chapter 2
As we passed each other, my heart sank, and I couldn’t help saying, “Matthew.”
He stopped and looked at me with a cold expression. “Ms. Langley.”
His polite but distant tone carried a warning. It was a reminder that this was the office, that he was my boss and I was his employee. I understood what he meant and buried the feelings I had been suppressing.
“Mr. Grant.”
Matthew gave a small nod and kept walking as if I were a stranger. I laughed bitterly at myself and swallowed the words about my resignation. He wouldn’t care anyway.
My phone lit up. It was a message from my son on his smartwatch. Mom, will Dad come home for my birthday?
I froze for a moment and instinctively looked back. I saw Matthew leaning down to speak gently to Quilla. Someone passed by, and he instinctively shielded her. His eyes were full of tenderness. I pressed the ache in my chest and texted Matthew. Today is Tyler’s birthday. Are you free tonight?
Across the hall, I saw him check his phone. Less than three seconds later, he put it down without a change in expression. As I looked at the unanswered message, I laughed bitterly at myself. Whitney, get a grip. You should have known he would never love you. What were you even expecting?
I put my phone back in my pocket, took a deep breath, and walked away. Matthew, soon you’ll be free.