I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 17

The next morning, the office was more abuzz than usual.

My colleagues from the secretarial department had gathered by the window, whispering restlessly among themselves.

“Hey, did you see? In the lobby downstairs.”

“Yeah… she had such an incredible aura. Like an actress.”

“I heard she’s the daughter of the Kujo family. Apparently, she’s here about the sponsorship contract.”

The moment I heard that name, I instinctively looked up.

Even someone as out of touch with society as me knew that name like a celebrity.

In the direction of their gazes, a woman was walking from the glass-walled entrance toward the executive floor.

Her long black hair was tied up high, her posture straight and dignified.

The hem of her glossy black traditional attire swayed gently.

Walking quietly with her attendants in tow, she was so elegant it was as if she were wrapped in a golden aura.

Kujo Reika.

The prestigious Kujo family in the financial world. Their direct descendant.

Rumors spread instantly that she had come as the negotiation contact for the sponsorship contract, given the Kujo group’s long-standing business relationship with Kirishima Group.

“It’s rare for someone from the Kujo family to come in person.”

“I heard Executive Director Kirishima is handling it directly.”

All the employees’ eyes followed her.

Through it all, Reika walked toward the executive floor without faltering in the slightest.

I just stared at her back, feeling a rough, unsettled sensation deep in my chest.

◆◆◆

Eventually, the door to our office opened.

You could feel her dazzling aura.

Reika wore a soft smile and spoke without hesitation.

“Naoya. Long-time no see.”

—First name basis!?

The naturalness of it hit me like a shock, as if my heart had been grabbed tightly.

“This is Miss Reika. Are you here as your father’s representative today?”

“Yes. I came as the official negotiator for the Kujo Group. Regarding the sponsorship matter.”

Reika folded her fan and elegantly took a seat.

Kirishima’s tone was as matter-of-fact as usual or so it should have been, but his voice sounded more polite than normal.

“I’m honored you came in person. We’ll positively consider the contract matter.”

He bowed to Reika.

“My. To hear such words from you.”

The conversation remained strictly business.

Yet, the closeness of childhood friends inevitably seeped through.

I could only hold my breath and watch how things unfolded.

The meeting proceeded splendidly, gradually moving into the main business discussion.

Though consistently amicable, there was a tense atmosphere throughout the approximately thirty-minute conversation.

◆◆◆

When I returned after excusing myself to pick flowers—

I saw the two of them standing side by side in the entrance, chatting and laughing.

“Naoya, thank you for today. The negotiations progressed quite well. You’re as reliable as ever.”

“Miss Reika, you’re still as strong-willed as always.”

“Oh my, I’m always gentle. When we were little, you looked like you wanted some of my side dish, so I properly shared it with you, didn’t I?”

“Pfft, you’re still holding onto stories from that long ago…”

“My, my. That part of you hasn’t changed since we were children.”

It seemed like the kind of casual conversation only childhood friends could share.

Kirishima’s expression was softer than usual.

For some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to approach, instead peeking at the scene from behind the wall.

Their laughter pierced my ears, and the restlessness deep in my chest wouldn’t stop.

(…Why does this bother me so much?)

Then Kirishima noticed me and beckoned me over.

“Let me introduce you. This is Udo Miharu, the new secretary assigned to me.”

A sudden introduction.

I needed to greet her properly here.

“My name is Udo Miharu. It’s an honor to be introduced.”

I bowed deeply.

When I raised my head and looked at Reika, I noticed her eyes were smiling.

“So, you’re the new one. I’m Kujo Reika. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of who you are.”

Reika looked at me with upturned eyes.

—The intimidation was overwhelming.

“Indeed. As a token of our new acquaintance, would you exchange contact information with me?”

Saying this, Reika took out her smartphone and pressed closer to me.

Huh?

The daughter of the Kujo family with someone like me?

…Why on earth?

“…Eh? With me…?”

“That’s right. Do you mind?”

“No, it’s just so sudden that I’m surprised. I understand.”

Overwhelmed by the sudden request, I agreed to exchange information without refusing.

After we finished exchanging contacts, Reika flashed a bold smile and said,

“Hehe. I’ve heard about you from Naoya. I want to know more about you. Tell me all sorts of things.”

“…Y-yes.”

Huh, what exactly did he tell her about me?

Kirishima was talking about me… that’s unexpected.

More importantly, why would she care about a new secretary like me?

“Well, I’ll be taking my leave now. Have a good day.”

With those parting words, she briskly walked through the automatic doors and left.

—This was my first meeting with Reika.