Chương 3: His Past Love

In the firm grip of her suitcase, Alla arrived at the residence of her dear friend, Margaret Evans. Raising her hand in a gentle knock, she stood aside, immersing herself in the silence of anticipation. Orphans both, Margaret and Alla grew up in the confines of the orphanage, their bond as deep as that of sisters.

When Casiano had come to take Alla away, Margaret had whispered, "Alla, if he ever casts you aside, remember your way back home." It was this promise that fortified Alla's resolve to renounce Casiano's abode.

Upon opening the door and seeing Alla, Margaret's face instantly brightened, her lips curving into a radiant smile that crinkled her eyes. "Alla, what brings you here?"

Tightening her grip on the suitcase, Alla responded, her voice laced with embarrassment, "Maggie, I have come to seek refuge with you." Only then did Margaret notice the suitcase, her smile freezing into a mask of confusion. "What happened?"

Feigning nonchalance, Alla offered a light laugh, "We have parted ways." Margaret turned her gaze to Alla, her smile strained, her face pale and gaunt, eyes deeply sunken. Cloaked in the biting cold, her body seemed fragile as a paper sheet. Seeing Alla in this state, a pang of sympathy welled up in Margaret.

Rushing forward, she enveloped Alla in a comforting embrace, "Don't worry, I'm here for you." At these words, Alla's eyes welled up with unshed tears. She returned the embrace, gently patting Margaret's back, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Margaret knew that Alla was merely trying to assuage her fears.

Margaret had been witness to the depth of Alla's love for Casiano. Over the past five years, Alla had worked relentlessly to repay Casiano, foolishly hoping to change his perception of her. Yet, in the end, she was callously discarded by him. Margaret's mind traveled back to a rainy night five years ago...

If only Alla hadn't sold herself for Ricky, she would never have met Casiano. Her Alla would have led a blissful life. Alas, there was no turning back.

Alla, unwilling to let Margaret share her sorrow, gently pushed her away, gracing her with a soft smile, "Are you going to let me freeze out here, or are you going to take me in?" Seeing Alla's unwavering strength, Margaret's heart lightened. She believed Alla would soon recover. Children like them, often discarded, learned to persevere. As long as they lived, no hurdle was insurmountable.

Feeling slightly better, Margaret took Alla's suitcase, leading her into the house, "Never talk of being taken in again. This is your home, for as long as you wish." Margaret then fetched a clean set of nightclothes and handed them to Alla, "Go take a shower. I'll prepare something delicious for you. Afterwards, you should rest. Don't worry about anything else, alright?"

Alla accepted the clothes, obediently nodding her head, "Alright." Margaret was always this way, her kindness the beacon that warmed Alla's life. Unfortunately, her life was threatened by end-stage heart failure. She knew Margaret would be devastated if she found out about her imminent demise.

Gazing at the bustling figure in the kitchen, Alla walked over, "Maggie, I think I should quit my job." Margaret nodded in agreement, "You need to rest. You've worked yourself to the bone these past years, all for some overtime. Quit your job and rest at home. I'll take care of the finances."

Feeling warmth seep into her heart, Alla turned away, her voice choked with emotion, "Alright." She then retreated to the bathroom, her tears concealed. Fate had never been kind to her. Since her departure was inevitable, she would spend her last three months devotedly by Maggie's side.

The following morning, after applying makeup to mask her pallor, she set off to resign from her job. No sooner had she seated herself at her workstation to draft her resignation than her colleague, Maddie, wheeled over, "Alla, have you checked your emails?"

Shaking her head, Alla explained she had been away with Casiano over the weekend. Maddie informed her that Karly had sent a letter of appointment announcing the arrival of the Chairman's daughter as the new CEO. Alla, having no recollection of the Chairman's daughter, showed little interest. After all, she was leaving, so it mattered little who took charge.

Maddie, however, was intrigued, "I heard she just returned from abroad. Although she has a PhD in Business Administration, she lacks management experience. Isn't she worried about gossip for taking up the CEOposition so soon?" Ivy, seated next to Maddie, scoffed, "Who dares to gossip about her? She is Davies Corporation's cherished belle."

At the mention of Davies Corporation, Alla's hand, poised over her mouse, stilled.

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