Seeing the disappointment in Nyla’s eyes, Clark felt as if a hand was squeezing his heart, making it hard to breathe.

“Nyla, I know that no matter what promises I make now, you won’t believe me. But I will prove it with my actions. I will keep my word.”

Nyla had no intention of listening to his promises. She brushed past him and walked away.

Just as Clark was about to follow her, his phone in his pocket rang. He answered, and his secretary’s serious voice came through. “Mr. Sumner, there’s a problem with one of our deals.” Clark’s expression darkened. “I’ll be there right away.”

By the time he ran to the exit of the complex, all he saw was Nyla getting into a taxi and

leaving. He pursed his lips, turned around, got into his car, and drove to the company. Once he dealt with work, he would come back to sort things out with Nyla.

When Nyla arrived at the restaurant, Valarie was already there.

“Nyla, you’re finally here! I’ve got some gossip to share with you.”

Nyla sat down across from Valarie, placed her bag on the chair next to her, and raised an eyebrow. “What gossip?”

“I heard that Lucia somehow pissed off Clark a week ago and got slapped in a private room. Her face was so swollen she looked like a pig.”

Nyla paused as she was about to pour herself some water. She looked up at Valarie. “Who told you that?”

“A girl I’m friends with. She was at the bar that night and saw the whole thing.”

Nyla looked down, saying nothing, but she understood. Clark must have investigated

the incident and punished Lucia for hitting her. However, his actions would only make Lucia hate her more and make her life at the company even harder. “Nyla… Nyla?”

Nyla snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Valarie. “What is it, Valarie?”

Valarie looked exasperated. “That’s what I wanted to ask you. I’ve called your name several times, and you were daydreaming. What were you thinking about?” “Nothing much…” Nyla shook her head. “I probably didn’t sleep well last night. By the way, why did you suddenly ask me out to go shopping today?” Valarie, who usually preferred staying in bed over the weekend, had unexpectedly asked her out.

A blush crept up Valarie’s cheeks. “His birthday is coming up, and I want to pick out a gift for him. I thought you could help me choose.”

Seeing Valarie’s shy and expectant look, Nyla couldn’t help but tease her. “Who was it that swore off relationships and called them foolish?”

Valarie fested her chin in her hands, her gaze full of tenderness. “That was before I met him. After I met him, I realized I’m filled with anticipation before I sleep every night because I get to say good morning to him the next day the moment I open my eyes.”

Nyla pretended to be grossed out. “Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. If you keep being this lovey- dovey, I’m going home.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.”

Valarie noticed Nyla was smiling, but there was a sadness in her eyes that she couldn’t hide. She sighed inwardly. She had invited Nyla out because she didn’t want her to stay cooped up at home.

It had only been a short time since Nyla found out about Clark’s affair. When Nyla was alone, she would likely be lost in thought or even cry in secret, but she always put on a facade of calm in front of others. Valarie didn’t want to bring up Clark and reopen her wounds. She just hoped Nyla could move on soon and start a new chapter in her life.

After lunch, they headed to the mall.

As soon as they walked into a men’s clothing store, Valarie’s eyes landed on a black suit displayed in the center of the store.

“Could you take that suit down for me to see?”

“I’d like that suit, please!”