My Coworker Asked About My Secret Husband, I Said Strangers Chapter 07

My Coworker Asked About My Secret Husband, I Said Strangers Chapter 07

The truth was, I did remember. I’d bought his gift six months early, a Rolex.

After I overheard him talking to his grandfather, I decided not to give it to him.

I’d started noticing all the little things that tied back to Elena. I’d bought that watch because she mentioned Brandon liked the brand. I’d gone with it even though it stung to spend that much.

Knowing she was the reason he liked it made me want to keep it even more. What a waste of money.

I lowered my gaze. “I said happy birthday yesterday.”

That watch was still sitting in my closet.

Brandon turned and walked off, his face dark with anger.

I had a business trip the next afternoon. I’d stayed up late the night before, so by the time I woke up, Brandon had already left for work.

I packed and headed to the airport.

When I landed, it was already night. I saw several missed calls, all from him.

“Not home yet? If you’re working late, I’ll come get you.”

“No,” I said. “I’m on a business trip.”

A long silence. Then his voice came through, rough. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m in the car. Gotta go.”

I hung up. A moment later, he texted: [When are you coming back? I’ll pick you up.]

I turned him down. [I’m with coworkers. Taking the company car. No need.]

No one had wanted to go on this trip. I volunteered. I’d rather be traveling than stuck with Brandon.

Three days later, I returned to Crestwood. I rushed straight to the office from the airport.

There was a networking event that night. I hurried over after work.

We were a few drinks in when noises came from the next room. I heard it was the creative department.

We went to check it out.

Brandon was standing there, tense and aggressive. He had a guy by the collar and was punching him. One punch after another. Fast. Brutal.

His friend pulled him away. “Brandon, stop. You’re going to kill him.”

Brandon was seething. All his usual calm was gone, replaced by raw fury. His eyes were cold.

Our group stood to the side.

Elena’s clothes were disheveled. Brandon draped his jacket over her shoulders.

From what I heard, some investor had made a crude remark to her. It had set Brandon off.

This guy had a reputation in our company, a total sleazeball. Everyone knew it. That’s why he didn’t fight back when Brandon hit him. People were cheering.

“He’s defending her.”

“Finally, someone put him in his place.”

“He looks so hot protecting her.”

And just like that, the office grapevine declared that Brandon and Elena were back together.

The man stood over the guy on the floor. His expression was cold, edged with natural arrogance.

“Kyle Peterson? Watch your mouth. Since your father didn’t teach you manners, someone else will.”

A few coworkers whispered. “Someone from Creative said Kyle made a dirty joke about Elena. Out loud. And he grabbed at her clothes. That’s when Mr. Cole lost it.”

Brandon’s tall frame blocked Elena from view. Kyle lay on the ground, holding his face.

I stood at the door.

Then I saw Brandon take Elena’s hand and guide her out.

He looked up, and our eyes met.

He froze. Caught off guard.

He was still holding her hand. They looked close. Anyone would have thought they were a couple.

I glanced at them indifferently and walked away.

Panic flashed across Brandon’s face. He let go of her hand and started toward me. But there were too many people in the way.

I headed for the elevator. Just before the doors closed, we looked at each other through the gap.

I hadn’t been drinking. I could drive. I took the elevator to the garage.

As I pulled out, I saw a tall figure chasing after me in the rearview mirror.