A Calamity Called Love

Roy's self-importance was almost nauseating. I couldn't fathom how I had ever been infatuated with a man like him. I had no intention of getting dragged into their mess again.

Just as I was about to reveal my identity, Roy interrupted, "Don't feel sorry for yourself. At this point in your life, with nothing to your name, only I would even consider letting you in. Ava is easygoing. Just do your part, and she won't make things difficult."

Five years had passed, yet whenever Roy mentioned Ava Blake, his expression softened. In contrast, I would always be the one trailing behind him, taking care of everything.

Thankfully, everything had already changed. Roy and Ava had a child, and I had long since built my own career.

I had no patience to argue further, so I cut him off. "I'm the one you've been waiting for. Let's go upstairs right now."

The moment I said that, everyone around burst into laughter.

"Straight upstairs? Sylvia, who do you think you are? Did you even go to college?"

"Look at yourself. Which part of you looks like a designer?"

"You just share a last name with Sarah. You don't actually think you're the one we're here to welcome, do you?"

Even Roy smiled. "Sylvia, I know your dream was to be a designer, but the person we're here for is an internationally renowned designer. It's really not you. At your age, you shouldn't be chasing such unrealistic dreams."

I didn't even bother arguing. I pushed past the crowd, intent on going straight upstairs. Once I met the partner, everything would be cleared up.

Roy, of course, thought otherwise. He grabbed my sleeve, trying to pull me back.

Then, a delicate voice came from behind. "Roy, what are you doing?"

I turned around in surprise. It was Ava. Wasn't she supposed to be in postpartum recovery?

Before I could think further, Roy's expression turned serious. "Ava, you're still in postpartum recovery. How can you just come out like this? What if you catch a cold?"

He draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. The scene felt like a replay of the past, yet I felt no stir of emotion.

Ava, however, was anything but calm. The moment she saw me, her expression immediately darkened.

Roy, completely unaware of her reaction, carried on as if nothing had happened. "Ava, you should head home. Sylvia's here, so she can help you with your recovery. That will put my mind at ease."

"Perfect!" Ava said with a bright smile, turning to me. "Sylvia is great at taking care of people. With her here, I'm in good hands."

Even after all these years, Ava still knew exactly how to get under my skin.

"Enough," Roy said. "I'm already giving you a job, which is more than enough. It's only because Ava is weak and needs care. Otherwise, my family doesn't need another housekeeper like you."

I kept my expression cold and said firmly, "I'm the one you're here for."