Chapter 5

Clyde spoke each word with finality, leaving no room for argument. He didn't linger a second longer. Instead, he took Isabel's hand and turned to leave, while everyone watched in silence. The people in the room glanced at Cecily, their eyes full of sympathy and pity. Evelyn, who had remained silent up to that point, finally couldn't hold back and rushed outside. Cecily understood what Evelyn was about to do and quickly followed her. When she reached the parking lot, she found Evelyn and Clyde locked in a heated argument. "Cece is my best friend. Why did you embarrass her in front of everyone? She's had feelings for you for years. Couldn't you have shown her a little more kindness, at least out of respect for how she feels?" "I've been putting up with this for seven years. I always turned her down gently because of you. Wasn't that enough? Her feelings for me have been nothing but a bother!" Evelyn was so furious that she could barely think clearly, her voice hoarse from shouting. "Don't worry. She'll never feel the same about you again. Ever since you left her stranded last time, she got into a car accident and ended up with a concussion—" "I only gave her a ride because of you. Why was I expected to take her all the way? Even if I could go back in time and knew she'd get into a car crash, I'd still choose Isabel over her every time. If she's still holding onto this, tell her to get out of my life and stay out!" A car door slammed in the distance. Cecily didn't want them to know she had overheard the argument. It would only make everything more awkward. So, she hurried away. Back at home, she looked around the room, collecting every item she had kept over the years that reminded her of Clyde. Then, she threw it all out. She spent the rest of the weekend at home, finishing most of her packing. On Monday, Cecily went to the office and submitted her resignation letter to the HR department. When the HR representative, Anna Gardner, learned Cecily wanted to quit, she was taken aback. "But you're still on medical leave recovering from your car accident, right? I heard the design director position just became available, and Mr. Steiner was thinking about promoting you. Why resign now?" Evelyn had mentioned that after graduation, Cecily joined Steiner Group's design department just to see Clyde every day. She had given it her all for three years, hoping to get closer to him and, eventually, stand proudly by his side. But now, she couldn't remember him anymore. The feelings she once had for him had faded away. Anna seemed reluctant to let her go. Cecily offered her a gentle smile. "I've decided to move back home. I'll be staying in my hometown for good." Anna didn't try to persuade her any further. She stamped the resignation letter and set it aside. "Alright. I'll hand this over to Mr. Steiner for signature, and your resignation will be finalized."