Chapter 5 My new job had officially begun . After the initial discomfort faded , I started enjoying the southern breeze , the towering trees , and even the way a single flower might fall to the ground . People always find a way to adapt . For years , my world had revolved around Liam . Now , I was on my own , building a brand - new life in a city where everything was unfamiliar . But then Liam showed up . He cornered me in the hallway of the branch office . His eyes were heavy - lidded , bloodshot . " Why ? " he asked , jaw clenched so tight his lips were trembling . I let out a sigh and tried to walk past him . He grabbed my hand with all his strength , his voice raw and cracked . " You're really doing this just because Chloe made a joke ? " Yes . I looked him straight in the eyes , just like I had so many times over the past five years . But this time , there wasn't a trace of emotion left . " Yes . I'm petty . I can't take a joke . " That was the only explanation I gave him . His teeth chattered from the tension . " Ava , you can't do this . You know I can't live without you ! " " I only ever saw Chloe as a junior . That kiss at the bar meant nothing . It was just to save face . " " All those hiking photos ? I posted them so you'd see . I wanted to make you jealous . " His nose twitched . His voice grew hoarser . " You're ruthless . You walked away without a word and crushed me . Why didn't you cancel the transfer ? " " Was that joke really so unforgivable ? " I stared at him in silence , then slowly shook my head . " Fine . The joke wasn't that serious . " Liam froze . 1 asked him , " Remember that night , six months ago , when you and Chloe went to karaoke during that big project ? Do you know where I was ? " " You must've been in the lobby , right ? Waiting for me ? " Liam looked regretful . " I was wrong . I shouldn't have gone to KTV . I should've been with you . " I stayed quiet for a long moment before gently prying his hand off mine . " That night , Mr. Wang , came back . " Chapter 5 71.43 % W WebNovel 4.3 FREE Google Play OPEN You think I'm gonna fall for Wusion ? Liam's body went stiff . His face paled . He suddenly pulled me into a hug . " He harassed you ? " " Yeah . I was waiting for you in the lobby when he forced me into the elevator . He kept touching my hands , humiliating me with his words . " I smiled faintly , like it didn't matter anymore . " He said I was too self - righteous . That it was my job to drink with clients . He reeked of alcohol . I was terrified . " Liam started trembling . His pupils constricted over and over . His fists clenched so hard they turned white . He looked like a wild animal barely holding back its rage . I tilted my head and looked at him , my gaze cold and lifeless . " I was scared out of my mind . And you , you were fast asleep , leaning against Chloe . You missed eleven of my calls . " Liam let out a guttural groan . He punched the wall beside him so hard his knuckles split , his teeth gritted with fury . I sniffled and smiled faintly . " But it's fine . I'm good now . Better than I've ever been . " " So let's leave it at that , Tell Chloe I accepted her joke . And tell her , I really like London . " Chapter S