Fooled Eleven Times, Freed at Last

But this time, I simply took the file from Timothy and said calmly, "I'm happy to accept the company's assignment."

While others climbed the ladder with promotions and pay raises, I remained stuck in the same role for seven years.

I wasn't blind to the whispers behind my back. Everyone thought I was a fool. Despite my potential, I had let a woman hold me back.

Timothy paused, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

"And what about Paisley?"

Judging from his expression, he thought it would take days to get me on board. He clearly hadn't expected such a quick agreement.

"I can decide for myself. You're right. A man shouldn't reach his later years with nothing to show for it."

"That's the spirit. I believe in you. Now, go ahead and start preparing."

As Timothy patted my shoulder, I let out a slow, steady breath.

I had chased Paisley for seven years, only to be left behind time and again. I gained nothing from her; I was the one constantly giving.

Work, on the other hand, was straightforward. As long as I was willing to put in the effort, I knew I would be rewarded.

Taking on the overseas business demanded extensive preparation. For the first time in a long while, I didn't have the time or energy to think about Paisley. I kept myself busy until dusk.

The office had mostly cleared out. Suddenly, Eric Pearson, one of my colleagues, tapped me on the shoulder.

"Adrian, your wife's been waiting outside for a long time. Aren't you going to go see her?"

I was momentarily confused. Eric couldn't help but chuckle at my expression.

"Everyone was talking about it earlier. Didn't you hear? We all figured you were angry."

With a playful grin, he nudged me to clock out. After gathering his things, he headed toward the door.

I moved to the window and unlocked my phone. A string of missed calls from Paisley lit up the screen.

The impatience in her messages gradually turned into desperate pleas.

"I know I was wrong. I even booked us a nice restaurant for tonight. Please don't be mad, okay?"

As I took in her coaxing words, a bitter chuckle quietly escaped from inside me.

Humans were truly pathetic creatures. Back when I clung to her like a shadow, she found it downright irritating.

But the moment I pulled away and ignored her, she lost it, desperately scrambling to get close again.

Downstairs, Paisley caught sight of me through the window. She waved excitedly, calling me as though I were some obedient pet.

I glanced at the clock. After grabbing the documents I needed, I walked out.

It was dinnertime anyway. But most importantly, it was time to settle things with Paisley once and for all.

"Adrian, over here!"

As soon as I stepped outside, Paisley flung herself into my arms, a bouquet of roses tucked behind her back.

As I met her wide eyes, my irritation only grew. Unsettled, I instinctively pushed her away.

"Let's go."

I deliberately slumped into the back seat. Paisley lingered for a moment, surprisingly keeping her temper in check.

"Adrian, look at the flowers I bought. Aren't they beautiful? Didn't you always want us to be like a normal couple?"

I watched as she held the flowers out, treating them like a priceless gift. I couldn't help but cough awkwardly.

Roses were the one flower I couldn't stand, yet they were Justin's favorite.

Paisley couldn't even recall such a small detail about me, yet she still acted as though she cared.

On the way there, she kept trying to start conversations. But unlike my usual self, I made no effort to entertain her.

I kept my gaze locked on the window, barely responding with any emotion.

As her patience wore thin, Paisley finally stopped talking and focused on the road.

She had brought me to a trendy, photo-worthy restaurant. The moment we got out of the car, we found ourselves surrounded by a sea of couples.

Paisley frowned and slipped her arm through mine.

Worried I might pull away, she held on tighter, forcing a smile as she did.

I pushed the discomfort in my chest aside and walked in with her.