He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 04

He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 04

Two years passed fast. I worked at Anderson Corp. Mr. Anderson told me to slack off all I wanted.

My only job: keep Asher in line.

I ignored him. I spent every day learning new skills.

When the two years were up, I’d leave Aurora Hills and have a way to support myself.

My savings alone couldn’t sustain me long‑term without a stable income.

My relationship with Asher got better over those two years

. He accepted my presence.

Even used me to turn down other girls.

Joked that I was watching him, so he couldn’t give out his number.

Mr. Anderson was pleased. Said I’d done my job.

Now it was time for the real heiress to come home.

The two years ended.

Asher turned twenty-five.

The Voss family finally agreed to the marriage with the Andersons.

Engagement party in a month.

His friends teased me, said I was finally getting what I wanted.

Asher didn’t shut them up for once. He hated being linked to me before.

Mr. Anderson arranged for Maren to come home tomorrow.

The party was supposed to celebrate the engagement.

Really, it was just a wild send-off for Asher’s single days.

Everyone drank hard. I had half a round, and my head was spinning.

Tonight was the last night. After tonight, I’d get the money.

Tomorrow I’d go back to the small town. Meet the woman who raised Maren—my grandma, Mabel.

Maren had a hard life growing up. Her parents left to work when she was little and never came back.

Mabel raised her alone. Maren refused to come home at first because of Mabel.

So Mr. Anderson gave her two more years.

Said I was Mabel’s real granddaughter anyway, and I should spend time with her.

Maren finally agreed.

I’d already visited the small town once, secretly.

Mabel and Maren were happy together.

That afternoon, Mabel saw me squatting by the entrance eating instant noodles.

She ran back home and brought me fresh corn.

Thought I was a grocery store worker. Told me to eat well. Said food gives you energy for work.

She was so kind.

The corn was sweet.

And the engagement?

The Andersons always planned for Maren to marry Asher.

Only Asher didn’t know I was the fake heiress. The Voss family knew. Grandma Voss knew.

Someone asked Asher once.

He answered, annoyed.”If it’s not her, I don’t care who I marry. Andersons are fine.”

Yeah, the Andersons.

But not me, Elowen.

Music and laughter filled the private room.

I leaned against Asher, dizzy.

“Asher… my head hurts. Can I leave early?”

I’d booked the earliest flight to Sunset Valley tomorrow. Then a bus to Maplebrook Hollow. I didn’t want to waste time with Asher.

Asher leaned down, smiling.”Beg me, Elowen.”

“If I beg, can I go?”

He stared at my face, Adam’s apple bobbing.

Quietly, “Yes. Beg me.”

Blurry-eyed, I begged.”Please… can I go home?”

He stared, then pressed a finger hard against my lips. Grim, “Fine. Go.”

Asher never walked me home before.

Today he did.

He stepped toward the door, and I pushed him away.

Shut the door fast.

“Thanks. I’m dizzy. Gonna sleep.”

Asher stood outside, furious.

His voice came through the door, sharp.

“Whatever. Don’t come to the party tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

Tomorrow was his friend’s homecoming party.

Perfect.

I washed my face, sobered up, and packed fast.

Timed everything for the airport.

Mr. Anderson texted, asking my plans.

I didn’t reply. Deleted Asher’s number. Switched to a new SIM card.

Sunset Valley was warm year-round. I’d rent a small house with a yard next to Mabel’s. Take it slow. Cook. Spend time with grandma.

On the way to the airport, I saw an interview with Asher from two days ago.

He was in a tailored suit, arrogant and charming, putting on his polite public face.

The reporter asked,”Mr. Voss, any words for your fiancée about the engagement?”

Asher smiled.”We’ll talk about it privately.”

“Is it true you’re marrying into the Anderson family?”

He raised an eyebrow.”Of course.”

“The Anderson lady is lucky.”

He joked, “Yeah. I always say Elowen has great taste.”

The video went viral. Comments everywhere.

Top comment:[The Anderson heiress chased him for ten years without shame. Finally getting what she wants?]