I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 43

Monday morning, 10 AM.

Tension ran through the company due to the sudden turn of events.

The Kiryū Group’s new large-scale project. A joint development contract with an overseas brand.

It was a deal worth billions of dollars, directly overseen by Managing Director Kiryū himself.

But then, a sudden notification arrived from the partner company: “We request a renegotiation of terms.”

An hour earlier, an emergency meeting had been called, with department heads joining online.

And now, the meeting was about to begin.

“A change in terms… Why now?”

“I don’t know. But first thing this morning, we received an official communication from their headquarters. They’re asking for a response by the end of the day.”

At my report, the atmosphere in the meeting room grew even more tense.

“Narrow the response options down to three. PR, Finance, and Legal, start reviewing immediately.”

Managing Director Kiryū’s calm voice quietly dominated the room.

His face was the picture of composure.

But I didn’t miss the slight tremor in his fingertips.

◆◆◆

Evening.

After returning to the managing director’s office, Kiryū had been issuing instructions to various department heads since the afternoon, trying to get ahead of the situation.

While helping with data processing, I remained silent.

Deep wrinkles had formed between his eyebrows.

Even his usually steady voice was slightly strained.

(…He’s panicking.)

The moment that thought crossed my mind, Kiryū gave me an instruction.

“Udo. Sorry, but I need you to stay late.”

“…Understood.”

As soon as I replied, he turned his gaze back to his computer screen.

For the next few hours, we worked with few words exchanged.

In the silence, only the sound of keyboards and the ticking clock could be heard.

Then, 8 PM.

It was completely dark outside.

Kiryū kept his hands moving while occasionally glancing out the window.

His profile showed clear signs of fatigue.

I gently broke the silence.

“…Kiryū-san.”

“What is it?”

“Let’s step away for a moment. If you don’t rest a bit, you might make a misjudgment.”

“I’m fine. I can’t stop now.”

His words made something tighten painfully in my chest.

(…When it comes to work, he never sees me as his “girlfriend.”)

I know that.

But I couldn’t just leave him like this.

Steeling myself, I put a bit more force into my tone.

“…I’m saying this as your secretary. Continuing like this will affect ‘the managing director’s judgment.’ So please, rest for just five minutes.”

At that moment, Kiryū’s hands stopped moving.

A brief silence.

Eventually, he slowly raised his gaze.

“…You’re as strong-willed as ever.”

“Huh?”

“That’s the Udo I know. You should stay just as you are.”

He showed the first relaxed smile I’d seen all day.

That slight smile was proof that he was returning to his usual self.

A warm feeling spread through my chest.

“Thank you. I’ll make some coffee right away.”

As I said that to Kiryū, I found it strange myself.

—As a secretary, I want to be a “supportive partner.”

That version of myself was definitely there.

◆◆◆

The clock hand passed 10 PM.

Kiryū and I attached the response documents and carefully completed the final check.

Then, we sent the email to the other party.

Kiryū leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh.

“…It’s over.”

Hearing that, I finally managed to smile back.

“Yes. Good work today.”

“Udo…”

He called my name.

Then, with a voice that seemed slightly hesitant.

“…Thank you. Today, I felt like I was supported not by my ‘secretary,’ but by ‘you.'”

“Eh?”

My heart leaped at his words.

But I took a deep breath and smiled.

“Then next time, rest as my ‘boyfriend.'”

For a moment, his eyes widened.

Then the next instant, a quiet laugh escaped him.

Seeing that smile, I laughed too.

Kiryū took off his suit jacket and hung it on the chair.

Then he sat beside me, leaning his shoulder and upper arm against mine.

Only a comfortable silence flowed through the night office.

“Udo… no, Miharu-san.”

I felt like I was being drawn into Naoya’s straightforward gaze.

“I want you to continue supporting me, seeing the same sights together, and staying by my side.”

“Eh…”

I never expected to hear something like this but it made me happy.

I’m actually being useful to Kiryū-san.

Thinking that, a gentle warmth spread deep in my heart.

“…Yes.”

That was all I could reply.

But I thought that was enough.

“…I’ll rest a little.”

Saying that, he closed his eyes.

His feelings were clearly conveyed through his actions.

I want us to continue leaning on each other.

Watching his sleeping face as he napped beside me, I thought that once again.