My mouth was on the floor. Someone bought it overnight? But how was it possible? And about my transfer, I didn’t have any idea of which corner of the country they’ve shifted me.

“Is there no other way to change the decision? I mean, I can’t just leave everything and move to a whole new city.” My voice was desperate.

“Sadly, no. We’re doing what we’d been ordered to do. We’re just doing our job, Ms. Hutton,” she said, glancing at her watch. “Now, I’ve something else to attend to. If you will excuse me. All the best for your future.”

“But, I…” And she was already gone.

I just stood there, flabbergasted. What the hell just happened?

I glanced down at the letter. Only God knew.

With shaky hands, I pulled the paper out and unfolded it. My heart stopped beating in my chest.

God. It’s not happening! It can’t be.

Now the crestfallen expression was slapped on my face as I walked out of the ominous building. Pulling my phone out, I dialed the number. After some rings, Dad picked up.

“Hello?”

“I’m coming back.”

NINE: MEETING THE REDHEAD

“So, that means you will stay now that you’ve been transferred here?” Mom eyed me, stirring the soup on the stove. Her voice radiated felicity.

Peeling another pea, I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m thinking of applying for another transfer. Maybe they will consider it?”

Staying here wasn’t an option for me, but leaving this job, well, I couldn’t take the risk. I’d dreamed of working at companies like this, and now that I finally got the chance, I couldn’t just throw it away. The one thing that didn’t make any sense was Coopers Fabrics was one of the most successful textile companies. What happened that they had to sell it overnight?

“I didn’t know you hate this city that much,” she said, her tone was fragile.

I sighed. “I don’t hate it here, Mom. It’s just, I told you, all my plans are made around New York. And I can’t just ignore them just like that.”

“Do you think I’m a fool?” Her brows rose. “Do you think I don’t know why you’re so keen to stay away from LA?”

I opened my mouth and then closed it.

She shook her head. “Just because of one person, you can’t punish your whole family, Em. You have to accept it sooner or later. You can’t keep running forever.”

Closing my eyes, I rubbed my neck. I didn’t deny anything she enunciated. We both knew the truth.

“Anyway, what’s the name of your new employer? I want to thank him personally for transferring you here. I already like this person.” Sensing my unease, she changed the topic.