Chapter 6: The Third Wheel That Refuses to Leave
Miller had accepted something important.
Not fate.
Not destiny.
Not even his transmigration.
He had accepted a much harsher truth:
"…I live here now."
He stared at the ceiling.
"…This is my life."
Morning Routine: Already Ruined
"Wake up."
Miller opened his eyes.
Cloe stood by his bed.
"…Why are you here."
"It's morning."
"…That doesn't answer the question."
"You didn't come to the office."
"…It's called a day off."
"I don't give those."
"…Of course you don't."
Forced Attendance Arc Begins
Within 20 minutes, Miller was in a car.
"…This is kidnapping."
"It's punctuality."
"…It's kidnapping."
At the Office – New Strategy
Miller had a new plan.
A smarter plan.
A quieter plan.
A plan involving…
"…Ignoring everything."
Step 1: Be Invisible
He sat at his desk.
Silent.
Still.
Breathing minimally.
If possible, he would stop existing.
Cloe entered.
Paused.
"…Why are you hiding?"
"…I'm not."
"You are."
"…I'm blending."
"With what?"
"…The atmosphere."
Step 2: Avoid Eye Contact
Miller stared at his screen.
Not at her.
Not at anything important.
Just the screen.
"…Look at me," Cloe said.
"…No."
"…Why?"
"Survival instinct."
Cloe's Observation Mode Activated
She walked closer.
Sat at the edge of his desk.
"…You've been trying to avoid me."
"…Perceptive."
"…Why?"
"…Professional boundaries."
"…You already broke those."
"…I'm rebuilding them."
Unexpected Behavior
Cloe didn't get angry.
Didn't raise her voice.
Instead—
"…Stay."
"…I am staying."
"No. Stay close."
"…That's what worries me."
Meanwhile – The Silent Husband
At the mansion—
Andro was cleaning.
Again.
The house was already clean.
But he cleaned anyway.
A maid hesitated nearby.
"…Sir, you don't have to do that."
"It helps me think."
"…About Madam?"
A pause.
"…Yes."
Thoughts He Doesn't Say
She's spending more time with him.
She laughs more.
She talks more.
She comes home later.
He paused.
"…It's fine," he said softly.
Back to Office – The Trap Tightens
"Come with me," Cloe said suddenly.
"…Where?"
"Meeting."
"…I'm not invited."
"You are now."
"…I didn't consent."
"You will."
"…That's not how consent works."
"It is for you."
"…I feel like I'm losing rights."
Meeting Room – Unexpected Audience
Miller stood beside Cloe during the meeting.
Executives were present.
All staring.
Some curious.
Some intimidated.
"…Why is the assistant here?" someone asked.
Cloe replied calmly:
"He's with me."
Silence.
Miller internally screamed:
WHY WOULD YOU SAY IT LIKE THAT?!
Step 3: Misinterpretation Damage
Whispers began.
"Is he promoted?"
"No, but he's close to her."
"…Too close."
Miller's soul: leaving again.
After the Meeting – The Problem Escalates
"Good job," Cloe said.
"…I didn't do anything."
"You stood there."
"…That's not a job."
"It is now."
Desperate Attempt #11: Distance Reinforcement
"You should rely on your husband more," Miller said again.
"…You're repeating yourself."
"Yes, because the message isn't getting through!"
"…It is."
"…Then act on it!"
Cloe's Response (Unexpected Shift)
She didn't dismiss it this time.
She didn't argue.
Instead—
"…Why does it matter to you?"
Miller paused.
That question again.
"…Because he's your husband."
"…Contract."
"…Still human!"
A Slight Change
Cloe looked away briefly.
"…You care about him."
"…Yes."
"…Why?"
"…Because someone should."
Silence.
Longer than before.
Subtle Shift in Atmosphere
"…You think I'm neglecting him," she said.
"…I know you are."
"…And that bothers you."
"…Yes."
Cloe's Quiet Realization
She studied him.
Not as an assistant.
Not as a tool.
But as something else.
"…You're trying to fix something that isn't your responsibility."
"…I know."
"…Then why?"
Miller hesitated.
"…Because if no one does… it ends badly."
The First Hint of Concern
Cloe didn't respond immediately.
For once.
She didn't have a quick answer.
Meanwhile – Andro's Quiet Endurance
At home—
Andro received a message.
From Cloe.
I will be late.
He read it.
Stared at it.
Then replied:
Okay. Be safe.
He put the phone down.
Smiled faintly.
"…At least she replied."
Evening – Collision Course
Cloe and Miller left the office.
"…Dinner," she said.
"…Again?"
"Yes."
"…With your husband?"
"No."
"…I regret everything."
Miller Tries One Last Time
"Just go home early tonight," he said.
"…Why?"
"Because he'll be there."
"…And?"
"…And he's waiting."
A Pause
Cloe looked at him.
Long.
Then—
"…You're very persistent."
"…I'm trying to survive."
"…Not very effectively."
"…I noticed."
Final Scene
As they arrived back at the mansion—
Miller stepped out slowly.
"…Here we go again."
The door opened.
Andro stood there.
Waiting.
As always.
"…You're back," he said softly.
His eyes briefly met Miller's.
Not hostile.
Not angry.
Just… tired.
Miller's Internal Alarm
This man is on the edge.
And nobody sees it.
Cloe Walks In
Calm.
Composed.
Unaware… or unwilling to acknowledge.
"…I'll be upstairs," she said.
Then added—
"…Miller, come."
Final Thought of the Chapter
Miller looked at Andro.
Then at Cloe.
Then at the house that felt less like a home and more like a stage.
"…I'm not even part of the original script anymore," he muttered.
"…I'm just stuck in the middle."
To Be Continued…