Chapter 7: The Confidante

 

Yesterday, as Seraphina Arden was stepping into the elevator with Leon Everhart, she caught sight of Ava. Their eyes met briefly before Ava quickly looked away, her gaze full of resentment and jealousy.

Seraphina Arden felt a chill down her spine and became instantly cautious.

“Wait, is the boss's mistress holding a grudge against me? For crying out loud, just because I look like this? She’s gotta be kidding me! I’m not about to poke this hornet’s nest. I’ll just steer clear.”

Today, when someone brought up her relationship with Lucas, she left it up to their imagination. Misunderstandings had their perks, after all.

When Leon Everhart heard Seraphina Arden had a boyfriend, he simply smirked, offering no comment.

Seraphina Arden’s workload was growing heavier by the day, thanks to Leon. He piled task after task on her, leaving her barely any time to catch her breath.

One night, exhausted beyond words, Seraphina Arden posted a F******k status: a picture of a chinchilla sitting forlornly on a tree branch in the rain, captioned with just one word: Busy.

This was her silent protest. She was drained.

Leon Everhart never paid attention to anyone’s social media, but Ava did. She screenshot Seraphina Arden’s post and sent it to him. Leon’s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He was doing it on purpose—keeping Seraphina Arden swamped.

With one month to go until the holiday season, things on-site were starting to slow down as workers prepared for their breaks. Leon announced he’d be traveling to Beijing for a week.

On the way to the airport, Leon suddenly asked, “Seraphina Arden, are you happy I’m leaving?”

Seraphina Arden was thrilled, but she kept a professional smile on her face.

“Mr. Everhart, you’ve worked hard. We’ll eagerly await your return.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “Haven’t seen your boyfriend around lately. What’s up with that?”

Internally, Seraphina was cursing him out. Gee, Leon, maybe it’s because you keep me too busy to have a life! Out loud, she replied with a bright smile, “Oh, we’re great! We’ll be spending Christmas together.”

She wasn’t lying. Her family was planning a big gathering at her grandmother’s for the holidays.

Leon didn’t press further, and the rest of the drive passed in silence.

When she finally sent the devil onto his flight, Seraphina couldn’t have been more overjoyed. Freedom!

Working for TerraVantage Group was no joke. They worked women like men and men like beasts—high stress, high intensity, and exhausting as hell.

Noah invited Seraphina to dinner, but she turned him down. She believed that if she didn’t like someone at first sight, no number of meetings would change her mind.

Seraphina had once had a crush on someone so exceptional it ruined everyone else for her. She’d seen the best and wasn’t about to settle for less.

Her parents, worried she might never marry, constantly nagged her. Out of filial piety, Seraphina obediently attended blind dates she had zero interest in, just to make them happy.

Once, Seraphina arranged a private meeting between Leon and Noah at a swanky bar on the east side. She had no idea what they discussed—she stayed outside and never asked. Judging by Leon’s expression afterward, the meeting was a success.

With Leon out of town, Seraphina felt like she was on cloud nine. Even her steps were lighter.

Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last. A week flew by, and Leon returned during the day. When she picked him up, his phone didn’t stop ringing for the entire hour-and-a-half drive back.

Back at the office, Leon took a shower and emerged dressed to the nines, looking every bit the part of the suave executive. The women from the project department downstairs who came up to deliver some documents were practically drooling.

Seraphina watched their reactions and sighed. “Ladies, please. This guy’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t fall for it.”

In her head, she cursed Leon to high heaven, but of course, no one heard her silent tirade.

The branch office employees started returning one after another, turning the workplace into a chaotic marketplace.

Word on the street was that Amelia, the manager from the Los Angeles branch, was Leon’s confidante—a special friend, so to speak.

Seraphina’s opinion of Leon hit rock bottom. This guy’s basically a stallion.

Still, work was work, and Seraphina wasn’t about to let her feelings interfere. “Leon’s the emperor. He’s got his harem; I’m just a servant. His women have nothing to do with me. Getting involved in royal drama is a shortcut to an early grave.”

Having reasoned it out, she felt at peace and was less resentful toward Leon.

When Seraphina finally met the infamous Amelia, she found herself face-to-face with a stunning woman in her mid-twenties. Amelia was tall, graceful, and as polished as a porcelain doll. She didn’t speak much and had a calm, gentle demeanor—completely unlike the other branch managers, who were far more assertive.

During lunch, Leon and Amelia sat together, chatting and laughing, oblivious to the sound of hearts shattering all around them. Seraphina didn’t care. She and Mia sat in a corner, happily devouring their food.

Seraphina was so busy she bought a second phone just to separate work from her personal life. Her job as Leon’s secretary left her little time for family or friends, and she hated missing out on fun activities.

Her high school friend was getting married on Wednesday and had asked Seraphina to be a bridesmaid. Without hesitation, she agreed.

At lunch, Ava stole glances at Amelia and Leon, then looked over at Seraphina, who was grinning at her phone without a care in the world. Ava frowned. It was clear Seraphina couldn’t care less about Leon or Amelia.

That evening, Seraphina brought up her leave request to Sophia, but Sophia hesitated. “You’ll need Leon’s approval. If he can’t find you, we’ll all be in for it.”

Amelia had been in Leon’s office for a while. No one dared interrupt, given what might be happening inside.

With no other option, Seraphina sent a leave request via text.

Leon called her immediately. “Come in if you’ve got something to say.”

Reluctantly, Seraphina stepped into Leon’s office. Inside, Leon was making coffee for Amelia, both of them radiating happiness. Seraphina felt like a third wheel, her voice turning timid. “Mr. Everhart, Ms. Amelia. My friend’s wedding is tomorrow, and I’d like to request a day off.”

Leon raised an eyebrow, grabbed the leave slip from her, and signed it without a word.

Seraphina fled the room as fast as she could.

Amelia chuckled, “You spoil her, Mr. Everhart. She even brought a pen, knowing you’d agree.”

Leon returned her smile. “I heard you’re getting married?”

Amelia’s smile faded as she met Leon’s gaze. After a moment, she admitted, “Yes. I couldn’t wait forever for the man I love. I found someone decent and settled.”

Leon poured her a cup of coffee. “Congratulations.”

Amelia took the cup, drained it in one go, and stood up. Slowly, she walked behind Leon, wrapping her arms around his neck. Gently, she began unbuttoning his shirt.

Leon grabbed her waist and pulled her close, but her eyes were misty with heartbreak.

“Just once, Leon,” she whispered. “I’ve carried the title of your confidante for years. You’ve always known I love you. I don’t want you to marry me or take responsibility. Just… once. Please.”