When He's by Her Side

I had arranged my father's funeral without inviting anyone from Heath's side. After the funeral, I threw myself back into work without missing a beat.

Life as a working professional left me with no room for grief. No matter how much pain I felt, I had to keep going and get my job done.

Still in my mourning clothes, I had just reached my desk when my boss, Castiel Sartori, handed me a stack of documents.

"This is a collaboration project with Summers Corp. There's no room for mistakes. Do a good job, and the manager position will be within reach."

"Understood," I responded as I took the documents. This particular project was a partnership with Heath's company to develop Hunsberg.

The land at Hunsberg was worth billions. It seemed Castiel wasn't just making empty promises. If my team could complete this project successfully, I really could be looking at a promotion and a raise.

Upon noticing my all-black attire, Castiel uncharacteristically asked a personal question. "Did someone in your family pass away?"

My chest tightened. "My father passed away a week ago."

"My condolences," he said.

Perhaps because he felt sorry for me, Castiel offered some advice. "You're engaged to Heath Summers, right? With this project in your hands, your relationship with him should ensure it goes smoothly."

Ah, so that's why such a significant project was given to me. It wasn't because of my three years of hard work and dedication to the company but because of my connection to Heath.

Unfortunately for them, they'd miscalculated. I replied indifferently, "Heath and I broke up. If you're giving me this project because of our relationship, I suggest you reassign it to another team."

"Broke up? Well, that's fine too. There are plenty of fish in the sea. As for the project, I still trust you to handle it."

I was a bit surprised by his response. For the first time in a while, I felt a glimmer of warmth in my battered heart.

At the end of the workday, Castiel said to me, "We're heading in the same direction. Let me give you a ride home so you don't have to squeeze into the subway."

He stood a little too close, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I was just about to decline when Heath's voice rang out. "What are you doing standing so close to each other? Penelope, don't forget that you have a fiancé."

I looked up at Heath and replied coldly, "We're not engaged anymore. You have no say in anything that I do."

How ridiculous. Where did Heath get the right to make such a statement? He and Naomi were practically inseparable, and I wasn't even allowed to question it as any attempt would be reduced to me being unreasonable.

But now, Heath suddenly couldn't tolerate it when I was merely standing close to Castiel. Perhaps he used to have a say in such matters, but not anymore. After all, he was no longer my fiancé.

Heath grabbed my arm and pulled me to his side. "Mr. Sartori, this is my fiancée. Keep your distance from her."

Castiel smirked faintly. "But Penelope told me you guys have already broken off the engagement and had split up."

"I didn't agree to it," Heath replied casually. "She's just throwing a tantrum. It was nothing more than angry words."

I was trembling with rage as I shoved Heath aside and declared firmly, "Heath, listen carefully. I want to break up with you. This isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision or an emotional outburst. I mean it.

"Whether you agree or not, we're over."

Heath rubbed his temples, and there was a faint smile flickering in his eyes. "Are you jealous because of Naomi?"

Looking at his mocking expression, I felt nothing but disgust and nausea. Even now, he thought I was breaking up with him to pressure him into cutting ties with Naomi.

In reality, it was his absence during my father's illness and passing that left me utterly disappointed—so much so that I no longer had any hope in him.

"From now on, let's keep our interactions strictly professional," I said decisively. "We have nothing to do with each other anymore. I won't concern myself with your life, and anything about you is irrelevant to me."

Heath waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. I'll compromise. I won't meet with Naomi privately anymore."

It seemed he still didn't get it.

"What does that have to do with me?" I snapped, and I could feel my hands trembling with anger. "You and Naomi can do whatever you want—be friends, meet up, I don't care."

I took a deep breath to steady my voice for the last time. "I'll say this once more. Heath Summers, we're over."

The smile vanished from Heath's face as he stared at me intently. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," I replied as my body trembled uncontrollably. Meanwhile, Castiel gently took my hand and said softly, "Don't worry, I'm here."

Those words made me feel a little better, and I gradually stopped trembling. In my current state, I doubted I could make it home on the subway.

I turned to Castiel and pleaded, "Mr. Sartori, could you please take me home?"

Heath's voice turned icy as he said from behind me, "Penelope, if you leave with Castiel today, I'll have Grant cancel the top cardiologist's appointment for your father immediately."

How absurd. Did he think threatening me with that would work? My father had already passed away a week ago.