Chapter 8

I was determined to find Julian a reliable partner.

So, after returning to the mortal realm, I spent several days observing Julian.

And Maya.

Maya used to be my secretary.

She'd just transitioned to a permanent position when we were both attacked.

Then I, her boss, died, and Julian took over the company.

Now, she was in the lounge, playing with Lily and her toy BBQ set.

"Your daddy will be done with his meeting soon, just a little longer, okay?"

Saying that, she pulled a small box from her pocket, opened it, and inside was a necklace.

It looked expensive, at least several months of her salary.

Maya put the necklace around Lily's neck, tucking it inside her shirt.

"May little Lily have a peaceful life."

Though Lily didn't understand the value of the jade, she politely said, "Thank you, Auntie."

Then she softly asked,

"Auntie, can I hug you?"

Maya paused, then slightly opened her arms.

Lily immediately rushed over, pressing her ear to Maya's chest.

"It's beating so fast!"

Maya's eyes suddenly welled up.

Just then, the lounge door opened, and Julian walked in.

"Thank you for your trouble."

"Someone from East River is trying to poach you, aren't they? If the position and compensation are right, you should consider it. I've told you before, you don't need to stay at Skyward out of a sense of gratitude or guilt."

...Why was he so cold?

Maya stood up, ramrod straight, and replied,

"Understood, Mr. Stone."

Julian nodded, then started packing up Lily's things.

Maya watched his retreating back, murmuring softly,

"Actually, it's not entirely because of those things…"

She liked Julian, but for some complicated reasons, she dared not say it.

I saw it.

That's why I'd been observing her thoroughly for the past few days.

I found that not only did she continue to excel at her job, but she also knew Julian's private preferences.

She knew his coffee always had only half a spoon of sugar, knew he preferred dark ties…

Most importantly, she was genuinely kind to Lily.

And besides, my heart was beating in her chest.

Julian, too, truly needed to let go of his feelings for me and live his life.

Sigh.

It was up to me to make this happen.

I slowly pulled out a string.

It was a red string of fate.

Once tied, Julian would forget his feelings for me and fall for Maya.