He Chose His Love, I Chose My Career

"Mr. Dawson, about that farmhouse construction project in Hattensburg… I've decided that I'm willing to go there."

Gary Dawson, on the other end of the line, sounds fairly surprised. "I've been asking you to go there for ages, yet you refused every time because you said you wanted to be with your boyfriend, Timothy. Why the sudden change of mind?"

Madeline Carlton lowers her reddened eyes and pretends to chuckle nonchalantly. "I guess I hit one too many walls and just decided to come to my senses afterward."

Hearing this, Gary sighs and says sternly, "This is a highly classified mission. You will be assuming a whole new identity when you start working on this project. Before the mission ends, you will not be allowed to have any contact with the rest of the world.

"Madeline, are you sure that you've thought things through?"

"Yes. I just want to escape this place as soon as I can."

There is a long silence on the phone. However, Gary answers right after the pause. "Alright. I'll send the classified contract to you in a while. It should take about a month for the paperwork to be finalized. Use that opportunity to say goodbye to your friends and family."

The call disconnects. An email pops up in Madeline's inbox. Right after reading through the classified contract, she signed her name with a flourish and submitted the file with a click.

At the same time, Bloomberg Group's new product launch plays on the television. Timothy Bloomberg, wearing a tailored white suit, slowly leads Lacey Houston up the catwalk stage.

A week ago, the CEO of Bloomberg Group released a single evening gown featuring only the finest materials in the entire world and the most complicated and impeccable needlework ever. He wanted to create the most unique gown ever created for his lover, and he named it "Lovelace".

Lacey Houston was currently wearing "Lovelace" on her. Of course, "Lovelace" had to mean "Love" and "Lacey". He had simply named the gown after her, making it a bold proclamation of his eternal love for her.

The cameras were pointed at both their faces. He was tall, dark, and handsome, whilst she was beautiful and stunning. They also seemed intimately close to each other.

Madeline Carlton's lips tugged upward slightly in a self-deprecating grin when she saw that. They were perfect for each other. But that only made Madeline's situation seem even more like a sick joke.

Half an hour later, footsteps sounded at the door. Madeline remained seated on the couch and didn't get up to welcome the newcomer home. Instead, she just waited in the dark, watching as the bright overhead lights buzzed to life and pierced into her eyes.

Timothy Bloomberg changed into his indoor slippers and walked into the living room. It was only then that he realized Madeline was still leaning against the couch. He glanced up at her and said, "It's late. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Something interesting came up on TV. I forgot the time," Madeline said, her voice tight. She didn't even spare him a glance as she continued watching the TV screen.

"I thought you hated watching TV," Timothy said after a pause. He then glanced at the TV screen and walked over to Madeline, exchanging the cold glass of water in her hands for some warm water.

Then, he held her hands and said, "You're almost on your period. Maybe something warm would be better for your stomach."

Timothy expertly avoided the TV topic and made it seem like it wasn't a big deal. Madeline was stunned. She felt a wave of emotions surging in her heart. However, she ultimately just responded dryly with, "Alright."

She then continued sipping on the water, avoiding his gaze. Timothy realized that something was wrong with her. But, he simply patted her on the head and said warmly, "Go up to bed if you're getting sleepy."

The warmth in his fingertips sent Madeline into a daze. By the time she returned to the present, Timothy had already taken off his coat and gone into the bathroom to wash up.

Madeline was the only one left in the living room once more.

"Congratulations, Mr. Bloomberg and Ms. Houston!"

The TV was still replaying the product launch. Timothy had seen it. He knew that Madeline wasn't pleased with it. Yet, he didn't even bother to try explaining things to her.

It wasn't that he didn't know. He knew; he just didn't care. That was the only reason why he just couldn't be bothered about Madeline's sulking or subtle ways to attract his attention.

The water turned on in the bathroom, and Madeline felt her emotional resolve crumbling as she listened to the sound.

She couldn't help thinking about the past, before she got together with Timothy.