Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187

I let out a breath I did not realize I had been holding.

The guilt was still there. It would always be there.

But I had done the right thing in the end. I had chosen her over myself.

Except now I needed that money. I needed that bonus. And I had just destroyed my only leverage with Seraphine. She would tell everyone I was her spy. She would make sure I never worked in this city again. And I had nothing to show for it except a clear conscience and a heart full of shame.

I walked back to my desk. Slowly. Each step felt heavier than the last. I sat down and stared at my computer screen, the cursor blinking at me, waiting for me to do something. I could not stay here. Not after everything. Not with the knowledge that Seraphine could walk in at any morhent and expose me.

I opened a new document and typed my resignation letter. It was short. Formal. No explanation. Just the words, “I am writing to formally resign from my position at Helix Research Laboratory, effective immediately.” I printed it, signed it, and folded it in

half.

Celeste was not around. So I walked to Pat’s desk, the letter clutched in my hand, my heart pounding so hard I thought I might pass out.

She looked up as I approached, and she smiled. That same warm, open smile she had given me on my first day at Helix. “Hey,” she said. “What is up?”

I handed her the letter. “This is my resignation letter. I cannot work here anymore.”

Her smile vanished. “Why? What happened, Kingsley?”

I shook my head. “I have no reason. I just… I just.”

“You just what?”

Every head in the lab turned toward us. I could feel their stares, their curiosity, their judgment. Pat grabbed my hand and pulled me away, through the lab and into her private office. She closed the door behind us and turned to face me, her arms crossed, her eyes searching my face.

I placed the resignation letter in her hand, folded her fingers over it, and said, “Goodbye, Pat.”

I turned and began to walk away.

“Don’t go, Kmgsley,” she said from behind me, her voice cracking. “Wait. Please. Please stay. Don’t leave.”

+15 Bonus

But I did not stop. I gritted my teeth, kept my eyes fixed on the door ahead of me, and I walked out of Helix Research Laboratory, leaving the job, leaving Pat, leaving everything behind.

+15 Bonus