My best friend’s aunt and I had been secretly in love for three years.I planned to finally go public with our relationship on our third anniversary.But the day before, I went with my best friend to her company to congratulate her on a successful project wrap-up.Instead, I found my beloved embracing her male secretary.My best friend exclaimed, “Looks like my Aunt Vivian is finally getting married!”My nails dug into my palms, and I pretended to be casual. “Yeah, they really… look great together!”When Sam Sterling and I arrived at Vivian Sterling’s CEO office, she was just standing up.She swapped her heels for flats, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and glanced down, tapping something on her phone.My phone screen instantly lit up. I quickly checked it, hiding it from Sam’s view.
It was a SnapChat message from her: “Just finished up.”Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, my heart ached.New CEO, facing a company financial crisis – the burden on her shoulders was immense.I was glad she finally had a moment to herself. I hadn’t wanted to disturb her when she was busy.I was about to step forward when Sam Sterling yanked me behind a large decorative plant, motioning for me to keep quiet.Executive Assistant Adam Cole knocked and entered, walking smoothly towards Vivian Sterling.Dressed in a sharp suit, leather shoes, he was clearly educated and capable. He adjusted his tie, revealing long, slender fingers.Sam raised an eyebrow. “Holy cow, Leo, am I seeing this right?”“That gorgeous guy, is he really having a secret office romance with my aunt?”They definitely weren’t.
Because the one dating your aunt was me.Tomorrow would mark three years since Vivian Sterling and I started dating.Even though it was a secret affair that no one knew about, I deeply believed she loved me. Our feelings were indestructible.I had no doubt about it.Yet, the next second, Adam Cole leaned in and whispered something into Vivian Sterling’s ear.Vivian Sterling playfully punched him, feigning annoyance, but he laughed heartily and wrapped an arm around her slender waist.Pulling her fully into his embrace.A sudden chill snaked through my heart.But Sam, oblivious, excitedly pulled me along, rushing into the office.“Aunt Vivian! I caught you two red-handed with your office romance! Time for some hush money!”Vivian Sterling’s gaze swept over our faces, and her expression instantly turned cold.“Who gave you permission to just barge in and talk out of turn?”Adam Cole quickly released her, his cheeks flushing. But Vivian Sterling’s hand, which had been resting on his arm, tightened its grip.
“Why are you being so fierce? Leo said his mom made some comforting broth, and he brought some especially for you.”Vivian Sterling’s eyes landed on my face, and I gave a slight nod.But that broth wasn’t made by my mother. I’d researched old recipes, staying up all night to cook it myself with love.I’d even asked someone to find premium ingredients, worried Vivian Sterling might overwork herself.Of course, she knew all this.Using secret codes to express our love in front of others was our unspoken little flirtation.Adam Cole raised an eyebrow. “Since Ms. Sterling has someone bringing her dinner, I guess I’ll enjoy those delicious spicy chicken wings all by myself.”I loved spicy food, couldn’t live without it.But Vivian Sterling had an irregular diet in her early years and a sensitive stomach. After I found out, I never stepped foot in a spicy restaurant again.Vivian Sterling spoke coolly, “No need. Take them back.”Sam pouted. “Hmph, I was hoping to snag some.”“But seriously, you two really kept it under wraps.”Adam Cole glanced timidly at Vivian Sterling, then spoke.“Not really, it’s only been… two months.”Two months.
