waking

Chapter 153

Recalling the unbearable days of her previous life, Naomi couldn’t help but forcefully pull at her hair. To avoid waking Shawn, she was very cautious. The pain brought her back to her senses, and she gradually calmed down.

Naomi took a deep breath, telling herself to calm down and finally she did. You can do it, Naomi. Isn’t the heartache from my previous life enough” Did the heavens give me a second chance just to be a fool for love again! No way. A man alone isn’t going to mess with my plans for revenge. Career, money, revenge—that’s what matters, she thought.

When she looked at Shawn again, the old feelings of sadness and confusion were gone. With her heart troubles behind her, sleep came quickly. She closed her eyes and drifted off

At the crack of dawn, Naomi’s internal alarm clock, honed from over a month in Yeonland, woke her up right on time. Shown was still out cold, his handsome face as captivating as ever. But she couldn’t afford to get lost in those looks anymore.

Gently, she slipped out from under Shawn’s arm, dressed quickly, and tiptoed to freshen up, She left a note for him and slipped out of the hotel.

The moment Naomi got up, Shawn woke too. But he kept his eyes closed, listening to her every move. Something was off with Naomi. She hadn’t answered his calls or texts, and when they met, she wasn’t as enthusiastic as before. Is she really falling for someone elser he wondered.

Shawn sat up abruptly, remembering what Elaine had told him about Alfred saving Naomi at John’s party. ‘Is Naomi playing the damsel in distress, ready to repay a life debt with… herself? he thought. His face twisted in anger. But he took a deep breath, forcing his anger down. He found the note Naomi left and read it, only for his rage to flare up again.

Naomi wanted to quit her job as his personal assistant. She’d been with him for months, and now she wanted out. Was she using him as a stepping stone and then kicking him to the curb?

Shawn crumpled the note, threw off the covers, and stormed into the bathroom. The cold water rushed over him, washing away his anger.

Meanwhile, Naomi was already at work, refreshed and focused. She checked in at Elaine’s office, got her tasks done efficiently, and then headed to school. She had a design draft to submit and preferred the library over the classroom.

The library was her haven, surrounded by sycamore trees, with the windows open to the sounds of birds and cicadas. The breeze brought a comfortable coolness. When she needed a break from reading or drawing, she’d look out at the greenery and the birds, which always lifted her spirits. She’d put her phone on silent when she entered, so she missed Shawn’s calls and messages.

She’d left a note about quitting her job that morning. Shawn must have seen it by now. Naomi pushed aside any distractions and focused on her drawing. But then, a box of ice cream appeared in front of her. She looked up to see Alfred with a smile and Jessie, with an expressionless face, next to him

Naomi, Ive got the day off and came to see you,” Alfred said, as sweet as could be. I heard from Jessie that girls like ice cream, so I got the priciest one in the shop

Jessie quickly corrected him. “I never said that. You figured it out on your own

Naomi couldn’t help but smile. “Mr. Edwards”

“Call me Alfred,” Alfred insisted. “You promised to call me that, right? Dig in!”

“I’m not really into sweets, Naomi replied, not wanting to hurt Alfred’s feelings. After being forced into eating barbecue and then ice creams by Elaine, her stomach couldn’t handle it If not for her herbal remedies, she’d probably be in the infirmary by now. Just the thought of ice cream made her uneasy.

“Alfred, why don’t you give it to Jessie!” Naomi suggested, smiling at Jessie. Jessie works so hard for you. You wouldn’t be stingy about treating her. rightr

Jessie’s face twitched. Alfred didn’t buy ice cream for her. “Tim not eating your leftovers. I’m not a garbage can.”

Alfred’s face fell for a moment, then he rubbed his nose. “Jessie, come on

Naomi watched the exchange, curious. Alfred seemed to be the weaker one in their dynamic. It didn’t feel like a boss and secretary. It was more like a couple.

“Mr. Edwards, Mr. Fischer has arrived in Yeonland, Jessie said, palling Alfred to his feet. To avoid any trouble for Naomi, you should rein in your doting Let’s focus on work, shall we?” She handed him a notebook from her office. Time to work, Mr. Edwards”

Alfred was speechless.

Naomi watched as Alfred, the domineering CLO, lost his cool in front of Jessie. She had to stille a laugh, but before she could, a chilling presence approached. She looked up to see Shawn, his face as dark as a storm cloud.

Jessie pulled Alfred up. “Mr. Edwards, you have a meeting with the principal. We’re running late. Let’s go.”

Chapter 153

(0)

“But…” Jessie muffled Alfred’s protests and dragged him away, nodding to Shawn as they passed. “Good day, Mr. Fischer”

Shawn ignored them, his gaze fixed on Naomi as he took the seat across from her. His silence was heavier than the first time she’d ever upset him.

Naomi’s hand clenched her pencil, then she tried to play it cool. “Mr. Fischer”

“You remember I’m Mr. Fischer.” Shawn’s voice was icy. “Quitting, are we?”

Naomi’s pencil elatiered onto the table, but she quickly picked it up, trying to hide her discomfort.

Shawn’s temper was infamous, something she knew from day one.

“Betray me, huh?” he said.

Naomi sh

ishook her head. “No. Mr. Fischer. Why would you think that?”

“Naomi, didn’t I warn you about getting too close to other men?” Shawn’s voice grew colder as he watched her face lose color. He’d hit the nail on the head.

But Naomi was quick to respond, “Mr. Fischer, I’ve never betrayed you. I swore an oath the day I started working for you. If I ever did, I’d suffer a terrible death. As for Kevin’s photos, I thought you understood what happened. And my relationship with the Edwards Group CEOs is strictly business. By the way. Mr. Edwards is here too. Thad an accident at a banquet, but he saved me. He wanted to take me as a sister, and I agreed. Mr. Fischer, I should’ve told you sooner, but I won’t accept the accusation of betrayal”

Shawn’s eyes bored into her, as if trying to read her soul.

Naomi’s face regained its color. She had nothing to hide, she was open and honest.

“Why quit your job, then?” he asked.

Naomi shrugged. Tve started my own company. Naomi Design was a gift from you, taken from the Sanders family. I’ll focus on that now. Being your assistant doesn’t really help you anymore. And I feel bad about the high salary you offer, Mr. Fischer, especially since you’ve been so kind.”

Shawn studied her. “Is that all?

Naomi nodded. That’s everything. Enzo sent me an email. I’ve seen the company’s plans for next year. It will be hectic”

Shawn believed heri Enzo had consulted with him before sending the email to Naomi “Alright, I’ll provisionally accept your explanation” Shawn stood up “Keep your distance from Alfred”

“The debt of a life saved isn’t easily repaid,” Naomi said, her lips pursed. “You saved my life too, Mr. Fischer”

“Ha…” Shawn sneered in anger,

Naomi added, “But the one Alfred likes is probably Jessie. He’s completely under her thunb.”

“Ha… Shawn sneered again, with an ambiguous tone.

Naomi insisted. I saw it with my own eyes. One look from Jessie, and Alfred cowers”

Outside, Alfred was eavesdropping. “You hear that? Am I really that whipped?” Jessie stood by, trying to stay composed,

Alfred was crestfallen. Is my image as a henpecked man all Naomi remembers?”

Jessie’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself.

I’m going to support Naomi and tell her not to be afraid of Shawn” Alfred rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge in

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