Chapter 50 - #50

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book contains occasional use of words that aren't appropriate for children. Read at your own risk.

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Chapter 50: Complication

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"Liv, what are you looking at?" Summer asked before peeking at the direction where I was looking.

I can tell that the girl he's with is not just a friend. What kind of friend is that? I'm still not sure if I should tell Alice about this. She haven't confirmed it to me yet if they're already official.

"Nothing," I lied. "Let's find another table. I don't like it in here."

Summer seems not to notice anything about what I said. She's used to me being a person who changes decision every time when it comes to different things.

I have chosen a table on a corner but I still see them. I feel I'm spying on Mr. Whitmore. But if he continues on making Alice think that he likes her, he should stop. I don't want Alice get hurt... again.

I think that was 4 or 5 years ago. When we met, Alice has a long-time boyfriend. Unexpectedly, he cheated on her, which made Alice cry every night and I almost run out of ideas how to make her happy because she can't find a reason to. And this time, I won't let it happen again. As her friend, I'll never tolerate anyone's will to play with her feelings.

"Liv, you're looking at that couple for about five minutes. Do you know them?" she asked while holding the menu.

I shook my head. "No, I don't," I said before looking at the menu to distract myself.

We ordered our food and it was served immediately. And in that exact time, Mr. Whitmore and the girl stood up and walked away. It's not my business but I'm curious about them. I don't think Alice will like this.

After we have eaten, we decided to buy some groceries and some stuff we need at home. Normally, I'm the one doing it but when I started working at the hotel, Summer said she can handle it because I always come home before dinner which means I don't have time to go to the supermarket.

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"Knock knock!" Alice was joking around while knocking on our door. I opened it for her and she's carrying a plastic bag. "I brought some chiken and beer." She walked towards the dining area. We have a mini table there where we can drink comfortably.

"That's too much Korean drama, I think," I said. She loves watching korean dramas. It's her stress reliever. Sometimes, she also shops for clothes that are in the style of koreans.

"I can't help it," she said while unwrapping the food she bought. I also like korean food. Only I don't use chopsticks often because it makes me spill everything.

"So, what's the problem?" I asked before sitting down and taking a taste of the bite-size chicken.

"Problem?" she innocently said. Alice failed to remember that I know her more than anyone. She sat down, not saying a word because she knows that I already smelled something fishy.

"Come on, Alice. You won't drink easily without an ocassion," I said. "What is it? Is it about your mom?"

Alice has always been in a difficult position when it comes to her mom. They fight a lot about many things like money. And that's also why I feel bad for her. She's the kind of person who laughs and smiles even she has a problem. She's good at hiding her emotions and that's why I want to protect her.

"It's not a family issue." Her mood changed as she sat down. She opened the can of beer and took a sip of it.

"Then, what is it?" I asked again while opening my can.

"It's my boss. Zach seems cold to me this past few days. I don't even know why," she said, playing with the chopsticks on her hand.

"Did you ask him about it?"

"I did. But he said he was just busy with something he can't tell me," she told me.

At that moment, I can't decide if what should I do. Should I tell her about what I saw earlier? But I have no proof. I can't just say that I saw Mr. Whitmore with other girl. Plus, I don't know a thing about them. I can't declare something I'm not sure of.

"When was the last time you talk to him? You know, like in a casual one," I said to make an exception when at work.

"Yesterday, when we're having our lunch," Alice said. I can it in her eyes that her emotions are all mixed up. She looks confused, sad, and worried at the same time. 

"Didn't you try to talk to him today?" I asked.

"I did. But he's kind of avoiding me," she answered.

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Today, Mr. Parker is scheduled to have a meeting with the architect and engineer of the new building for some sudden changes of the new building. The survey results for the interior design was delayed and that's why they need to talk about it as much as possible because the building is already under construction for four months.

I was checking some reports on my desk when I heard someone familiar talking. If I'm not mistaken, it's coming from Mr. Whitmore's office. A few minutes have passed and I saw Cindy walking towards Mr. Parker's office. 

"Oh. Hi, Liv. Is your boss busy?" she asked. Cindy looked like she's very stressed and pissed off. I wonder why.

"Not much. You can go inside," I told her.

"Okay, thanks. I won't make out with him, I promise." I didn't know if that was supposed to be a joke or a serious statement. 

When she got inside, I stood up to make them some snacks because it's already 10 AM. I went to the pantry and I poured some lemonade on two glasses. I also sliced the carrot cake and put in into two small plates. I gathered them all into a tray before going inside Mr. Parker's office.

When I entered, I heard them talking about something. Cindy was sitting on the sofa that is parallel to where Mr. Parker is sitting with her legs crossed. "Your cousin just gives me another reason to hate him. He may not care about my opinion but I care about my sister. He broke her heart, I won't allow it again."

Is Cindy talking about Mr. Zach Whitmore?

She glanced at me. "Oh, you heard that, didn't you?" Cindy arched a brow. I glanced at Mr. Parker before looking back to her.

"I don't even have an idea what you're talking about," I honestly said before putting the tray down so they could already eat.

"It's about Zach. He's a piece of shit who put my sister into a year of loneliness," she explained casually. "I think you need to check up on your friend. I'm assuming she's already having a hard time after how I spilled everything inside that douchebag's office."

Alice. She heard everything!

"Excuse me," I said before getting out and running towards her cabin that is on the same floor.

I stopped when I saw them quietly talking. Alice turned into me when she felt my presence. And as expected, she's already in tears but I know she's trying to hold it back. She wiped it before walking pass through me.

"What happened, Sir?" I asked Mr. Whitmore who's looking very guilty now.

"I made a mistake," he said using a low voice.

I didn't have time to talk to him anymore. I rushed to follow Alice and I saw her go inside the restroom. I went in and she started to burst into tears in front of the mirror.

"Alice," I whispered before caressing her back to make her calm down because she's barely breathing.

"Is he telling me that everything was just a lie?" she asked. I don't even know what to answer. I feel like I failed to protect her... again. "No. No, everything was real to me. He can't just tell me that he still haven't moved on with his ex-girlfriend."

In that moment, something triggered me. Mr. Whitmore can't cause another trauma on Alice. If I need to convince her to resign and find another job, I will. I can't see her crying again like this. I can't.

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Hi, VCakes! I'm hoping that you're all having fun while reading my first ever story here in Webnovel. English is not my native language so please bear with me but I promise to improve my skills from time to time. I'm open for any suggestions and constructive criticisms. Feel free to message me on my following accounts:

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