Chapter 2

My stuff got tossed out by the Crawford Group employees and scattered all over the place. The once respectful staff started pointing fingers at me.

My assistant sneakily handed me a cardboard box. "Stephen, take this, and use it to pack your things. Every company has its personnel changes, you know, so don't be too upset. You'll definitely find a better job."

She said it tactfully, but I got her drift. Last night's wedding was the talk of the town. "Lucas is back, and Annie no longer needs me."

I had a private office for work needs, which was also convenient for taking care of Annie.

Now that office was locked up, and passing by, I saw new office supplies being placed at the door, even a cello.

"Looks like it has a new owner."

I took the box from my assistant and crouched down to pick up the scattered papers when a brief commotion sounded behind me.

I clenched the documents with such great force that my fingertips turned white.

Annie, wearing sunglasses, was half-hugged by Lucas, surrounded by reporters who came for yesterday's wedding news.

The Crawford Group entrance was swarming with reporters, like a press conference.

From afar, I saw today's Annie.

Since losing her sight, she's been fond of white clothes, but today she wore a bright red, just like before.

She was as dazzling as ever, and Lucas was dashing. "They've always been a perfect match."

Yet, I was like those white clothes, just a temporary choice.

Reporters crowded around with microphones, asking one after another.

"Ms. Crawford, it's said that during your blindness, it was your husband, Mr. Cooper, who took care of you, right?"

Annie didn't answer, but Lucas took the microphone from that reporter and replied with a smile, "It was a tough time, but luckily, Annie and I pulled through."

That period was indeed tough for Annie, a pampered heiress suddenly losing her sight, her parents deceased, and even her beloved grandfather died in that accident.

Those shrewd shareholders saw her blindness as an opportunity to dismantle the Crawford Group from within. The once-sheltered heiress tasted the bitterness of life.

Lucas was part of that hardship. After learning about Annie's blindness, he had a phone call with her and went abroad to study, becoming a renowned cellist.

I was the one who stayed by her side, yet when Lucas lied, Annie not only didn't refute but smiled brightly.

She looked up at Lucas as if only seeing him.

In the crisscross of lights, Annie suddenly turned her head, and across the crowd, our eyes met.

This scene caught Lucas' eye, and his smile instantly froze.

I smiled, raising the folder in my hand as if to say, "Thanks for the parting gift. I'm finally free. I don't owe the Crawford family or you anything."

The reporters lingered, leaving me stuck at the door, unable to move forward.

Since I hadn't eaten breakfast, my hypoglycemia kicked in.

What I held in my hands felt like a boulder.

Lucas was indeed special to Annie.

I had known Annie for so long, aware of countless suitors, yet the only one she seriously dated was Lucas.

They were well-matched, their bond deep. Even missing two years wouldn't affect them.

From now on, it's Lucas who'll be by Annie's side.

I slowly crouched down to catch my breath, waiting for the reporters to disperse.

A pair of black high heels stopped in front of me. I looked up and met Annie's gaze.

She was always humble and polite to outsiders, but when she turned away from the reporters and faced me, her smile seemed like a sun hidden by clouds.

"Hypoglycemic? Or is it your stomach?" She asked.