Eight Years Lost A Love Unclaimed (Ariella) novel Chapter 4

Chapter4 

I had never been a drinker, but I got drunk and passed out again.[] 

The next morning, I was awakened by a string of urgent phone calls. 

I saw it was my boss, Austin Stevens. 

“Ariella, shouldn’t your vacation be over today? Why aren’t you at the office yet?” 

“Sorry, Mr. Stevens. I was planning to take one more day off, but I overslept…” 

“Do you remember when I mentioned opening a new market in Crawford?“[] 

Half a year ago, Austin saw my potential and wanted me to be the general manager of the Crawford branch. 

But the office was in Hawkin, and I carefully mentioned it to Xavier, who immediately rejected it.] 

He didn’t give me any reason, just said he couldn’t accept a long–distance relationship, let alone one in another country. 

He said if I decided to go, we’d break up. 

I refused Austin without hesitation, choosing to stay by Xavier’s side.[] 

“I remember. Didn’t you send Vincent instead? Why…“] 

“Sigh, just yesterday, Vincent suddenly passed away from an illness. It really caught me off guard. I thought about it, and only you have the ability to take over the branch.“] 

To be honest, I deeply regretted giving up that opportunity.[] 

In the past six months, I hadn’t made much progress at the head office. 

I never thought I’d get a second chance. I wasn’t going to miss it this time. 

“Okay, Mr. Stevens. I’m willing to take it on. I’ll come to the office right away to discuss it.“[] 

Austin gave me a lot of business documents about the Crawford market from the past six months.] 

I threw myself into studying them, determined to master the business and get there as soon as possible. 

After a long day, I finally went home, only to be startled by a dark figure on the couch.[] 

“You’re back? Why didn’t you turn on the lights?“] 

“We already finished the show.” 

“Isn’t there an evening banquet? She just posted a photo on social media, with her arm linked with yours, looking so sweet. You should go back to her.” 

I said it calmly, but Xavier was inexplicably angry. 

“Ariella! What’s wrong with you? Do you have to bring up Chloe every time? I told you, she’s just a sister to me!” 

Xavier grabbed my arm, his breath hot on my face. 

I pushed his hand away, my expression still calm.[] 

“Yeah, I believe you. I’m tired. I’m going to sleep. By the way, I’m sleeping on the couch. The room’s a mess. If you want to stay, you’ll have to clean it up.” 

With that, I pulled the blanket over me and closed my eyes. 

I heard Xavier curse under his breath, then storm into the bedroom and slam the door.] 

Maybe my calmness, my refusal to argue, left him with no outlet for his anger.]