Baijiu by the Bridge

The following day, Alexander approached Adrian's office, rapping on the door twice, only to be met with silence. Deciding to investigate further, he pushed the door open, revealing an empty office.

"Hmm, perhaps Adrian is out for a moment. I'll return later," Alexander muttered to himself. As he was about to exit, his attention was drawn to the vacant chair behind the desk. Clearing his throat, he surveyed the surroundings, closing the door behind him. He strolled over to the chair, settling into it with a sense of curiosity, crossing his legs as he peered at Adrian's workspace.

Deep in thought, he reflected, 'So, this is the perspective of being the boss.'

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Alexander, Adrian was taking a break outside his office. Having just perused his employees' emails, he sought solace by sitting alone on a bench beside a fountain in the courtyard. Amidst the tranquility, he retrieved his phone from his pocket, contemplating dialing Hailey's number. However, his attention shifted as Mason hurriedly passed by.

Observing Mason's entrance into the building, Adrian smirked and decided to forego the call to Hailey. Closing his phone, he sighed, thinking, 'Well, there goes the idea of a relaxing day out.' He pocketed his phone and rose from the bench, heading back towards the building with a resigned expression.

***

Adrian approached the entrance to his office, taking a moment to contemplate before decisively pushing the door ajar. Upon entering, his gaze fell upon his office chair, its back turned towards him. Furrowing his brows, he crossed his arms, a puzzled expression etched on his face as he observed the unexpected occupant.

The chair slowly swiveled around, revealing Alexander comfortably seated. Adrian's frown deepened as Alexander, without bothering to make eye contact, nonchalantly dismissed him, "The boss is busy; come back later," waving his hand dismissively. The chair turned again, with Alexander pointedly ignoring Adrian's presence.

Clearing his throat, Adrian tried to assert himself. Alexander turned the chair once more, and said, " I thought I made it clear..." but his words were cut short as he locked eyes with an irate Adrian.

Recognizing the shift in atmosphere, Alexander hastily stood, adopting a bright smile, "Oh, Young Master! You're back." He bowed respectfully.

Adrian, still visibly perturbed, instructed, "Please, make yourself comfortable. As of today, you're in charge."

As Alexander hesitated, attempting to explain, he left the desk, shook his head and stuttered, "No young master I was just... "

But Adrian sternly asserted, "You're handling all my tasks for today."

Pointing towards the chair, he continued, "You're the boss for today. After that, you can revert to your usual role."

Protesting, Alexander mumbled, "But, Young Master..."

Adrian's eyes glowed crimson red, his command cutting through, "Just do it. You're the boss for today. Only after today will you return to your normal duties."

Bowing in submission, Alexander accepted the unexpected responsibility.

After that, Adrian left the office, closing the door behind him.

***

In the later part of the afternoon, Hailey immersed herself in reviewing a report sent by one of the team leaders when her phone abruptly vibrated, signaling a reminder.

As she checked, she discovered it was a poignant notification marking her and Mason's sixth-year anniversary. The realization weighed heavily on her, and a deep sigh escaped her lips.

Setting the phone down, her gaze fixed on the laptop screen, Hailey pondered, 'I had planned to propose to that asshole today... but now, I'm spending our anniversary alone. Was it a mistake to love, to be loyal, and to invest in our relationship?'

Furrowing her brows, she ran her hands through her hair before composing herself to type an approval note for the report, hitting send before another heavy sigh.

Closing her laptop, she stood up, collecting her handbag and phone. Just as she prepared to leave, a knock echoed from her office door. "Come in," she called out.

The door swung open, revealing Julie. As Julie entered, she inquired, "Are you leaving now, ma'am? Shall I inform Mr. Andre to ready the car?"

Hailey offered a small, strained smile and replied with a subdued tone, "No need, I'll go by myself." Julie raised an eyebrow, sensing Hailey's unease, and inquired, "You don't seem yourself, ma'am. Is something bothering you?" Concern etched on her face.

Hailey forced a bitter laugh, commenting, "Nothing really, Julie. I'm just exhausted from work. I'll head home on my own when I'm ready, so don't worry about me." Attempting to mask her inner turmoil, she adorned a facade of a fake smile.

Julie acknowledged Hailey's words with a gentle smile but refrained from probing further, sensing that Hailey wasn't in the mood for conversation.

"Goodnight, Julie," Hailey bid farewell with a smile before exiting her office. As the sound of the elevator signaled her departure, Julie let out a heavy sigh, turning to leave Hailey's office behind.

Upon stepping outside the building, Hailey made her way to the sidewalk and hailed a cab. Soon, a taxi pulled up, and she opened the back seat door, slipping inside.

Once comfortably settled, Hailey communicated her destination to the driver. With a nod, he initiated the journey. Hailey closed her eyes briefly, leaning against the headrest as the cityscape blurred outside the window.

***

Having reached her destination, Hailey settled the cab fare and gracefully stepped out into the evening air.

A short while later, she found herself standing on a bridge, the delicate glass of baijiu clasped in her hands. Moving closer to the bridge's edge, she became entranced by the sunset's amber hues reflected in her eyes, the gentle whispers of the river below, and the soft glow of the setting sun.

Lost in contemplation, Hailey fixed her gaze on the horizon, where the sun gracefully descended beneath the city's skyline, casting the sky in a captivating blend of orange and pink.

The bustling noises of the city gradually faded into the background, allowing the bridge to envelop her in a rare moment of tranquility.

As the sun dipped lower, Hailey's inner turmoil surfaced in her thoughts, 'I can't seem to quench my burning rage.'

A subtle breeze tousled her hair, carrying the taste of baijiu that intermingled with the salty air. The clinking of the glass echoed alongside the distant hum of the city. Raising her glass once more to take another sip, the moment was punctuated by a distinctive click, resembling that of a camera like someone was taking a picture .