Charlie always looked tidy in his suits. He walked steadily towards school while Leila carrying his small bag followed. People who came across the two found them a little strange.
When they arrived, she escorted him up to the school gate and watched him enter. Then she hailed a taxi that would bring her to Shining Company.
Now standing in front of the Shining Company gate, Leila could not believe how quickly time flew. Four years ago, she left this company in shame and never expected to be back one day.
Staring at the magnificent gate of the company, Leila dreamed of the day when she would marry Charles and become the only hostess of the Lu family.
In the past four years, not only things but people had changed.
Shining Company continued to stand proudly, but its design and décor, as well as the employees, were almost different. Leila came across several familiar faces, who all smiled in greeting but whose eyes looked confused. Nobody remembered her name. But it did not matter. Leila simply smiled at them out of politeness and then went on her way.
She swore that one day, everyone in the company would know who she was.
David was shocked when he caught sight of Leila in the premises. He had brought some files to the meeting room. He frowned as they came face-to-face. He couldn't help but ask,"Leila? What are you doing here?"
Many years may have passed, but David still looked at Leila with disdain. He could never forget the devious things she had done before and couldn't help feeling disgusted at the sight of her.
"Get out of here! You are not welcome in this company!" he growled. He wanted Leila to leave because the meeting would soon be over and if Charles saw Leila there, he would blame David for not keeping her out.
David was trying his best to drive Leila away.
"David, it's so nice to see you again," she said in greeting. She flashed a friendly smile like those shared among friends.
Alice chose that moment to make an appearance. She didn't notice Leila, but pushed David and berated him,"Why are you standing there? Have you prepared the files already?" She eyed him angrily. "Mr. Lu will need them soon."
"Alice, nice to see you again," Leila interrupted with a slight smile.
Annoyed, Alice turned to see who greeted her. After a brief hesitation, she said,"Leila?" She wasn't sure it was Leila, and only recognized the woman after she spoke in greeting.
Leila nodded, while Alice gave her a puzzled look. "We haven't seen each other for a very long time," she said. Alice looked at her closely. "You've changed a lot," she noted.
"Have I?" Leila asked, smiling. In return, she complimented,"You look as young as before, and even more beautiful." Most women appreciated flattery, but not Alice.
Alice accepted the compliment with little reaction. Finally, she gave Leila a reluctant smile and asked,"So, what brings you here?"
David snorted in annoyance,"She can only bring trouble here!" He couldn't help but add,"Have you no shame, woman? Many years have passed, and you're still dreaming that Mr. Lu would marry you. Are you insane?"
Alice tapped David gently and shushed him,"Shut up, David."
"Why? I just told the truth," he snapped. David could not be pacified and kept throwing dirty glances at Leila.
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