For reasons beyond my grasp, Clyde has always harbored hostility towards me.
I couldn't figure out who he thought I was in his eyes.
Back in college, Clyde wasn't short of admirers. Despite knowing he had a girlfriend, girls were lining up, ready to throw themselves at him.
Clyde was always one to keep himself to himself, naturally detesting the attention from these women.
He never gossiped about these girls behind their backs; he'd just straightforwardly tell me he'd rejected someone today, without getting entangled in any drama.
I used to admire his gentlemanly behavior, but now, I just wish he'd remember who I really was to him.
But then, looking into his eyes, I sighed. It seemed I was the classic case of being too close for comfort, and now the trouble had found its way to me.
I tried to explain patiently, "The company has rules; even a parachuted-in designer needs a legitimate reason."
"Isn't my girlfriend reason enough?" Clyde's words nearly choked me.
"Your girlfriend? I'm your wife!"
"You're not!" Hearing me claim to be his wife made Clyde's face turn red.
"Even if you were, you must have done something shady while I was out cold! I only have one girlfriend. My girlfriend loves flowers, snacking, designing, traveling, cherishes romance. What do you love? Don't say you love me! Melanie, stop bothering me, or I won't be so polite next time."
Rachel, standing by, had turned pale.
Everyone knew she had avoided snacks in college to keep her figure, always eating measured portions.
Due to her family's moderate income, she never joined in on school trips.
And she had a boyfriend in her freshman year but ended things claiming he was too romantic for her taste, unlike Clyde's down-to-earth nature...
Clyde was projecting all my interests onto another woman.
Fenton stepped in to mediate once again.
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