Chapter 23
She was the kind of woman who thrived on compliments and praise. Yet, when lauded, she never allowed a hint of pleasure to grace her features. From the information I'd gathered through my private channels, it seemed she simply didn't know how to articulate her emotions properly.
The education of nobility, it seemed, taught restraint in emotional expression, perhaps allowing for a tight-lipped smile at most. In her mind, she was a lofty princess, and the rest of us were merely paupers in her court. Why would she ever deign to smile at us?
Paradoxically, she also craved the assertive care of a domineering CEO-type lover, a contradictory combination with a touch of tsundere.
"What did you say?" Lily's brow furrowed.
I halted mid-step, lowering my voice. "Lily, you look quite beautiful when you smile. Perhaps you've never noticed that about yourself?"
Before she could erupt in anger, I turned on my heel and walked away. Lily seemed on the brink of explosion, but as she watched me depart, her face morphed into a mask of confusion.
Her anger had nowhere to go.
Back at my desk, I retrieved the unopened panda pillow I'd won at the annual party.
Approaching Lily, I said, "Lily, this is for you."
She scowled. "Why are you giving this to me? Are you trying to bribe me or appease me?"
She was remarkably sensitive.
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. Without further ado, I placed the pillow behind her back. She let out a surprised gasp. "What are you doing?"
"Don't get worked up!" I quickly retreated as her exclamation drew the attention of others. I lowered my voice. "I noticed you seemed uncomfortable in the office, and you were rubbing your waist when you stood up. I thought your back might be hurting, so I thought this might help."
"I don't want it! Take it away," Lily retorted, her expression frosty.
I knew this was just her front. "Don't worry, it's new. I haven't used it; the tag is still on it.
"Of course, if you don't like it, you can just throw it away. Pretend this never happened. It's fine by me, as long as you're happy."
With that, I turned and walked away.
Lily didn't lash out at me in the end. Back at my seat, I caught sight of her conflicted expression and knew she probably wouldn't discard the pillow.
Just then, my phone vibrated. I picked it up.
Mary Walker?
The image of the girl with dimples when she smiled flashed in my mind. Why was she messaging me now?
Mary: [Mr. Cena, are you busy?]
John: [Not busy, what's up?]
Mary: [I'm here to liaise with you. (Sticking out tongue)]
John: [Liaise?]
My heart skipped a beat.
John: [You're the project manager I'll be liaising with this time?]
Mary: [Yes! Mr. Cena, I'm looking forward to working with you!]
Seeing the message, my heart pounded. "Looking forward to it."
Mary: [Actually, to be honest, I don't know much about the project. It's my brother who asked me to liaise with you on the project.]
John: [No worries, I'll arrange everything. You just need to send me your requirements.]
Mary: [That's great!]
After discussing work for a while, the conversation gradually shifted to the day she fell into the water, and she thanked me again.
Then, we talked about her family. I played the listener. After a while, she changed the topic again,
Mary: [Ah, enough about me, let's talk about you!]
John: [What's there to talk about me?]
Mary: [Tell me about your relationship with them.]
What?
I frowned. What did she mean by that?
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