Disloyalty

- Long time no see -

"Holly..." I said in a low tone, trying to sound casual, but she immediately sensed something was on my mind.

She scooted her chair closer, eyes lighting up. "What's up?" she asked, eager.

"Do you think I did a good job yesterday... with James?" I fiddled with a pen, pretending to be more indifferent than I was.

She gave a firm nod, grinning. "Oh, absolutely. The poor guy was so nervous the entire time, I'm officially shipping you two together. I'm thinking... 'Jame,' or 'Mames'—no, wait, how about 'Jamia'?" She giggled, clearly enjoying herself.

I laughed, but it was more to humor her. "I don't know about him... He's so nice and sweet, but..." I trailed off, not entirely sure how to explain it. James was nice—maybe too nice. "I just don't know if that's what I want in a man."

"it's not," came a voice behind us, and I jumped, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. Andrew stood right there, looming over us like he always seemed to. Holly, suddenly the picture of professionalism, hurriedly went back to typing as if she'd been working the entire time, leaving me to deal with him.

I looked up at Andrew, my voice low and controlled. "Sorry, but this conversation doesn't include you."

He completely ignored me, of course, picking up the scattered papers on my desk and scanning them like he was inspecting some alien life form. He set them back down with a disgusted look, his eyes flicking over my cluttered desk—papers spread everywhere, empty mugs stacking up. It was like I could feel his judgment in every glance.

"Come to my office," he said abruptly, before turning and walking off toward his pit without even giving me a chance to protest.

I groaned internally. The last thing I wanted to do was face Andrew after what happened yesterday, but clearly, he wasn't giving me a choice. I slumped in my chair for a second, then got up and followed him, dreading whatever this was about.

As I passed Cheryl's desk, I made sure to check—she was sitting there, thank God. The memory of what I'd walked in on yesterday was still enough to make me cringe. I didn't need a repeat.

I pushed through the double doors into his cold, impersonal office. The place always gave me a shiver, like it reflected him perfectly—neat, sharp, and way too rigid.

"What the hell do you want now?" I snapped, not bothering to mask my irritation as I crossed my arms and leaned back against the door so I can leave quickly. After how he'd judged my workspace with his condescending eyes, I wasn't in the mood to be polite.

But instead of launching into whatever complaint or power play I was expecting, Andrew just sat there, looking at me. Not saying anything. His expression unreadable. My frustration grew, and I was about to ask if something was wrong when his eyes drifted toward the couch to his right.

I followed his gaze—and froze.

Sitting there, as casually as ever, was Charlotte. My heart dropped.

"Oh my God..." I muttered under my breath, my hand flying to cover my mouth. I hadn't seen her in years. The last time we talked was... before things went bad between Andrew and me.

She smiled warmly, standing up as if no time had passed. "Mia!" she said, pulling me into a tight hug. I stood there, stunned, trying to process the sudden flood of emotions.

"I haven't seen you in ages!" she said, pulling back to get a good look at me. "God, Mia, you look just like your mother."

I blinked, still in shock. "Charlotte... I didn't know you were—" I started, but she cut me off, turning to Andrew with a playful smirk.