Goodbye, My Lost Love

Chapter 6

What's wrong with me?

What was wrong was that I'd already made up my mind to leave. But I didn't want to start another argument, so I gave William's hand a light pat.

"We'll talk later, okay? After I'm done here."

My professor was practically buzzing with excitement over my paper.

"This is incredible work, Victoria! But... are you sure you're ready for the research institute? It can get pretty repetitive, just experiments and data, day in, day out. The isolation can be a lot. Are you sure you can handle that?"

I nodded, brushing off the memory of William's condescending words in the car.

"I'm ready," I said, my voice calm and steady. "I won't disappoint you."

He laughed, shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. "You? You're one of the best. Handpicked by the government for this position. I'm the lucky one, honestly. Having you on my team is a privilege."

As I left his office, I noticed my junior colleague glaring at me through the window.

"What's up?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Victoria," she spat, her voice dripping with judgment. "Wasn't that your boyfriend I just saw outside? Drinking bubble tea with some woman? Isn't that disrespectful? Doesn't he have any boundaries? Isn't that cheating?"

I gave her a small, measured smile, my voice even. "It's fine. That's his... sister."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Sister?"

I could see her confusion. William had lost both of his parents at a young age, and Ava's family had taken him in. After William found success, he'd always helped Ava, who called him her big brother. But my colleague clearly wasn't buying it. Her outrage only seemed to grow.

"Sister? Yeah, right. Classic green tea behavior. Senior, let me handle her. I'll make her regret this!"

I quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her before she could go storming off. "Don't do anything rash."

I'd been through all that before, arguing, fighting, accusing, only for William to brush it off coldly and say:

"Victoria, you're being ridiculous. You should understand my relationship with Ava. Jealousy doesn't suit you."

He was right. Jealousy was pointless. Especially now. I didn't want to stir the pot before I left.

So, I told my colleague I'd be leaving soon and asked her to keep it under wraps.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "So... you're still going through with the wedding?"

I shook my head slowly, my voice soft.

"No," I whispered. "I'm leaving. There's no point anymore."

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Before I could explain further, I heard William's voice from behind me.

"Victoria, where are you going?"