Say No to Being Second Choice

Beatrice scoffed after hearing what Kelly said. Then, she looked at me with a triumphant glint in her eye.

"Really, Sebastian? I actually thought you'd grown up a little," she began. Her tone was dripping with sarcasm. "I can't believe you're still as cunning as ever.

"If you don't trust me, maybe you should move upstairs and keep an eye on me every second. Or do you want me to put a camera on me to satisfy your curiosity?"

I had nothing to say to her in response.

"Bea, don't be mad. I'm sure Sebastian just got flustered because he cares. He didn't mean any harm," said Zachary.

He patted Beatrice's back before turning to me. "Seb, don't get the wrong idea. I was just exhausted, and my head was hurting. Ms. Campbell was only trying to help me feel better so I could keep working. Everything we do is for the company. Don't overthink it."

I met his smug gaze. He seemed to want nothing more than for me to jump to the wrong conclusion. Even without knowing the full story, I was certain he was behind it all.

Kelly had been tactful. She knew Beatrice favored Zachary, so when she sensed the tension, she didn't dare reveal the truth.

However, even if she did, I doubted Beatrice would believe her.

I stayed silent, but Beatrice was still fuming.

"Don't bother explaining things to him! Personal matters are one thing, and work is another. Since we're at the company, the rules apply."

She continued, "Since Sebastian didn't follow the company rules, I'm docking this month's bonus and half of his salary!"

Kelly rushed to speak. "Ms. Campbell, Sebastian has already—"

She probably meant to bring up my resignation, but before she could finish, Beatrice glared at her and barked, "I don't want to hear any of his excuses. Do as I say!"

Kelly didn't dare say another word. In an instant, she turned and went downstairs.

After a moment's thought, I decided to leave too.

Suddenly, Beatrice called out to me. Perhaps she had vented some of her anger, because she seemed calmer now.

"Sebastian, I'm not doing this to get at you, but these are the rules I made. If I don't enforce them, I won't be able to command respect in the future," she said earnestly.

Beside her, Zachary nodded in agreement. "That's right, Seb. Next time you're unsure about something, check with Ms. Campbell first. If that's not possible, you can always ask me."

At that, Beatrice nodded approvingly and added, "Zachary is wholly devoted to the company. He knows its affairs better than anyone."

Then, she glared at me again. "Unlike you! What do you ever do besides always being jealous? Can't you learn from Zachary?"

What was I supposed to learn from him? How to meddle in someone else's relationship? Or how to steal credit and sabotage others?

I snorted, but didn't bother pointing it out.

I stayed silent, and Beatrice assumed I had realized my mistake. She took a couple of steps toward me and adjusted my collar, which wasn't even out of place.

A beat later, she spoke in a serious tone. "I know why you've been acting out, and I really am disappointed in you. But I have to admit, since I came back, you've matured quite a bit.

"As a reward, we'll take our wedding photos tomorrow and get the wedding plans underway. But don't get too cocky. Marriage is just—"

"Get married?" I chuckled before she could finish.

I pushed her hands aside and handed her the resignation letter I had prepared. "But we're already broken up. Besides, I've resigned. From now on, we're done."