Chapter 13
In the blink of an eye, six months had passed, and spring had arrived in Berlin.
Stephen had just finished his final tasks when a message from Diana appeared on his phone.
Not wanting to annoy him, she sent only one message each day at the end of his workday–never more.
“When are you coming back? I miss you so much.”
Stephen habitually swiped the message away, and Rachel came over with a grin.
“What are you looking at? Let me see!”
“Just a spam text.”
“Alright, then. Are you coming to tonight’s party?”
Rachel pressed his shoulders playfully. “The project’s done, and Savage is hosting a celebration.”
“Of course I’m going!”
At the party, they both enjoyed a couple of drinks.
Looking at Berlin’s deep blue night sky, they gently clinked glasses.
“It’s been tough these past few months. I’m not the easiest person to work with, am I?”
“Not at all. I actually like your personality.”
Rachel gazed up at the sky, murmuring, “People say you’re calm, but I think it’s more than that–there’s something special about you, a kind of charm, like this city.”
“You know how to flatter people.”
Stephen chuckled. “What are your plans now?”
“I’d like to keep working as your assistant. Once I’m a full employee, I’ll qualify for permanent residency and stay here in Germany.”
Rachel looked at him, her eyes sparkling.
She had felt lonely for so long since coming here as a student, but Stephen’s arrival gave her a sense of admiration and direction.
Just then, Savage approached them.
After some pleasantries, he got straight to the point.
“Stephen, we couldn’t have done this without you, but there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
“The company’s plans have changed. Originally, we intended to make you Vice President here, but headquarters is still cautious.”
“Someone with your expertise is safer at home.”
Stephen’s brow furrowed. “What does that mean?”
“I’m arranging for you to return home, also with a promotion to Vice President.”
Savage patted his shoulder. “But don’t worry, the benefits are exactly the same-$300,000 a year with multimillion–dollar project bonuses.”
“And you’ll also get a say in company decisions and receive stock options.”
Stephen was silent for a moment.
Money didn’t matter much to him, but finally, he nodded.
“Alright.”
After Savage left, Stephen didn’t speak for a long time.
Rachel’s eyes dimmed, her smile fading.
“Feeling a bit lost?”
“Yes.”
“Your past with her doesn’t have to be such a big deal. The more seriously you dwell on it, the harder it is to let go.”
Rachel swirled her wine glass, her clean cheeks reflecting the light.
Stephen found her words insightful. She seemed to understand him well, always able to pinpoint his feelings.
“Then I’ll head back tomorrow. I’ll make sure they take good care of you here.”
Rachel turned her head to the side, hiding her reluctance.
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Chapter 13
Although part of her didn’t want him to leave, she kept those feelings to herself. With someone like Stephen, any confession would be pointless.
“No need for that. If you’re gone, staying here won’t be the same. We’ll see what happens.”
Stephen seemed to pick up on something.
“Take care, then. I hope we can work together again.”
“Of course.”
The next day, Stephen’s plane landed at Washington Airport. Six months had passed since he’d last set foot there.
A few friends had reserved a high–end restaurant to welcome him back.
“Well, well, isn’t that our new executive Stephen, back to let us live the good life?”
“Six months away, and you look even younger!”
“Of course he looks younger–he’s been freezing his tail off over there!”
The lively atmosphere greeted him as he entered the restaurant, and Stephen couldn’t help but smile.
But as he noticed a familiar figure near the entrance, his smile began to fade.
