The Girl He Replaced, The Woman He Can't Reach

I hesitated before walking into Liam's office.

Not because I was unsure, but because I hadn't figured out how to get him to sign the papers without a fight.

The company had implemented stricter HR policies, and even I had to sign an updated departure agreement.

Given the sensitive nature of my position as a co-founder—and my family's connections in the industry—I needed to get my resignation finalized before I went back to the Hamptons.

It would prevent any unnecessary trouble down the line.

I pushed the door open, ready to speak, but stopped when I saw Chloe sitting at my old workstation.

No wonder her desk outside was empty. She'd clearly moved in.

Chloe saw me first. She playfully tapped Liam on the head and said in a cloying, wheedling tone, "Liam!"

Liam's tone was indulgent. "Alright, stop messing around. I have to finish this agreement."

"But I'm not messing around..." Chloe shot me a defiant look before putting on an innocent act. "Amelia's here."

Liam immediately leaned back in his chair, putting distance between them, and looked up at me, flustered. Our eyes met.

I ignored the familiar pang in my chest and spoke calmly. "Liam, I have a document for you to sign."

I handed him the folder.

He looked relieved that I wasn't causing a scene about the two of them and simply nodded. "Okay."

"Liam, I'll let you two talk business. I'll head out first," Chloe said, getting up to leave.

Liam had just opened the folder, and I was about to explain the document when Chloe suddenly shrieked, sending a wave of hot coffee splashing across the papers. "Ah—my hand! It's burning!"

"Chloe!" Liam shot up, dropping the file and rushing toward her.

I blocked his path. "Sign this first. It'll only take a second."

He frowned. "Amelia Vance, when did you become so cold-hearted? Is this document really that important?"

"Liam..." Chloe whimpered from the floor, clutching her hand, tears welling in her eyes.

Liam's attention was entirely on her. Without even looking at the document, he scribbled his name where I pointed.

It was exactly what I wanted.

I just wanted to finalize my resignation and leave this city—to return to the life I was supposed to have.

Liam helped Chloe to the sofa, gently examining her hand. "It's not blistering, but if it really hurts, I'll take you to the hospital."

"It's not that serious..." Chloe shyly pulled her hand back, stealing a glance at me.

I turned and left without a word.

I hadn't even gotten to my car when Liam caught up, stopping me at the door. "Amelia, don't misunderstand. There's nothing going on between Chloe and me. I'm just looking out for her because we grew up together."

"Okay." I nodded faintly, motioning for him to let go of the car door. "I have things to do."

He hesitated, looking uncertain. "You're not mad anymore?"

"Should I be?" I asked sarcastically. "Remember that speakeasy we used to go to?"

"Of course I do..."

"Don't worry, I'm just kidding. Are you coming home for dinner tonight?" I met his gaze and saw the panic he tried to hide.

"I..." He looked away, gently squeezing my hand. "I have a work dinner, but I'll definitely come home after."

I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't. How did it come to this? Asking him to come home for dinner felt like begging.

After eating dinner out, I received a photo from Chloe.

It was an intimate selfie of her and Liam.

The background was the speakeasy we used to frequent, in our usual corner booth.

The caption read: "Taking back what was always mine."

There he sat, in our special corner, with another woman.