Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 353

Chapter 353: Don’t talk to me
Nora held her glass, offering a polite smile as she thanked her colleagues for their warm welcome.

She accepted the toast and took a sip of the offered drink, feeling the burn of alcohol slide down her throat. Fortunately, she could handle her liquor well enough to stay completely aware of her surroundings.

“Nora, if your performance goes well, you might get a chance to transfer to one of our company’s hotels,” Brian said, swirling the drink in his glass. “The hospitality department needs more staff. But, of course, it’s a cutthroat competition. Having a degree from a prestigious college or some solid connections would help.”

“Oh, but you already have connections, don’t you, Nora?” Aurelia chimed in, her tone carrying a hint of something unreadable. “That should make things easier for you.”

Nora frowned slightly. “No, I don’t have any connections,” she refuted calmly.

“Don’t lie, Nora,” Maya cut in, idly twirling her fork over her plate. “You know the company director’s friend and the chairwoman.”

“Really? Who?” Harris asked, his interest piqued.

“It’s Demitri Velkazh,” Maya answered, glancing at Nora with a knowing look.

“I thought he was in the tech department,” Aurelia mused before turning back to Nora. “By the way, which college did you graduate from?”

“Ah… just a regular college,” Nora replied smoothly. “I completed my degree through a distance learning program because of some personal matters.”

Harris scoffed, shaking his head. “And yet, you got hired here? Maybe your friendship with Demitri had something to do with it.”

Nora stiffened slightly, her fingers tightening around the glass. “No, that’s not true,” she said firmly. “I didn’t even know Demitri worked here.”

But from the way they exchanged glances, she could tell they didn’t believe her. The conversation soon shifted, and they busied themselves with their meals, leaving her feeling like an outsider at the very table where she had been welcomed just moments ago.

Finally, everyone decided to leave. They split the bill, gathered their belongings, and exited the bar and restaurant. As the group piled into the cabs they had booked, Nora stepped forward, only to realize that there was no seat left for her.

“Nora, you should take another taxi,” Maya said, rolling down the window as she looked at her.

Nora forced a small smile. “Yeah. My home is in the opposite direction anyway,” she lied, keeping her tone light.

“Alright, see you tomorrow then,” Maya replied before the window slid shut. Moments later, the cab drove off, leaving Nora standing alone on the dimly lit sidewalk.

She exhaled quietly, lowering her head as she began walking along the walkway. The cool night air brushed against her skin.

Many thoughts spun in her mind, but she pushed them aside, pretending everything was fine. It was easier that way, easier to act as if being left behind didn’t bother her, easier to convince herself that she had grown used to this feeling.

Her life had always been like this. No matter where she went, she could never find friends who truly cared for her, friends who would be genuinely happy for her.

Nora kicked a small pebble on the ground, watching it roll away before coming to a stop. Frustration bubbled inside her as she muttered under her breath, “Why did I have to know Demitri? It would’ve been better if we had never met.”

But almost immediately, another thought crossed her mind. ‘It’s not his fault. It’s not anyone’s fault.’ Neither of them had expected to end up working in the same company, yet here they were.

A strange uneasiness settled in her stomach, making her feel heavier than before. Sighing, she walked over to a nearby bench and sat down, tucking her hands into the pockets of her warm jacket.

Unbeknownst to her, Demitri had been following at a distance, silently ensuring her safety. He had overheard her colleagues’ conversation, who were accusing her of using the resources to get into the company. He could tell that her abilities had been unfairly judged, overshadowed by the assumptions tied to his name.

But how could he explain that to people? Would they even listen?

Leaning against the trunk of a leafless tree, Demitri gazed at Nora, who looked lost. He watched the way she sat there, lost in thought, her posture weighed down by something unseen.

‘I wonder if I should go to her and comfort her… or if I should just let her be.’

Leaning against the tree, he looked up at the sky, keeping his gloved hands inside his leather jacket. He lowered his eyes and fixed his gaze on Nora before walking to her.

Meanwhile, Nora stood up from the bench, her fingers scrolling through her phone as she tried to book a cab. It was peak hour, and nearly all the cabs were either occupied or unavailable. Frustration built inside her as she kept refreshing the app, too distracted to notice the approaching cyclist.

The ringing of the bell barely fell in her ears. Before she could react, a strong arm suddenly yanked her to the side. She stumbled forward, her face landing against a firm chest as the bicycle whizzed past them.

The familiar scent of cologne filled her senses, and she instantly knew who it was. Lifting her head, she found herself staring into Demitri’s sharp eyes.

“Either use your phone or walk. Don’t do both at the same time,” he chided.

Nora frowned and quickly pulled away from him, sulking as she straightened herself. “What are you even doing here?” she demanded. “Did you stalk me?”

Demitri raised a brow. “Why would I stalk you?”

“Because you like me, don’t you?” she shot back, crossing her arms as she stared at him.

A flicker of amusement crossed Demitri’s face, but he didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let out a simple chuckle.

“Don’t follow me. Don’t talk to me. I am unable to make friends because of you. You should work from home. Don’t come to the office when I’ll be working,” Nora said. It wasn’t entirely clear-headed talk, more of a drunken outburst fueled by her own insecurities.

“I thought we were friends,” Demitri said.