I Understand His Regret, So I Replaced Him Too Chapter 04

I Understand His Regret, So I Replaced Him Too Chapter 04

Even though I told him I had plans on my birthday, Sullivan cleared his schedule anyway.

I had work to do, so he moved the celebration to the office.

When I came back from a meeting, there were three dozen long-stemmed white roses waiting in my office.

Piles of gift boxes in the corner. Every one bearing the logo of a luxury brand worth a small fortune.

“Happy birthday, babe.” Sullivan stood in front of me, arms open, smiling.

I walked toward him.

Then I stepped lightly to the side and walked right past him.

His smile flickered. Then came back.

“Babe, I ordered from that private kitchen you used to love. They’re delivering. We can have lunch together.”

I gave a half-hearted “Mmm.”

Sullivan hadn’t been to my office in a while.

Not wanting to disturb me while I worked, he wandered around the office, noting the small changes.

Then his phone rang.

He hit mute, glanced at me, turned away, and answered.

The office was big. We were far apart.

I couldn’t hear the voice on the other end.

But the second he turned, I already knew who was calling.

“What? You fell down the stairs?” His voice jumped.

He caught himself, glanced my way, and lowered his voice immediately. “I’m coming.”

After he hung up, he remembered he was supposed to be here for my birthday.

He opened his mouth. Yet closed it in the next second.

I kept my head down, working.

“Elara…” He forced the words out. “Something came up. I have to go.”

I gave another indifferent “Mmm.”

He turned and headed for the door almost immediately, barely hesitating.

His hand was on the handle when he stopped and looked back.

“I’ll try to be back for lunch,” he said.

“Don’t bother,” I said. “Go.”

We both knew the truth. He said he’d come back.

But he wouldn’t. Not today.