Adeline exited Waylen Company's office, her heart racing. She still couldn't believe it—she'd actually landed the job. She was officially part of the company now, even though the name "Waylen" would always be associated with Luke. But that didn't matter anymore. She was free.
"Alright, celebration time!" Charlotte grinned, leading Adeline toward the shopping center. "Let's hit the shops. You deserve it after everything."
Adeline smiled faintly, trying to shake off the weight of the past. "Yeah, I guess I do."
Later, in a trendy boutique, Charlotte tossed a dress over her shoulder, looking at Adeline with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"So, now that you're rid of Luke's drama," she began, sizing Adeline up, "what's next?"
Adeline raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Charlotte waggled her brows. "You know, dating."
Adeline blinked. "I'm not exactly looking to jump into anything right now."
Charlotte snorted. "Come on, what else are you gonna do? You're done with Luke, and you're in the perfect place for a fresh start." She leaned in conspiratorially. "Maybe Mr. Elias could be your next conquest."
Adeline froze. "Mr. Elias?"
"Yeah, the CEO of Waylen Company. Luke's older stepbrother. He's a big deal—cold, calculating, commanding." Charlotte smiled. "Oh, and I heard he's a huge germophobe. Doesn't like people touching him. But hey, maybe that's your thing?"
Adeline stared at her, trying to process the rapid shift in topic. "Wait, Mr. Elias? The CEO of the company?"
Charlotte nodded, practically bouncing with excitement. "Yup, the big shot. He keeps to himself—very private. But hey, now that you're single…" She wiggled her eyebrows. "He's definitely on the market."
Adeline stepped back, confused. "But—germophobe? No touching?"
Charlotte shrugged. "Yep, that's the deal. But think about it—he's got everything else: power, money, control. He probably likes a challenge, someone who doesn't fawn all over him."
Adeline folded her arms, still processing. "But why would I go out with him?"
Charlotte looked at her like she'd just asked the dumbest question. "Why not? He's perfect. Luke's out of the picture, and if you're starting fresh, why not go for something completely different?"
Adeline laughed dryly. "I can't imagine Mr. Elias even noticing me."
Charlotte laughed. "Trust me, you've got more charm than you give yourself credit for. And he likes control—maybe you could be the one to loosen him up."
Adeline sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know, Char. That seems a little far-fetched."
"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing," Charlotte said, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, you deserve someone who doesn't treat you like dirt."
Adeline smiled weakly, her head spinning. "Let's stick to me, for now. No distractions."
Charlotte tossed a shirt at her. "Fair enough. But when you get tired of being single, just remember Mr. Elias. You can thank me later."
Adeline rolled her eyes but laughed. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind."
Later, as they sat in a coffee shop, Adeline checked her phone. A new message flashed on the screen.
Luke.
Her stomach twisted.
"I don't even know why I still have him on here," Adeline muttered, hovering her finger over the delete key.
Charlotte glanced over. "Is it from him? Seriously? Don't you have enough distance by now?"
Adeline sighed. "Yeah, but... I don't know. I just keep thinking—what if I made the wrong choice?"
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious? The guy betrayed you. You didn't make a mistake. You made the right one."
Adeline nodded slowly. "You're right. It just... feels weird, you know? All of this is weird."
Charlotte patted her hand. "One step at a time, Addy. One step at a time."