The evening air was cool against Adeline's skin as she stepped out of the café, Charlotte at her side. The faintest flicker of concern tugged at Charlotte's expression as she walked beside her, the weight of the past few days still pressing heavily on Adeline's shoulders. But for the first time in a long while, she felt a little lighter. She had a plan now.
"Are you certain about this?" Charlotte asked, her tone light, but with a thread of concern. "I mean, Waylen Company is... Luke's company. I'm not sure this is a good idea, Addy."
Adeline stopped walking for a moment, the frustration she'd been holding back seeping through. She turned to face her friend. "I'm not going there for Luke, Charlotte," she said firmly. "I'm going there because I have to work. I need to begin my life over. I can't keep running from everything."
Charlotte hesitated, her grip on the purse strap tightening. "I just don't want you doing something impulsive. You've been through a lot. It's still fresh." She paused, then spoke in a gentler tone. "And I know Luke matters to you, Adeline. If you want to go back to him, I get it, but—"
Adeline froze, spinning to face Charlotte fully. "I don't want to go back to him," she told her sharply, her voice slicing through the night air. "I'm finished with Luke. You don't understand. You have no idea what it's been like to exist in the shadow of everything he's done, to watch the people I trusted most turn against me. He turned against me."
Charlotte's eyes widened, her lips parting to argue, but Adeline was already moving forward, her steps quickening. "I need to be my own person. I'm going to get this job, and I'm going to make something of myself. For me."
Charlotte fell into step beside her, her voice softer now. "All right. But don't say I didn't warn you. If you step inside that building, you're walking into his world. And you can't just... leave all of that behind. It's going to hurt when he looks at you."
Adeline shook her head. "I'm not stepping into his world, Charlotte. I'm stepping into mine."
The sleek glass doors of Waylen Company loomed ahead, a towering structure that felt both cold and imposing. The reception area inside was minimalist, sterile. The air felt thin and distant, the hum of quiet conversation in the background a reminder of the world she was about to enter.
"I'll be right here," Charlotte said, giving her a quick, reassuring smile before stepping back.
Adeline nodded, her nerves fluttering in her stomach. She had to do this. She approached the reception desk, where a bright-eyed young woman sat, her glasses perched carefully on her nose, a professional smile gracing her lips.
"I'd like to be considered for a job," Adeline said, her voice calm despite the anxiety bubbling in her chest. "In any department. I have no particular preference."
The receptionist smiled politely. "We do have openings for several positions. What kind of experience do you have?"
Adeline paused, trying to focus through the haze of uncertainty. "I've done graphic design and marketing," she replied, her voice steadying. "I'm looking for something entry-level, something I can learn my way up from."
The receptionist nodded, still smiling. "Yes, we have some positions available in marketing. Please fill out this form, and a representative from HR will be in touch soon." She handed Adeline a clipboard with a few simple sheets of paper.
Adeline took a seat, her hands trembling slightly as she filled out the form. The questions blurred together, but she pushed through, focusing on the task at hand. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of being in Luke's world—his company, his people, his everything. The presence of his shadow loomed just behind the door.
She completed the form quickly and returned it to the receptionist, who assured her someone would be in touch soon. Her heart raced a little faster than normal, but she made her way back to Charlotte, who stood waiting by the door.
"Well?" Charlotte asked, her voice hopeful.
Adeline smiled weakly. "I think I did it. Just a matter of waiting to hear back."
Charlotte didn't immediately respond, her gaze lingering on the building. After a moment of silence, she spoke again, quieter this time. "You know, I have to wonder if this is a way for you to get back in Luke's life," she said cautiously. "You wouldn't be here if you didn't still care, Addy."
Adeline's stomach twisted, but she pushed the feeling aside. "I told you, Charlotte. I'm not doing this for Luke. I'm doing this for myself. I'm done being his backup plan."
Charlotte studied her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed, resigned. "I suppose you'll manage. But don't think it's going to be easy. Luke won't let you slip away without a fight. You mean too much to him."
Adeline spun on her heel, walking briskly towards the street. Her mind was spinning, but she had to keep her focus. She had to be strong. She was doing this for herself. Her future lay ahead of her—untouched, uncontrollable.
But even as she walked away, a strange, bitter ache settled in her chest at the thought of him.