Falling for Me, Then Judging My Past

Flora noticed my gaze and casually raised her arm, showing off a watch. "Tessa, look, Samuel just gave this to me."

She paused, then added, "You don’t mind, do you?"

As soon as she said this, everyone turned to look at me with knowing expressions.

I didn’t want to show any weakness in front of others, so I forced a smile. "Hmm, it suits you."

Flora leaned in and gave Samuel a quick hug, then pulled away with a loud, carefree laugh. "I knew Tessa would be cool about it. It’s you, Samuel, who’s too stingy."

So, Samuel knew perfectly well I’d be upset, but still decided to give her that watch.

The others teased him, "Isn’t it because you couldn’t stand her nagging anymore? That’s why you gave her the watch."

Flora shrugged, casually wrapping her arm around Samuel. "Alright, alright, thanks, Samuel."

Samuel swatted her arm away. "You’re a girl, stop being so touchy-feely."

She grinned and stuck out her tongue. "Tessa, don’t take it the wrong way. I’m just like this. Don’t think of me as a woman."

I couldn’t help but glance at Flora, whose short skirt exposed her pale thighs. What man would wear something like that?

Flora shot me a look, then said, "Tessa, you don’t know, do you? Samuel and I had this plan. We promised each other that if we weren’t married by thirty, we’d just settle for each other."

She paused, grinning. "But who knew, just one year away, and now Samuel’s marrying you. Hahaha."

Her words made my chest tighten, the bitterness rising in me.

Samuel scolded her, "Enough, what are you telling my wife?"

Flora pouted and whined, "Just a joke, calm down."

Seeing the expression on my face, Samuel immediately stood up and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Tessa, are you tired?"

He turned to his friends, saying, "Alright, go on, my wife’s tired and needs some rest. You guys are too loud."

As they stood up and left, I noticed Flora giving Samuel a subtle glance before walking out.

Not long after, Samuel cautiously approached. "Tessa, I have something I need to take care of. Is it alright if I step out for a while?"

I stared at him. He flinched, then quickly looked back at me, allowing me to examine him. I nodded. "Go ahead."

Samuel smiled and kissed me on the cheek, and I didn’t have time to pull away. After he left, I wiped my face with no expression.

An hour later, I received a text from an unknown number. It was a photo of Flora in pajamas, with Samuel’s bare torso in the background.

I felt sick, nearly throwing my phone across the room.

How could he claim to love me and yet sleep with another woman?

If the love I received wasn’t exclusive, then I didn’t want this cheap, deceitful love.

In that moment, I made up my mind. I was leaving him. I didn’t want to repeat this again.

When Ella mentioned the opportunity to transfer to the branch office again, I agreed.

My only condition was that it be done quickly.

The longer I stayed in this place, the more disgusted I became.

Ella saw the determination in my voice and stopped trying to persuade me. "Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll submit your name right away."

I gave her a pale smile. "Thanks, Ella."

When I got home, for once, the house was eerily quiet.

Samuel was sitting at his desk, working on the computer. I silently prepared to head to my room, but he noticed me and called out.

He reached over and grabbed my arm, pulling me close like he always did, his voice soft and playful. "Tessa, are you in a bad mood today? You’re so quiet."