Chapter 66 An Absolute Resolution
Ophelia raised her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Forget I said anything. I wish you and Finnegan a lifetime of happiness together."
Her words held no sarcasm. She merely capitulated to appease the visibly upset Seraphina.
Yet, to Seraphina, it sounded like mockery. "I knew it. In your eyes, I'm not good enough," she said, her eyes reddening as if Ophelia had offended her terribly. "Finnegan likes you, and that's why you're happy, isn't it? I'm not as pretty as you. Do you think Finnegan choosing me over you is the reason you're acting this way?"
Ophelia picked up on the subtext. "Are you scared I'll take Finnegan from you? Is that why you kept it a secret? All those warnings not to fall for him; was it because of this? Seraphina, if you had just told me you were Finnegan's girlfriend, I would've left Abbott's Corporation immediately. You didn't need to go up against me like this."
Reflecting on Seraphina's past actions, Ophelia realized it was all about going up against her. While Ophelia was worried about Seraphina getting conned, Seraphina had her guard up against her. Two decades of friendship felt pretty hollow now.
Seraphina was indeed afraid of Finnegan gravitating back towards Ophelia.
Hearing Ophelia's frankness, Seraphina didn't hold back. "Then quit your job, move out, and while you're at it, Ophelia, find a new place to live. Just stop seeing Finnegan, okay? For old times' sake, don't compete with me. You once said there are plenty of fish in the sea, that you wouldn't fight over a guy."
Seraphina was terrified that one day Finnegan might show up at Ophelia's place unexpectedly and discover the truth about her and Ophelia's relationship—that Ophelia was the one from that night.
It was only then that Seraphina considered convincing Ophelia to move out, to sever all ties with Finnegan for good.
At the suggestion, Ophelia remained stunned for a few seconds, silently wishing she had misheard.
"With nothing between me and Finnegan, why are you so guarded against me?" Ophelia said with a self-deprecating laugh.
"Can you honestly say there's nothing going on between you?" Seraphina challenged with an accusatory tone. "Back in City B, why was Finnegan so badly hurt while you came out unscathed? Why did he transfer you to work as his secretary? You're young and attractive—it's easy for you to catch a man's eye. For a catch like Finnegan, can you truly say you're not the least bit interested?"
Seraphina's first remark struck a nerve in Ophelia because she indeed had spent one night with Finnegan. Yet, at the time, she had been unaware of the connection between Seraphina and Finnegan.
They locked gazes, Seraphina with an air of superiority, almost like a legitimate girlfriend, while Ophelia was filled with both guilt and a deep sense of disappointment.
"Fine, I'll move out," Ophelia conceded, also seeing this as an opportunity for a fresh start. "I've already resigned. I won't be returning to Abbott’s Corporation, and I'll move out as soon as I can. You have nothing to worry about."
"Make it happen today," Seraphina urged impatiently. "I've found a place for you, Ophelia. I hope you can understand, I love Finnegan too much, I can't live without him, and you— you can find someone even better."
The comment sounded insincere—how many men out there could truly outmatch Finnegan?
"Seraphina Kingsley," Ophelia said, calling out her full name, her gaze heavy with disappointment, "is there a need for such haste?"
"Ophelia, please listen to me," Seraphina pleaded with a pitiable look. "I'm just so insecure. He's asking you to work overtime with him at Orchid Garden, giving you promotions - and you're so gorgeous. I just can't shake off this feeling. You know how it is, secretaries and their bosses... sometimes things get a little too cozy."
"Fine," Ophelia cut her off, her voice icy with impatience. "I'll move out, Seraphina, and you might as well block me on everything online. Let's act like we've never met. Now, please leave."
Ophelia's message couldn't be clearer – she wanted to cut ties. She was angry, but her words were also a test for Seraphina. She wanted to see if their friendship still held any value to her. Ophelia had hoped Seraphina would show some sign of caring for their friendship, maybe say something to smooth things over.
However, Seraphina seemed to care more about how quickly Ophelia would move out than their sisterly bond.
"So, Ophelia, are you moving out today?"
Ophelia nearly exploded. Where could she go on such short notice? Not to mention that she was jobless, with rent not yet due and a security deposit she wouldn't get back. Just as Ophelia was about to retort, Seraphina thrust a stack of bills at her, saying, "I'll cover your rent."
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