Chapter 18: Chapter 18

“Assistant Jiang, what a surprise to see you here. I heard you’re looking for me.” Annie walked up to the guy, maintaining a gentle smile.

However, the assistant looked more than anxious. He had been pacing back and forth before Annie came out. And he almost lost hope that she wasn’t going to be willing to see him.

“Ms. Lin, I’m sorry to disturb you. But you must hear me out. Mr. Lim is–“

“If it’s about what Assistant Jiang wants from me, I’m afraid to tell you that I’ll have to turn you down for the second time.” Annie interrupted his words and said calmly. “And I hope it is not what brought you.”

The assistant was literally sweating. It was partly what brought him. When he went after her that day to reconsider his Boss’s proposal, the girl did not even blink before turning him down.

It could be said that the assistant was flabbergasted as well as hopeless. No woman would dare turn his Boss down. Hadn’t he been the dream of every woman in his circle?

Yes, they were married once. So this matter was complicated. But the assistant still found it puzzling that she could choose another man over his Boss. Someone posted on the company’s forum that they were getting married. How true was that!?

“A–Actually, Ms. Lin.” The assistant hesitated before clearing his throat. “I am here upon Mr. Lim’s request. He wants to see you.”

“I’m not available.” Her short reply was like a brutal punch.

The assistant held his chest and almost collapsed. “Ah, but you must see him, Ms. Lin. Just five minutes, please. Mr. Lim is waiting in the car.”

Annie had already turned around to walk back to the store, but the assistant’s words made her pause. Her eyes went to the car, and through the tinted windows, she couldn’t see who was inside it.

“Are you telling me that Mr. Lim is also here?” The calmness in her voice masked her surprise.

“Yes– Yes, Yes, Ms. Lin.” Assistant Jiang bobbed his head rapidly. “Please don’t keep him waiting, it will only take some minutes.”

Why was the assistant this anxious? Ah! His Boss had become a ticking bomb. Ever since his insomnia returned, so did his foul temper. And the assistant who was always the punching bag was now on tenterhooks.

Annie walked past him, heading towards the car. She reached forward to open the backseat door, but her hand halted. His presence was now prominent. She could feel his deep gaze boring through her.

Pulling herself together, she held the door and opened it. But before she could sit in the car, a strong hand grabbed her waist and pulled her inside.

“You…” The girl was speechless for a few seconds. As she stared back at the man who was holding her very close to him, her heartbeat picked up.

Saying he looked angry was an understatement. No wonder the assistant looked so frightened.

“Compose yourself, Mr. Lim. You don’t just attack someone without any reason. I thought you wanted to talk. Since when did Mr. Lim turn this savage?”

If his presence intimidated her, she didn’t show it. Right now, the girl gave him the same kind of look he was giving her.

“Annabelle, how dare you!” Andrew said in a tone filled with rage. His hold only tightened around her waist and he didn’t let go even as she struggled.

“I could assume Mr. Lim wanted to see me to discuss work, however, it is the weekend. Yet, I agreed to see you. Could you stop harassing me, please?”

“Is holding you now harassment?”

“We are only strangers. There’s no reason why you should touch me whenever you please.”

When she said the word ‘strangers’, Andrew’s expression became darker. He clenched and unclenched his fist, hoping to contain some of his anger.

“I heard you’re getting married. Are you doing this on purpose, Annie? Do you want me to remind you that I don’t take no for an answer?”

“Mr. Lim.” Her lips curled into a smile. “That’s right, I’m getting married. And it doesn’t concern you whether I’m doing it on purpose or not. Must I also remind Mr. Lim that I’m no one’s property?”

Andrew glared at her. Every time she opened her mouth and say something, he couldn’t help but compare the past to the present.

‘Andy, what else can I wish for apart from being with you? I am only happy when you’re around. What if I told you I’ll never be able to survive with another man?’

Those words returned to his mind. Her voice was clear in his mind. He could even envision the happy smile on her face as she said them.

But that was three years ago. Now, he was staring back at a completely different girl.

“Annie, were my feelings so petty for you to play with?”

“People fall out of love.” Annie tilted her head and chuckled. “I’m not sure if you have unresolved feelings. But you should understand that I have no desire to dwell on memories of the past.”

“So you’re marrying that guy.”

“That’s right.” Annie nodded. “Therefore, Mr. Lim should leave me alone. I’ll soon become someone’s wife. You have your reputation to maintain.”

For a few seconds, none of them spoke a word. The silence was suppressing and Annie pushed away.

“Goodbye, Mr. Lim.” She held the door’s handle and said. “And I hope you don’t bother me anymore. It’s not too late to stop me from working in your company.”

“In your dreams, Annabelle. Don’t you know how much I dislike you right now? Do you think it is also my wish to marry you?”

“Fine, it is settled then. I wish Mr. Lim a splendid weekend.” Annie didn’t glance back and she left the car.

Moments later, the assistant came inside and sat in the driver’s seat. He watched his Boss through the rearview mirror before sighing heavily.

“Erhm, Mr. Lim, maybe if Mrs. Lin knows of your condition, she will reconsider.”

But how could his Boss tell her that she was the cure for his insomnia? The man had his pride to maintain.

Even three years ago, she didn’t know. And he also didn’t realize it until now.