendy, she said I looked radiant and glowing.Wendy's sincere compliment made me waver in my resolve to diet again."Is Ms. Middleton worried about troubling me or Mr. Walker?""Neither!" I couldn't explain to Marianne, so I lied, "I've gained weight recently, and my clothes don't fit well anymore. If I keep eating like this, I'm afraid I'll turn into a roly-poly.""Even if Ms. Middleton became a soft, cuddly teddy bear, she'd be the cu
I was Luke's assistant, and my position should align with his. Even though I didn't like Joey, I wouldn't sabotage her. However, he shouldn't have distanced himself from her so completely in front of me, even if he was trying to protect her.Was it that he didn't trust me, or was there someone else he liked?Thinking back on his attitude towards Joey, I leaned towards the latter.If Joey wasn't Luke's crush, then who did he like?I had made such a big mistake!I mentally went through all the women he had interacted with since I became his assistant. He treated them all equally, with no special treatment.Could it be that the person he liked hadn't appeared in my view yet?She must be very mysterious!I got out of the car and took the elevator upstairs. Just as I exited, Joey called.Joey had Luke's contact information. The only reason she would go to such lengths to call me and use me as a messenger was that Luke wasn't answering her calls.He had clearly told me not to repor
Joey didn't give up. She sent me an email, first berating me for my "despicable" act of blocking her, then threatening me again, and finally offering a way to redeem myself - by getting Luke to visit her in the neighboring city.Joey was like a child throwing a tantrum. Did she really think she could make me do her bidding with a few weak threats? How naive!I ignored her and gathered the documents I had prepared to take to Luke's office.Luke had already arrived at the company. He was sitting at his desk, with his computer open in front of him.The office's decor matched Luke's style, making him look even more austere and serious as he sat there.The surveillance footage flashed in my mind. I glanced at him, then quickly lowered my gaze to hide the complex emotions in my eyes. Placing the documents on his desk, I tried to keep my voice steady as I said, "Mr. Walker, these are the documents that need to be processed today.""Marianne says you won't be coming over for breakfast an
Here's a proofread and more westernized version with improved flow and clarity:Even when he reached for documents in my hands, I would reflexively flinch away.Luke paused briefly, then acted as if nothing had happened.Today seemed unusually long, a torment for me. Whenever I felt anxious, I had to make a conscious effort to calm myself.After the 3 PM meeting ended, only Luke and I remained in the conference room.As I was organizing the documents on the table, Luke leaned back in his chair and said, "You're not in good form. Do you need some time off to adjust?""I'm sorry, Mr. Walker. I'm not at my best today, but I'll try to improve."I quickened my pace in gathering the documents, eager to escape the room.Luke's gaze fell on my hands. "Is your poor state related to me?"Realizing I'd slipped up again, I hastily denied it. "No, it's not."My urgent tone only confirmed Luke's suspicion. His dark eyes took on a probing look.His gaze was so penetrating that I felt trapp
Wendy usually steers clear of her exes' workplaces after a breakup. Her bringing me here voluntarily set off alarm bells in my head."Sweetie, you've got it wrong. It's my ex-ex-ex-ex-boyfriend from ages ago!" Wendy snatched her gym bag from the backseat and slung it over her shoulder. Glancing up at the "Cornell Fitness" sign, she smirked, "When the cat's away, the mice will play! Let's see how Mr. 'I Dumped Wendy Smith' is doing these days.""Are you here for revenge?" I asked, eyeing her determined stance.Concerned she might get hurt, I pushed my own worries aside and tried to stop her. "What's going on, Wendy?"Wendy was known for her clean breaks, never dragging out a split. Her exes typically left thrilled, having benefited from the Smith family's generosity. They treated her like royalty, and no one had ever dared cross her before.This guy must have really messed up to get Wendy this riled."This jerk somehow got his hands on some grainy videos and sent them to my contacts, cl