Page 202 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“I understand that you’re upset. But we wanted to personally explain to you the benefits of joining our agency.” She begins to pull out an iPad from her handbag.

I hold a hand up. “I appreciate your efforts. I’m truly flattered.” I am not. This is freaking harassment. I was here to eat with Goldie in peace. My heart is hurting.

I chose this restaurant specifically to avoid running into people that would recognize me. It has been happening a lot. People stop me whenever they see me for a selfie or a picture together.

I can’t believe I have fans now. It’s surreal.

Anyway, Lorna’s actions are not professional at all. “But I can’t accept your offer as I am already signed with KIM Advertising.”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “You could terminate it before the period is up. Just tell them that you’re not satisfied with their agency.”

“But Iamsatisfied. They are the best and treat me like family.”

Her smile falters. But she quickly recovers. “Well, that might be the case but you have to think about your future. We are offering you double the pay they are offering you.”

I frown. How does she know what they are paying me? Isn’t that stuff confidential? Come to think of it, how the hell did they get my personal information like where I live, my number, and my schedule?

I jerk up. “Let me tell you what you’re doing right now is illegal. Stop following me. And stop trying to convince me into joining your agency. You are only wasting your resources and breath. Because I won’t.” I sling my backpack over my shoulder and lift my half-eaten burger. Why should I give up my food because of her?

Goldie jumps down from the stool. He finished his food before me. Good boy. I pat his head. Then I look up at the woman. “If I ever catch you lurking around me or feel like I am being followed, I’ll think it’s your people and will not hesitate to call the cops on you. So I suggest you stop having me followed right this instant.”

She glares at me. Jumping to her feet, she grits out, “You are making a mistake.”

Goldie growls at her, causing her to take a step back. I give her a fake smile and take a big bite of my burger before turning away and leaving.

“Summer,” Raleigh’s voice brings me back to the present. “There must be more to it than this picture. Because one photo can’t prove that you’re the culprit. Tell us what happened that day, Summer.”

My chin trembles. My best friend is still by my side. Despite the evidence he’s seen, he still believes in me. I’ve always loved him but today he proved that he’ll always be there for me no matter what. Even if he has to go against his very own boss.

I’m numb and I don’t care about anyone’s opinion of me anymore. If they believe I leaked it, then they were never my friends. And I shouldn’t waste my energy on proving my innocence. Not even to Archer. But I do recite everything that went down that day.

Not because I want them to know the truth. But because Raleigh is insisting. Because I respect his unwavering belief in me.

And for that alone, I tell everyone about my interaction with Lorna a week ago.

“And then I left.” I finish.

“I don’t believe you. For all I know you could be lying yet again.” Archer hisses and I close my eyes. And all the happy moments I spent with him begin to play in front of my eyes. But then those moments fade away, leaving behind a mere echo of his harsh words and taunts in my ears.

I open my eyes. “I don’t care.”

He narrows his eyes.

“You heard me. I don’t care if you believe me or not. I’m not going to defend myself anymore.” I smile at him sadly. “There’s really no point, is there?”

He assesses me but doesn’t speak. As usual.

“You won, Mr. Archer Kim. Congratulations.” A hot tear makes its way down my cheek. Archer’s gaze follows it, his jaw clenching.

“This leak was the perfect excuse, wasn’t it? An excuse to push me away for good. Because this way you’d get what you want. To be alone forever. The truth is, Archer Kim that you are afraid of love. That’s why you pushed away everyone you care about, didn’t you?” I sniffle, shaking my head. “I can’t continue living my life in a limbo. Congratulations. You’ve succeeded into pushing me far, far away. I quit. This job. The battle to attain your love. Everything.”

Murmurs arises among the crowd. “You can file a police report against me. I’ll fully co-operate.”

Unable to stand a second longer, I flee the place so I could lick my wounds in the sanctuary of my apartment.

Chapter Forty-One

Iwatch Summer as she struggles to keep her emotions under control.

---