Never Be Apart

CHAPTER 42

I woke up to Aki's cheerful greeting. I smiled back, got up, drank some water, and headed straight to the bathroom.

"Don't you have work?" I shouted over the sound of the shower. She mentioned that she'd quit her job as a secretary and returned to being an engineer. I was happy to hear that, knowing she no longer had to deal with her grumpy boss who acted like he knew everything.

"I took a day off, besides, I know you need me right now," she responded, and I could tell she was smiling just by the way she said it, which made me smile too. "What's your plan, by the way? I'm a little sad we're losing two more of our housemates again," she added, her voice suddenly tinged with sadness, which made me chuckle a bit.

I remembered my conversation with Haruki last night. We rarely talked like that anymore ever since she became a doctor. She's been so busy, barely having time to sleep. Natsumi had already left, leaving behind some notes reminding us of a few things. She also mentioned she'd heard about the case reopening and was ready to come back if we needed her.

I wasn't sure what Natsumi was up to these days. All I knew was that she was working as an engineer, or so she told us. She was so busy during her visit that I never got the chance to really talk to her, though maybe the others had.

I kept things simple today since I was just going to meet my secretary to follow up on what I had asked her to do. Aki mentioned she'd come with me to the company, so I started my day with a light heart.

When we stepped out of the house, Aki was already in the passenger seat of my car, waiting for me. I frowned, glancing around, and noticed that her car was missing. Confused, I quickly got in the driver's seat and turned to her.

"Where's your car?" I asked.

"I sold it," she replied, as if selling her car was the most normal thing in the world. My eyes widened in shock! That car meant a lot to her since it was the first one under her name. I couldn't believe she'd sold it just like that.

"Why? I thought you loved that car?" I asked as I started the engine. She just laughed and shook her head, so I didn't push the matter. She must have had her reasons.

When we arrived at the office, we were greeted by my employees. Some of them couldn't help but stare at Aki, probably because she rarely visits. She looked stunning today, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone had a secret crush on her here.

"People are staring, but this isn't the first time I've been here," she whispered, laughing softly as we walked toward the elevator.