Love That Wasn't Meant to Last

Sylvia was a fascinating person. She was dedicated to her work and detailed in her approach. She also treated me with respect despite being newly hired as her supervisor, and she skillfully guided me through the company's policies and procedures.

Sylvia had been a huge help in many ways, especially since I was not the social type and had kept my distance from most of the team. But with her support, I began to build stronger relationships, and the whole company atmosphere felt great.

Perhaps because she was too obvious about it, the office started gossiping about us. They spread rumors about how perfect we were for each other, claiming we were just too shy to acknowledge our feelings.

Sylvia even once teased me about their gossip, saying, "They say we're perfect for each other and can't wait to see us together. What do you think, Hudson?"

I did not know how to respond and chose to remain silent. After seeing my reaction, Sylvia quietly returned to her work.

Having been used to the convenience of Adenville, moving to the less-developed Carzonia left me feeling somewhat displaced. I could not pinpoint exactly what I was missing, but my thoughts often drifted to my marriage with Selena. I wondered if we would have been happy if Zion had not entered the picture.

But there were no "what-ifs" in reality.

"Sylvia, my divorce with Selena isn't final yet," I told her resignedly. She clearly had something to say, but when our eyes met, she fell silent, disappointment evident in her expression.

I was unsure if she understood my meaning, but I could not handle the idea of starting a new relationship while my previous one had not properly ended. I had my principles and did not want to rush from one relationship to another.

After that conversation, Sylvia never mentioned the topic again, and the office gossip about us died down. At least, I never heard any more relationship speculation about us in my presence.

During my first month there, I gradually adjusted to life in Carzonia. I got used to its slower pace, the quietness, the empty streets after 10:00 pm, and the solitude of living in a strange city.

Sometimes, I resented being an orphan. People said home was the ultimate haven, but I had no family and few friends-no parents' comfort or family's care. Being alone was truly lonely.

Other times, I felt grateful for not having a family because the pain of my divorce was mine to bear. Still, it hurt like hell.

Later, our company landed a major project, and we celebrated with a party. The company covered all expenses at the upscale venue, and everyone was having a great time-except me.

That night, Sylvia got completely drunk. I could not understand why she drank so much, but I could only watch as she knocked back drink after drink.noveldrama

Perhaps out of curiosity, everyone insisted that I should be the one to take the intoxicated Sylvia home. With no other choice, I ended up helping her back. Her face was flushed red from alcohol, and she made several trips to the bathroom along the way.