The Storm Came Before You

“Ms. Summers, Mr. Quinn has already approved your resignation. He didn’t realize you were the one leaving. Should I let him know?”

Hearing the news over the phone, Yara Summers lowered her gaze. “No. It’s fine. Just leave it as it is.”

“You’ve been his secretary for four years. He values you the most and depends on you more than anyone. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

HR kept trying to persuade her, but Yara just smiled.

“Nobody in this world can remain dependent on one party forever. My parents aren’t well, and I need to go back to my hometown for a blind date and get married. Since Mr. Quinn has approved it, I’ll carry through with the proper handover process. I’ll be leaving in a month. Thank you.”

After hanging up, Yara Summers went back to packing her things.

She had lived in this villa for three years. She did not have many belongings, but they had piled up over time. She kept only the essentials and got rid of the rest.

As the room slowly emptied, she froze for a moment. A flood of memories came back to her.

Eight years ago, Yara, a girl from a modest family in a small town, got into Highton University. There, she became best friends with Yelena Quinn, the heiress of a wealthy family in Jadewood.

Despite coming from very different worlds, the two girls clicked instantly. They went to class together, ate together, shopped together, and spent every day together.

Gradually, Yara was drawn into Yelena’s world. She met her family and fell in love with her brother, Marcus Quinn.

But she kept her feelings to herself and never told anyone.

After graduation, Yelena went abroad to study.

Yara remained in Jadewood and applied for jobs. She became Marcus’ secretary just so she could see him often.

One day, something unexpected happened. Marcus was drugged.

Yara was about to call the hospital when he lost control and pushed her against the wall. He kissed her fiercely.

After a night together, she woke up and saw him sitting by the window. His strong features were shrouded in a cloud of smoke. He seemed calm and lonely.

When he heard her move, he turned and asked one question.

“Do you like me?”

Yara instinctively wanted to deny it, but he spoke calmly.

“You blush every time you see me. You remember all my rules and preferences. The moment you graduated, you came to work as my secretary.

“Don’t tell me it was all a coincidence.”

Every word made her face flush. It was impossible to tell if the feeling came from embarrassment or guilt.

As the silence hung in the air, he suddenly handed her a card.

“Last night was an accident. I have someone I like. I won’t return your feelings, and I can’t be responsible for you. Yelena told me you came from a middle-class family. The money on this card is enough to support you for