Chapter 3

Ever since Alexander and I got together, I'd always been the one to bake his birthday cake.

I had seen the cartoon image on his phone. It was Olivia's profile picture.

The living room went quiet.

Just as Alexander seemed to realize how unreasonable his request was, I gave him a small nod.

"Send me the picture. I'll go out and get the ingredients."

If it weren't for Alexander seven years ago, when he helped me navigate through a tough spot early in my career, I wouldn't have made it out unscathed. After I bake this cake, I'd finally be free of any lingering debt to him.

I walked toward the door, my shoulders heavy with the weight of it all, when Alexander called after me, stunned.

I didn't turn around, just asked, "Anything else?"

"…I've transferred money for the ingredients."

I stepped into the elevator, then opened my chat with Alexander. There was a part of me that couldn't help but laugh at how many messages I'd sent him over the years, 5,363. And he'd replied to me… 25 times.

Back in the living room, the notification popped up that the $10,000 transfer had been returned. Alexander's grip on his phone tightened as he stared at the screen, frustration building.

At 8 PM, I got a call from him.

"Rachel, where are you?"

I was sitting in a noodle shop near home, but I didn't answer directly. "Need something?"

His voice softened, almost regretful. "Nothing. Just wanted to tell you… the cake you made was delicious, like always."

Then, in a quieter tone, he added, "Thanks for your hard work."

Before I could reply, Olivia's voice piped up, sugary sweet.

"Sister Rachel! I heard from Brother Alexander that you made my birthday cake today, is that true? Oh my gosh, sister, you're amazing. I'm always getting called a little dummy by Brother Alexander."

Then came Alexander's voice again, right after Olivia invited me to the birthday party.

"Rachel, you don't need to come."

And then, he hung up.

But a few minutes later, a text popped up, along with a location:

[When you come, grab a bag of tomato-flavored chips for Olivia from the convenience store nearby.]

I couldn't help it. I still went.

When I opened the door to the private room, I saw Alexander feeding Olivia a piece of cake.

The moment I walked in, his expression turned cold.

I knew the location and text had come from Olivia, but I still showed up.

Olivia greeted me sweetly, calling me "Sister-in-law." Alexander shot me a cold look.

"Didn't I tell you not to come?"

"I'm sorry, Brother Alexander," Olivia pouted. "I wanted chips, so I tricked Sister Rachel into coming."

Alexander softened as he ruffled her hair and muttered, "You little glutton."

Seeing him in a good mood, I decided to push my luck. I pulled out my resignation letter.

"Alexander, a colleague has an urgent family matter and needs to leave. Please approve it."

Usually, resignation requests go through HR, but since it was me, the HR manager had simply returned it.

The room was dimly lit, and Alexander, distracted by Olivia, signed the form without even glancing at the name on it. Exactly what I had hoped for.

But just as I went to grab the paper, his hand shot out, gripping mine.