Once a Love Fool Now a Leading Lady (Kylie rehbein and Axel Bowen) novel Chapter 3

When Kylie finished handing out the files and turned around, she saw Rhea already seated.

But it wasn't just any seat—it was Kylie's usual spot.

Kylie froze for a second, ready to remind her.

Before she could speak, Axel said, "From now on, you'll sit over there."

Rhea gave Kylie an apologetic smile. "I'm new here and still have a lot to learn from Mr. Bowen. It's easier if I sit closer."

Axel had spoken. What else could Kylie say?

She quietly gathered her files, hugged her laptop, and walked to a corner seat.

No one in the conference room dared to say a word, but Kylie could feel their eyes on her—sympathetic, almost pitying.

That sympathy burned worse than any insult.

Halfway through the meeting, Axel pointed out his doubts for one of the projects.

"Why hasn't this been finalized yet? Who's in charge of this?"

His tone was sharp and stern. Those who knew him understood this well; this was his warning sign before losing his temper.

The room went silent.

Under the heavy pressure, Kylie stood up. "I'm in charge of that."

Axel's icy stare cut across the room. His voice was hard as steel. "Explain yourself."

"Sorry, I wasn't feeling well the past few days, so the schedule got delayed—"

She hadn't even finished before Axel cut her off. "That's no excuse. I've told all of you before, no one can let personal matters slow down company progress. That's the rule."

Kylie swallowed her words. She didn't argue, just said softly, "I'll catch up."

Only then did Axel look satisfied.

Before ending the meeting, he announced an invitation.

That evening, he would host a welcome party for Rhea at Everwest Club. Everyone in the company was invited.

Everwest Club was the most high-end club in the city. Expensive, flashy.

Axel was sparing no expense.

It was obvious how much he valued Rhea.

All the staff suddenly started to look at Rhea differently.

Even Mona, the most innocent of them all, could see something was off.

While helping Kylie clean up the meeting room, she whispered, "Kylie, are you okay?"

She was one of the few who had an idea about Kylie and Axel's relationship.

"I'm fine," Kylie said, her tone calm.

"But you look so pale," Mona said, worried.

Kylie touched her face. "That obvious?"

Mona nodded firmly. "Very obvious."

"Just my stomach. Old problem, you know." Kylie brushed it off with an excuse.

"Are you going to the welcome party tonight?" Mona asked.

Kylie thought for a moment. "I'll skip it. Just help me to pass the message for Mr. Bowen."

Axel had invited the entire company to welcome Rhea. With so many people there, what did it matter if Kylie went or not?

Maybe Axel wouldn't even notice her absence.

Whether she showed up or not made no difference.

"Alright then. Go home early and get some rest. Your health is more important," Mona reminded her gently.

Even Mona could tell something was wrong with her.

But Axel—who had shared the most intimate moments with her—couldn't see it.

Before, she used to trick herself. She told herself that Axel was too focused on work; that's why he didn't notice the details.

But now, she couldn't lie to herself anymore.

As if on cue, her stomach twisted in pain again.

But there was still so much work to finish. She swallowed a pill to ease the cramps and pushed through until the end of the day.

When Kylie finally got home, she collapsed on her bed, too drained to even move a finger.

Her body and heart both felt drained.

She curled up for a long time, waiting for the pain to pass. When it finally eased a little, exhaustion swept over her.

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