Reuben nodded repeatedly, giving a thumbs-up with every dish he tasted. Seeing him like this, Callie felt a bit better, though she barely touched her own food. She found some takeout boxes in the kitchen and packed a bit of everything, covering them to keep the food warm.
“Reuben, just leave the dishes when you’re done. I’ll clean up when I get back,” Callie said as she put on her shoes at the entrance. “I’m going out for a bit.”
“Callie,” Reuben called out to her, his eyes full of concern. “A man like him, with such presence, isn’t ordinary. If it doesn’t work out, don’t force it. Don’t make yourself suffer.”
Callie’s eyes reddened instantly. She quickly turned her head and replied softly, “Okay.”
The Oconnor Group building was still brightly lit; the corporate workers were the most unfortunate ones. Callie had called Nelson’s secretary in advance. He said, “Mr. Oconnor? He’s still in the office. Mr. Ellison is here too. It’s been a busy day. A trade war suddenly started, and Oconnor Group is deeply involved. They’re discussing strategies.”
Hearing this explanation, Callie felt relieved. “Alright, I understand.”
“Do you need me to remind Mr. Oconnor to return your call?”
“No need, let him be busy,” Callie said with a smile and hung up the phone before quickly walking into the Oconnor Group building.
The security guard stopped her. “Sorry, you can’t enter without a card.”
Callie was taken aback. “I used to work here. Don’t you recognize me? It’s me.”
The security guard looked troubled. “I recognize you, but without a card, you can’t enter. It’s the rule. Maybe you can have someone you know come down to get you.”
Callie rummaged through her bag for her ID card, but it had been deactivated since she left the company. She couldn’t just say she was Mrs. Oconnor; nobody would believe her.
“Never mind, I’ll wait downstairs.”
Callie found a corner to sit in and put on a mask. It would be too embarrassing if any former colleagues recognized her.
She didn’t notice a graceful figure taking Nelson’s private elevator to the top floor.
Holding the insulated box, Callie wondered how busy he must be to not even check his phone.
Time passed, and the warmth in her arms faded. It was already 11 PM.
Callie’s back hurt from sitting so long. She stood up to stretch, and the security guard asked, “Who are you waiting for? Most people have left by now. Your friend must be really busy.”
Callie smiled without answering.
Just then, she saw Nelson outside the Oconnor Group building, shaking hands with Ahmad. Beside Ahmad stood a petite woman with an exceptional aura-it was clearly Marilyn.
Marilyn smiled brightly at Nelson and even hugged him briefly, which he didn’t refuse.
Ahmad then got into his car, seemingly giving them some private time.
Callie cautiously approached with the insulated box in hand.
They had come down directly from the private elevator; no wonder she couldn’t find them.
“Looking forward to our next meeting, Marilyn,” Nelson’s cool voice sounded particularly tender on this summer night.
Marilyn tilted her head and smiled, “Okay.”
With that, she got into the car with Ahmad and left. Nelson watched them go before heading towards the underground parking lot without looking back.
Callie watched for a long time until her eyes stung before she finally looked away.
The scene had been so beautiful-three people standing together as if they belonged that way.
Callie couldn’t describe her feelings but decided not to call out to Nelson.