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When Simon had finally worked up the nerve to confess back in college, he’d spotted her with someone else.
The way she looked at that guy–it wasn’t like how she treated anyone else. Simon had stayed in the background, bouquet in hand and watched. By the end of the night, the flowers were in the trash.
He liked her. No one ever knew.
Now, as Kayla studied him, her eyes widened with recognition. “Oh my God, I know you! You were that guy I had a debate with, right?”
Simon nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Back then, he had been rough around the edges, fresh–faced and full of fire. Now, time had given him a calm maturity, an air of confidence she couldn’t quite place. Even his hairstyle was different
“Ms. Sutton, Mr. Lionel Sutton is here,” her assistant said, stepping into the room and cutting off the moment.
Kayla’s jaw tightened instantly. “What does he want?”
Before the assistant could respond, Lionel walked in, holding a lunchbox like it was a peace offering. His steps faltered slightly when he noticed Simon, but he pushed forward with a forced smile.
“Kayla,” Lionel began, holding the box out. “I made you some chicken soup. I know you’ve been busy, thought this might help.”
Kayla just stared at him, unmoving, as he opened the container and tried to spoon some out. Her tone was ice–cold. “No. You eat it.”
Lionel froze, the spoon mid–air and blinked at her. “Kayla, come on. It’s soup. I made it for you, it took me two hours.”
She glanced at the lunchbox like it was an insult. “Two hours? Doesn’t matter. I said I don’t want it. If you’re done, please leave. I have a meeting with Mr. Faulkner.”
Lionel’s smile cracked. He stood there, awkward and unsure, before quickly packing up the soup. His face was flushed with embarrassment as he turned and walked out
Kayla barely batted an eye as he left, turning her attention back to Simon.
They wrapped up their conversation a few minutes later and Simon stepped out of her office. He noticed Lionel lingering by the door, his head bowed, clutching the lunchbox like it was his lifeline.
Simon didn’t expect to see Lionel still hanging around outside the office. The guy stepped right into his path, deliberately blocking his way.
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nis way.
“What were you talking about with Kayla in there?” Lionel demanded, his tone sharp, almost desperate.
Simon raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. “If you’re that curious, why don’t you ask her yourself?” Lionel’s face flushed red and his gaze darted over Simon, sizing him up. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Stay away from Kayla! She’s married!”
Simon’s smirk widened into something more amused, almost mocking. “Good to hear you’re aware of your situation. Saves me the trouble of pointing it out later. Yes, Lionel, I’m doing exactly what you think. Now, what are you going to do about it?”
The words hit Lionel like a slap. He looked like a weed someone had pulled up and left to wither–helpless,
discarded.
He couldn’t compare to Simon in any way and he knew it. His appearance, his family, even his confidence–they
all fell short.
That knowledge only fueled his frustration. Lionel’s hands curled into fists as he stepped closer and grabbed
Simon’s collar, “Don’t you get it? Kayla is my wife! Back off!”
Simon let out a short laugh, almost pitying and easily pried Lionel’s hand off. “Your wife? You mean the same wife you’re cheating on with her sister? Yeah, great match. You two deserve each other.”
The sentence hit like a slap and Lionel’s face twisted in anger. “Don’t you dare spread lies! Kayla still loves me, she just wanted you here to make me jealous!”
Simon’s expression turned sharp, his voice dropping to a cutting edge. “Jealous? That’s funny. Because she just
told me she’s planning to divorce you.”
Lionel froze, his bravado crumbling. His fists trembled, but before he could say or do anything else, Simon turned
on his heel and walked off, leaving Lionel standing there, shattered and silent
