Inside a spacious room on the topmost floor of a tall office building, Liam sat behind his desk, deep in thought.
Over the last few years, his team of experts had made a significant technological breakthrough, and he invested a majority of his time and resources into it. If he succeeded, his company would undoubtedly dominate the industry and possibly expand into a multinational corporation. And yet, just as he was about to do a product launch, during this critical juncture, several mishaps occurred, forcing him to delay the launch date.
Each time he took care of a mess, a new one would crop up. This problem went on for many months, testing his already thin patience. In addition, as his mother's health worsened, aside from making wedding arrangements, he had no time to spare. Not for his friends, and not even for his fiancée.
Liam was engrossed in reading his files when the fragrant scent of coffee broke his concentration. Lifting his gaze, he noticed it was Mei who had set the warm cup of coffee in front of him. He didn't know when his secretary allowed her in, but he didn't mind. With a smile, he rubbed his sore neck. It's about time he took a break.
Picking up the cup, Liam savoured the warmth of the liquid with each sip. As he drank, his stern eyes unconsciously softened when he felt a comforting warmth surged through his body. Little did he realise that a cup of coffee was all he needed to make him feel relaxed.
"Even now, you remember I enjoy having coffee with sweet cream when I feel tired." Liam smiled warmly.
"Yeah..." Mei nodded, feeling her heart skip a beat when she met his familiar, gentle gaze. "You've been pushing yourself too hard in the recent weeks and I'm worried about you."
"..."
Noticing the atmosphere suddenly turned awkward, Mei quickly changed the subject. "A-As a friend! I'm just glad I could help you out as a friend..."
Liam put down his cup and stared at Mei without saying a word. After a long, uncomfortable silence, he sighed.
"Mei, I'm engaged now. We can only stay as friends."
Mei was taken aback, and then sadness filled her eyes. Hearing rumours in the company about Liam's engagement with another woman has been really painful for her. She didn't want to accept the truth until she heard it from Liam himself. And now, she couldn't deny it. He was no longer the man who belonged to her anymore.
Just as Mei tried to turn away, a firm hand gripped her arm. As he pulled her close, he tenderly wiped away the tears streaming down her face. He whispered, "...Why would you be this upset? You're the one who chose to leave me back then."
Mei blushed, her cheeks tingling from the familiar sensation of his fingers. Right now, the ambiguity between them was tempting her to move closer to him. She took hold of his hand, placed it against her cheek, and gave him a loving yet sad smile.
"I know... that's why I'm not asking for your forgiveness." Mei uttered softly, her voice filled with longing. "But I'm sorry. The truth is, I still love you. I love you so much that I can't help but feel jealous. I genuinely want to wish you happiness, but I can't."
When Liam saw Mei's heartbreaking, remorseful expression, his heart wavered, having second doubts about his feelings. Despite being separated for a long time, he couldn't help but be drawn towards her, noticing all her changes. Not only did she improve herself, she also became more beautiful, diligent, self-assured, and capable.
Such an incredible woman was now yearning for his affection... If her family hadn't come between them, how much more intimate would their relationship be by now?
Perhaps by this time, they would have been happily married and had a few children.
But it's too late.
Although he didn't love Jun, he had no intention of betraying her. Not when his mother was still suffering and eagerly looking forward to his wedding.
Their previous intimate relationship is a thing of the past.
Eventually, his attraction towards Mei would fade away, so it would be best for him to stop dwelling on it. He could continue to care for her as he did in the past, but they could never get back together. This time, he would remain as her friend.
"I understand. But there's no medicine for regret."
Liam's voice was cold. He stepped away from Mei and returned to reading his files. His expression grew even more aloof.
Seeing Liam's distant attitude left Mei feeling disappointed. She tried to maintain a smile on her face, but she knew she couldn't when her sadness was consuming her. Embarrassed, she said, "...I'll just head back first. See you."
"Mhm." Liam answered, but he didn't look at Mei. Because of that, he failed to notice the sorrow in her gaze as she left his office.
When Mei stepped into the nearest restroom, her eyes immediately turned red, exposing the emotions she was trying to hold back. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her mind drifted to the past.
Mei has always hated her overbearing family for separating her from Liam.
For as long as she could remember, Liam and Xavier have been her neighbours and friends. Being the only children of their age in the countryside, they often ended up spending the most time with each other. Together, they would study, have fun, enjoy life, and celebrate every occasion.
Over the years, their bond grew stronger, but Mei discovered her heart was drawn towards one boy more than the other.
At the young age of twelve, she boldly confessed to Liam, but he rejected her, assuming it was just a child's whims. Despite being rejected, she refused to give up.
For an entire year, she showed her resolve. She pursued him relentlessly, expressing her love in various ways until he finally surrendered.
When they finally got together, Mei believed she had become the happiest girl in the world.
However, little did she know, just after four years of being together, their relationship would suddenly fall apart.
On the day Liam held the funeral for his adopted family, due to their prejudice against his unknown origins, her family demanded she end things with him. In their eyes, he was someone who had no future. They always believed they would never be on equal ground, and if she continued to stay with him, he would only hinder her happiness and prospects for a brighter future.
Mei didn't want to agree with their reasoning until she gradually gave in under the pressure from her family.
Ironically, their breakup motivated Liam to enter the city to prove himself, which led him to reunite with his wealthy family.
As fate would have it, after many years later, five months ago, they finally met again. At Liam's company, no less.
Initially, after finding out that she was a sales manager of his company, Liam was uninterested in engaging with her. However, through her persistence, he yielded and now they meet regularly for small talk, meetings, and even dinners.
Mei tightened her fists and let out a sigh. Then she splashed water on her face and wiped it off with a tissue. As she stared into the mirror and met her own determined gaze, she forced herself to cheer up.
Although Liam may have rejected her due to his engagement, she knew that she still held a special place in his heart. Despite his attempts to appear distant, his caring actions revealed his deep-rooted affection for her. If he could bravely accept her feelings for him again, she would have no more regrets.
Losing him once was already a thorn in her heart.
This time, she would grasp the opportunity well, clear up their misunderstandings, and regain the love that she deserves.
After all, she was determined to get him back.
...
Later that night, while drying her hair in front of the vanity, Jun received a call from Liam. Feeling lazy to answer him, she deliberately let the phone ring until it stopped. Just as she was thinking he wouldn't call again, her phone rang, and she reluctantly answered it.
As she had expected, Liam's voice rang out with a hint of impatience. "...Jun, are you busy at the moment?"
Jun remained silent for a moment before she pretended to yawn. "Liam? Sorry, I was asleep and didn't realise you had called until just now. Is there anything you want to find me for?"
Liam felt his anger stifled when he heard her soothing voice. He had grown so accustomed to her prompt replies that he overlooked the fact that she was just as busy as him. Noticing the exhaustion in her voice, he suppressed his irritation, and gently questioned her, "I was told that you came to the company yesterday. Do you need something from me?"
Oh? Xavier ratted her out. How interesting.
Combing her hair, Jun put her phone in loud speaker mode. She said, "Not really. I just thought it was finally time for me to visit you at your company."
"And why is that?"
Jun stared at the mirror with an icy gaze, but her soft voice remained affectionate and coy. "Lately, we haven't had the chance to spend time together and I really miss you..."
Once Liam heard that, his last bit of impatience vanished and a hint of joy welled up in his heart. He was truly surprised by her honesty. During their time together, Jun has only shown the qualities of a perfect girlfriend.
She respected his need for personal space, showed genuine admiration, and never imposed any demands on him. She allowed him to work comfortably, without having to worry about her well-being. As such, he would sometimes be uncertain about whether she truly loved him.
It wasn't until he heard her endearing complaint that he remembered his fiancée also desired his companionship.
After some thought, he felt he may have prioritised his work a little too much. No matter how busy he got, no matter how scarce their time together was, Jun's love for him never wavered.
"Jun, don't worry." Liam smiled. "After I resolve my issues, I promise to take you out on many dates. We can go wherever you wish or we can go for a holiday at Cappadocia that you always wanted."
"But Liam," Jun hesitated before asking, "What about your mother? Now that our wedding is approaching, we should dedicate more quality time to her. Once we get married, we can always have more personal time for ourselves during our honeymoon."
However, Liam chuckled. "Silly, that's what caretakers are for. If there's any problem, we can always rush back to be there for her."
"Hmm... fine, I understand. I'll listen to you."
Once Jun agreed, they carried on their conversation to make up for the time they had lost being apart.
Even as Liam talked to her, he continued to keep a smile on his face. Despite not meeting her for weeks, he felt as if they had grown even closer. He found every topic Jun mentioned interesting and enjoyable until she asked, "I heard you've been getting close to a manager. Is there anything else you want to share with me?"
Liam frowned. He may have been insensitive, but he certainly wasn't stupid. Since Jun has expressed her insecurity so clearly for the first time, how could he not explain?
"Actually, it's purely coincidental that my staff hired this manager, who happens to be my former girlfriend. I want to clarify that I didn't hire her simply because of our past relationship, but because she was qualified for the job. There's nothing more between me and her, so don't worry about it." Liam paused and then continued, "Jun, you're my only one."
It took you months to tell me this? How "reliable".
Jun inwardly mocked Liam and rolled her eyes. If she hadn't brought it up, Liam would never divulge even after their lengthy, loving conversation today.
Nonetheless, she would never say this. Instead, she maintained the act of an incredibly understanding fiancée.
Jun switched off the loud speaker mode on her phone and held it against her ear. "Liam, I appreciate you still trust me enough to open up about your past. Thank you." Then she let out a giggle, making him chuckle.
Later on, as they continued talking, they delved into more personal matters, including his mother's deteriorating health and the troublesome issues surrounding his company. This unexpected conversation ultimately changed Liam's perception of Jun.
He never expected that his fiancée, on top of being understanding, loving and obedient, would also be very capable as well.
With the night getting later, it became necessary for them to end their call soon.
"Remember to maintain a healthy diet and take care of your health when I'm not there, okay?"
"Mhm, I will." Liam smiled as he imagined Jun's kind expression on the other end of the phone. "Good night, Jun."
"Good night."
Once they ended their call, Liam placed his phone on the table, and his gaze unintentionally fell upon the rose painting. Without his realisation, the idea of Jun being a loyal, considerate and understanding woman slowly extended its claws into his heart.
Meanwhile, Jun let out a mocking laugh, her voice filled with disdain.
Whenever Liam longed for Mei, he would seek solace by using her as an emotional outlet.
Only Jun Lee, who was blindly in love, couldn't see through it.