Vivian suddenly choked up.
“I didn’t kick her out, okay?
I just asked if she could move over a bit.”
She looked at Simon, trying to hide the grievance in her eyes.
“Simon, you’re not seriously mad at me over a junior manager, are you?”
As soon as she finished, her eyes started to redden.
All these years abroad, Vivian had kept waiting for him to reach out.
But nope—she left for four years, and the man never contacted her once.
She’d thought about coming back countless times to find him.
But her pride always got in the way.
After all, Vivian was the one who called it quits back then.
Simon had always treated her differently.
He used to smile at her so gently.
He used to call her “Vivi.”
Any time Vivian needed him, he was the first one there.
Even willing to fall out with his closest friends because of her.
But even that special treatment had its limits.
He never crossed any lines with her, never brought up marriage, not even once met her parents.
Looking back, what Vivian had wanted was to push him a little—
Just enough to make him nervous,
Just enough for him to realize he could lose her,
So he’d finally put a ring on her finger.
Only she knew what it took to get close to that man.
Vivian wouldn’t feel at peace until she locked down that marriage.
But she never saw it coming—he agreed to the breakup just like that.
In a fit of anger, she left the country.
Before leaving, she even swore she wouldn’t come back unless Simon came begging.
Vivian truly thought it wouldn’t take long before he gave in.
Yet somehow, that wait dragged on for four whole years.
It wasn’t until a month ago when whispers about him and Amelia reached her ears that she finally couldn’t sit still overseas anymore.
She couldn’t stand Amelia.
From the moment Vivian learned about her, she’d hated her guts.
Amelia was prettier, had better poise, even her academics were better.
It felt like the only thing Amelia couldn’t beat her in…
was family background!
Vivian hated Amelia so much her jaw clenched at the thought of her.
If there was only room for one woman by Simon’s side, that spot should be hers and hers alone!
Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Simon.
He sat back lazily in his chair, and when his gaze fell on the diamond bracelet on her wrist, a rare softness flickered in his eyes.
That bracelet—he’d found it on a beach when he was nineteen.
That night was too dark, and with everything weighing on his mind, he didn’t even register who pulled him back from the edge.
It wasn’t until the next day, when he found the bracelet on the beach.
On the back, it had the name “Vivi” engraved.
His expression softened as he reached out and gently ruffled Vivian’ hair.
“Even if she was just a regular employee sitting next to me, you shouldn’t have made her give up her seat.
She works at my company, not your maid or assistant.
What made you think that was okay?”
“I just wanted to be with you!
She’s always right by your side—of course I want her gone!”
But Simon only chuckled.
His face was as handsome as ever, but his words were distant and cool.
“Vivian, you were the one who chose to leave.
So don’t blame me if someone else is by my side now.”
All she felt now was regret—a deep ache for walking away back then.
If she hadn’t left, Amelia wouldn’t even stand a chance.
But Vivian didn’t believe for a second that Simon had real feelings for Amelia.
His heart was like a locked cage—no one could really get in.
If she couldn’t, then Amelia definitely couldn’t.”
Simon, how about we give it another shot?”
Simon didn’t answer.
Instead, he let out a low chuckle, like he’d just heard some ridiculous joke.
Vivian rolled her eyes.
“Kidding, obviously.”
He let out a lazy “Mm,” barely a response.
“Don’t joke like that next time.
Not funny.”
Whatever she was about to say got stuck in her throat.
…
The car sped all the way to the studio.
Amelia stepped out and gave a quick glance toward Simon’s car.
Vivian climbed out, completely covered up in disguise, then immediately linked arms with him.
Amelia calmly looked away and headed toward the studio entrance.
Just as she reached the door, someone called her.
“Miss Clarke.”
Vivian was still clinging to Simon’s arm.
Amelia couldn’t see her expression through all the layers, but her tone made it clear—she was enjoying herself.
“Sorry for booting you out of the car earlier.”
The fake apology couldn’t have been more intentional, making sure everyone around got wind of what happened.
People around the studio paused, turning to stare at Amelia.
She was a longtime figure at the company, one of the few who had been by Simon’s side since day one.
Simon had always favored her.
Despite the whole quitting drama, she’d ended up staying, right?
With someone like her, no one at the company really dared to mess with her.
No one…
except Vivian.
This little scene just now?
It basically confirmed everyone’s suspicions—there was definitely something between Vivian and Simon.
And Amelia?
Probably just the first “example” Vivian wanted to make, a way to mark her presence like a boss lady.
Let’s be real, what girlfriend would be cool with a stunning, super capable woman hanging around her man all day?
Everyone was throwing complicated looks at Amelia.
But she acted like she didn’t even notice them.
She glanced at Vivian’s arm hooked around Simon’s, then shifted her eyes to Simon himself. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
He looked as calm as ever, like he couldn’t care less about the silent clash between the two women over him.
Amelia suddenly let out a soft chuckle.
She wasn’t even sure what she’d been so hung up on just now.
“There’s no need to apologize.
I got out of the car because I was following orders.
Has nothing to do with you.”
Vivian’s face turned stormy the second she heard that.
Amelia was clearly shutting her down in front of everyone.
But with Simon’s warning still fresh in her mind, Vivian didn’t dare say anything else.
Amelia gave the two of them a polite smile before heading into the studio.
As soon as she stepped inside, the stiff smile on her face vanished completely.
A female colleague quickly walked over to her.
“Miss Clarke, is it true that Mr.
Johnson and Vivian are getting engaged?
I heard she came back from abroad just for him.”
Amelia brushed her off with a vague smile.
“No idea.”
The colleague looked a bit disappointed.
“But you’ve been working with Mr.
Johnson the longest.
Never heard anything about them?”
Amelia was clearly exhausted, even the corners of her mouth barely held the smile.
“Nope, nothing.”
“But I heard he once fell out with everyone just for her…”
Amelia suddenly stopped walking.
She turned to the colleague with a very polite smile.
“Sorry, I’ve got to make a quick call.”
After the colleague walked away, Amelia dialed Olivia.
Honestly, she didn’t have anything specific to talk about.
Just needed a distraction.
Neither Simon nor Vivian showed up.
They were probably together in the makeup room.
Amelia could still catch bits of laughter and chatter in the distance, Vivian’s name along with Simon’s popping up here and there.
Apparently, just the two of them standing in the same place was enough to get people talking.
Not wanting to draw attention, Amelia picked up some documents and pretended to focus.
She only put them away right before filming started and headed to the restroom.
Coming out, she ran right into Vivian.
Vivian was at the mirror, touching up her makeup.
Amelia glanced at her, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint, mocking smile.
“Waiting for me?”
“Didn’t think you’d catch on so quick, Amelia.
Then you probably know why I’m here.”
Amelia washed her hands calmly, then tugged her messy hair into place, meeting Vivian’s eyes through the mirror.
“You want me to stay away from Simon?”
Vivian didn’t beat around the bush.
“Exactly.
Simon’s mine.”
Amelia let out a soft laugh.
“Didn’t you two break up already?
“Ex” is short for someone you used to date, you know.”