Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"Anya, have you heard the rumor?"

I chewed my chicken soup a bit slower and looked at Dona with a questioning gaze. Usually, without needing to ask like that, Dona would already start blabbering non-stop, telling me all the information she knew, and adding her own opinions on the matter. She loves spicing things up.

We were having lunch in the cafeteria, a forced choice by Naomi since Dona prefers the restaurant across the street. She said she wanted to see Dewa. Personally, I'm not too comfortable with that. I feel bad because I keep rejecting Dewa, who wants to get closer. Especially when he said he was waiting for me to go home together, which ended with me fainting in the office.

Naomi didn't seem to be affected by Dona. Maybe she already knows?

"What?" I asked as Dona hadn't continued her sentence.

"Kelvin is resigning."

Fortunately, I wasn't drinking or eating anything at the moment. My last bite had successfully passed through my throat. Otherwise, I'm sure I would have choked upon hearing Dona's words.

"Seriously?" I quickly grabbed a glass of orange ice and sipped it mercilessly, leaving only a little inside.

"Yes, seriously. I heard from HRD, and they already have a replacement ready for the handover." Naomi added. There you go. My suspicions were correct. Naomi must have known. They share the same floor with HRD, and they probably hear office regulations gossip first. Especially Dona, who is an HRD staff. She wouldn't miss out on juicy information like this.

I started to recall my last conversation with Kelvin. What does this mean? Is he really resigning?

"Is he getting a new job?"

Dona shrugged. "I don't know. When asked, Kelvin just smiles."

I chuckled.

"But if he gets a new job at the same level, I think, dear, he must have been hired for a promotion somewhere else."

I agreed with Naomi's statement. Kelvin's career has been quite impressive. At his young age, he's already a manager. Dona once spilled his salary to me when she found out that Kelvin was getting closer to me. According to Dona, it was also a consideration in case I thought about the future with Kelvin. Dona always has her ways.

"I know who's happy about this news." Dona winked mischievously at me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I'm really amazed by her way of thinking. Plus, Naomi couldn't help but laugh at her.

Before all the teasing could continue, the universe joined in. Kelvin walked over to our table, still with that smile that most of the women in our office would be mesmerized by. His well-proportioned body, impeccable style, and always perfect look, not to mention his somewhat oriental face that still managed to make him part of the popular guys in the office. I can't deny that about him.

However...

"Hi, Anya." I smiled slightly in response.

"Doni and Naomi are here too."

"I thought we didn't get a greeting from you, Vin," teased Dona, earning laughter from Naomi.

"I'm really happy to see you in good spirits."

Kelvin is always straightforward when he approaches his target. He doesn't beat around the bush and always makes it clear that the girl in front of him is within his reach. Possessive, right? That's not all. In our limited conversations, since I often avoid him, he always makes me uncomfortable.

His discussions usually revolve around his life achievements, his opinions on things that don't meet his standards, and snide remarks about things he thinks can be achieved better by the person he's talking about. As if he's the epitome of success in life.

I can't keep up with someone like Kelvin. Not because I'm afraid he'll find out about my past, left by my mother and father, but because I don't want him to get too involved. I'm not ready for it, and he's already made too many interventions in my life. I want to be free, not tied down by a bunch of rules that only make me feel smaller.

I thanked him for his earlier comment. Then, I continued with my meal. I don't know why this chicken soup tastes so good that I wanted to order more. "Naomi, do you mind helping me with another bowl of chicken soup?" I asked.

Naomi looked at me with a horrified expression. "Not enough?"

I grinned.

"Order a half portion," Dona suggested, which Naomi agreed to immediately.

"Are you still hungry?" Kelvin asked, looking at me in amazement.

"Yeah." I couldn't care less about his judgment. All I knew was that I still wanted more chicken soup.

As soon as Naomi's half portion of chicken soup arrived, I wasted no time in devouring it. The hot broth and the smell of tomatoes mixed with the soup made my mouth water.

"I noticed you've gained some weight, Anya."

I stopped moving my spoon, which was filled with vermicelli and chicken slices. Did he really just say that?