FATE - can a person in one lifetime fall in love with the same person twice?

Chapter 18

"Yes, he did. There were instances where I had to redo the same task multiple times to meet his exacting standards. As someone who isn't naturally flawless and perfect like many of my colleagues, it was challenging to meet his expectations."

"That sounds tough."

Ava burst into laughter, and I just rolled my eyes as she insisted on re-watching the broadcast just to tease me.

"You know what?" She began, knowing she was about to say something I didn't want to hear. "You were the only one who answered that way among all your colleagues..."

"I told them the truth," I interjected. "That's it."

"I know that," she rose from the couch and moved to the bed where I was lying. "You should have said something polite that could have impressed him..."

"Wait," I sat up abruptly, "Why should I impress him?"

"So he could notice you," she said with a mischievous smile. "And perhaps propose to you or even marry you."

Oh, Ava, he already proposed to me. But I can't bring myself to tell you that.

"I'm not interested in him," I reclined on the bed again.

"Yes, you are interested in him," she insisted, lying down beside me. "I can see it in your eyes."

"You know nothing," I nudged her with my elbow.

"Yes, I know," she nudged me back.

I don't like him at all. Who would like that iceberg? He's so cold and emotionless; I can't even imagine him being in love. What expressions would he make when he confesses his love? Does he even know how to be romantic?

Ava's laughter brought me back to reality. "You're famous all over the city," she said, giggling. "The poor employee who Eden Miller overworked by making her redo the same task multiple times."

"I didn't know it would turn out like this," I sighed. "You know, my colleagues have been giving me the side-eye ever since. It's good that I don't interact with people there, or it would have been a real headache."

I'm only close with Rose, who didn't say anything about the broadcast and my response because she knows he made me do overtime every day. Everyone there knows it, but they want to paint me as the bad guy. I even overheard them saying that I'm lacking in skills, and that's why he made me work overtime. Maybe I am.

The broadcast is trending on social media, and everyone is asking for his side of the story and why he made me work overtime. But he hasn't answered anyone or said anything to me.

"I hope this news dies down, or I'll be overwhelmed by the stress," I said, closing my eyes.

"Don't worry," Ava reassured me. "James told me he's instructed his team to clear up the mess on social media."

I jolted my eyes open. "Really?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Half of the issues are already sorted out. Soon, there will be no news at all."

"Thank God," I sighed in relief. "Who wants the constant scrutiny anyway?"

"Exactly," she said, patting my shoulder as she lay on her stomach, propped up by her elbows. "No man wants his lover to be stressed out."

"You..." I pushed her, causing her to lose her balance and flop onto the bed. "Don't you have anything better to do than play cupid?"

"I just believe you two will end up together," she said, quickly getting back into her original position. "My gut feelings are never wrong. You know that."