Middle Child Syndrome - Chapter 276

Chapter 276: Ch 276: In a moment
Rika felt tired for the rest of the day she worked.

Following her mother’s instructions, Rika led employees from other departments, a role she hadn’t anticipated. She didn’t even realize when she had become their leader, a testament to her humility.

But it was clear that everyone thought of her as some leader because they kept turning to her for any problem regarding what was happening.

It was frustrating, but Rika did not mind it as much as she thought she would.

Instead, it felt natural for her to step into the role left behind by her previous supervisor and do as good of a job as possible. Her natural leadership qualities reassured everyone that they were in good hands.

‘Oh wow! I was afraid that these people would be just as clueless as I was about the work, but they knew what they were doing. I learned more about this department and how it works today than I was here in the past few days.’

Rika felt…relieved to have such a friendly staff. They were cooperative and patient with Rika at the same time.

These people did stare at Rika quite a lot, but she got used to it soon enough.

By the end of the day, it no longer felt awkward for Rika to work with these people and guide them toward a better future.

Her day was going well, and all Rika needed to do after this was head home and relax in bed. She already had a list of things she would enjoy in bed.

Alas, her hopes and dreams were something the universe loved to dash.

Andrew’s call annoyed Rika a bit, but she knew she could not ignore him forever. Once she thought enough time had passed, she quickly picked up the call.

“Keep your evening free. I will take you shopping for the conference. We must match our outfits to show everyone we are in the same fraction this time.”

Andrew’s call was simple and reasonable. But it still made Rika feel as if this man was playing her.

She did not like the feeling, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“You want us to coordinate our outfits? I was not aware that we were close enough to do that. Did something change?”

Rika asked, but Andrew only replied for a partial minute. She was about to cut off her call when he finally answered Rika’s question.

“I know we are not close. But if we attend something as prestigious as the Union Conference, we must show a united front. Most people will remember you for the impressions made during this time.”

Andrew spoke firmly, and Rika had a sudden feeling that he was not saying bullshit.

The alpha seemed to know what he was talking about, giving Rika a good idea of what she was getting into.

“I don’t know if my words would offend you, but I need to ask this anyway. You ask me to attend the conference because you need *me* or a partner *omega*.”

Since Andrew knew Rika’s secret, she wanted to clear out the air between them. She did not expect Andrew to look taken aback by her question.

“Huh! What kind of question is that? I asked you to be my partner because I wanted you. If all I wanted was an omega, then I had a lot of options. Don’t you remember? I told you I liked you already! My feelings have not changed much since then.”

Andrew Tweten confessed so openly that it took Rika aback. She had not expected the alpha to be so open about his feelings.

Last time, the alpha had turned red when he confessed, and it looked difficult for him to utter these words.

But this time, there was no hesitation in his voice. It made Rika feel awkward and did not know what to do anymore.

She could only remain silent and let Andrew sincerely confess his feelings for her.

“Looks like you are too stunned to reply to my confession. I understand this is overwhelming, so I don’t expect you to answer me honestly. Just take your time thinking about this.”

Rika fell silent.

She doubted her answer would be favorable since she already had Emily and Damian. But Andrew knew that as well, and he had confessed despite that.

He also told Rika he did not want to hear her rejection.

“Let’s stop discussing this depressing topic and return to our shopping talk. Is there anything you’d like to ask me about any accessories? Anything else you want us to buy while we are shopping?”

Andrew was quick to change topics, and he did so naturally.

He was used to dealing with such tense situations and knew how to navigate them.

Rika allowed him to change and lead the conversation since she wanted to think less. The day ended quickly after that, and before Rika knew it, it was time for her to leave for home.

Andrew came to pick her up, and Rika got into his car.

She did not care if anyone saw her or not. She already had too many rumors surrounding her to care at this point.

Mark was the only one who contacted her; he did not sound happy. But Rika was a master at ignoring him, so she just put the phone down and pretended she did not see it.

Andrew did not say anything even after he saw what Rika was doing to Mark’s calls.

The shopping trip was… average. If you did not consider they were shopping at one of the best custom-cloth shops in the world and that Andrew was likely spending a fortune here, Rika could say that she was enjoying the experience.

No employee sneered at her, and no one came to ask her to step out.

She felt included and decided to return here…if her financial situation allowed her to return.

‘After all, it’s not like I’ll have much money soon. Once I drop my family name, I will no longer have all this luxury.’