Where the Noise EndsChapter 2

Jack stared for a moment before rushing over.

There was no joyful embrace, no warmth of a long-awaited reunion. Instead, his eyes flickered instinctively to Chloe, who stood watching us.

I offered a cool smile. "Let's stick to titles at work, Mr. Heston."

He flinched. "So the person HQ was sending… it really was you." He took my suitcase, muttered something about not wanting to be disturbed, and quickly ushered me into his office.

He pressed his lips together, his gaze cautious. "Winnie, what's wrong? Are you upset because I went out for drinks last night and didn't tell you?"

I didn't say a word. My eyes swept across his office, a space I’d seen countless times over video calls but was now entering for the first time. On his desk was a picture frame. I glanced at it, expecting to see us. But our photo was gone, replaced by a handsome shot of him on his motorcycle.

He followed my gaze and cleared his throat. "Too many people come in and out of the office. I keep our photo at home now."

I looked at him, a quiet weight settling between us. It had been three months since we'd last seen each other. I had imagined this moment a thousand times—would we cry? Laugh? Or just hold each other in a silent, desperate hug? I had never imagined this suffocating awkwardness.

Without a word, I took out my phone and played the video.

Chloe's voice, bright and carefree, filled the sterile office.

A flash of panic crossed Jack's face. "Winnie, she's just a riding buddy. There's nothing going on."

A wave of exhaustion washed over me. "She's also your assistant. Why did you never mention her?"

"It's not what you think," he said, his voice rising with anxiety. "We met in the riding group first. We'd been on a few runs together. Her major was a perfect fit for the role, and she was looking for a job, so I offered it to her. We're just friends, that's all. Buddies."

He finally stepped forward, pulling me into a belated, stiff hug. "Winnie, we've been together for five years. It hasn't been easy getting here. I cherish what we have."

A sharp sting pricked my nose.

He pulled back and showed me his phone. "Look, I already booked a flight to see you this weekend. I can't believe you came first. I'm so happy, Winnie. Truly."

He looked so sincere, so earnest, that the accusations died in my throat. He wiped a tear from the corner of my eye and took my hand, leading me out of the office.

Chloe was sitting at her desk just outside. She stood up the moment she heard the door. "Jack—"

Her eyes fell on our intertwined hands, and she stopped short.

Jack’s voice was firm, official. "Let me introduce you. This is Winnie Thorne, our new Director of Operations. She's also my girlfriend."

Chloe's smile was strained. "Oh, the missus. I've heard so much about you."

Jack's expression hardened, but there was a laugh in his voice. "Show some respect. We use titles in the office." He turned to me. "You head down to the operations department. I'll pick you up after work."

I nodded and walked away.

Behind me, I heard Chloe's indignant voice.

"You're gonna be mean to me just 'cause your girlfriend's here? What happened to being buddies? Fine. We're not riding tonight. Or ever again!"

Jack laughed and playfully smacked her on the back. "Not a chance. Ride or die, remember? We're buddies for life."

My steps faltered. I practically fled the nineteenth floor.

I sat in my new, empty office for half an hour, then made another call.

"I'm not taking the position in Chicago. I'll come home. I'll take the arranged marriage."

On the other end of the line, my brother, Bob, was stunned into silence for a moment before chuckling. "You're kidding, right? You've worked so hard to get here on your own. You're this close to getting Dad to finally approve. Why give up now?"

When I didn't answer, his tone shifted. "Winnie, what is it? Did that bastard Jack do something to you?"

The dam broke. A sob caught in my throat.

"Bob… I'm just so confused. Whatever happens, you should probably keep an eye out for a better candidate for the Chicago job."

"And, Bob?" I added, my voice trembling. "Can you do a background check on someone for me…?"