Standing Over the Trap

My college roommate, the one who used to swear she would never marry, suddenly blew up our old dorm group chat.

Im in love! Hes so handsome and so gentle.

He transferred five figures to me on Valentines Day.

I used to think being single was great. Now I finally know what it feels like to be spoiled. Try not to be too jealous.

Celine, your family is better off than all of ours. Why are you still single? Maybe reflect on yourself a little. @Celine.

Too proud. Nobody wants that. @Celine.

Dinners on me tonight. Ill introduce you to my boyfriend.

The words Im winning practically slapped me through the screen.

The other two roommates and I endured the discomfort and went anyway.

The moment I saw his face, I nearly dropped my glass.

Wasnt this my freeloading ex-boyfriend?

The man sat across from me, his eyes sticky and unpleasant as they glued themselves to my face.

Monica noticed nothing. She pressed herself against his arm, her voice full of undisguised pride.

This is Noah Price. He was one year ahead of us. My boyfriend.

Then she turned to him.

These three were my college roommates. My best friends.

Lana curled her lip. I quietly kicked her under the table.

Back then, during late-night dorm talks, Monica used to slap her bed and declare, Men are nothing but speed bumps. Now, seeing her shy little smile, it was better to let that sentence rot in our stomachs.

I pretended to drink water and avoided Noahs gaze.

He had been one year ahead of us and vice president of the student council. Refined looks, gentle voice, always polite.

When I joined the student council as a sophomore, he took special care of me. One thing led to another, and we started dating.

But he insisted on keeping it secret. His reason was that we were both in the student council. If people found out, they would gossip and affect our work.

At the time, I thought it made sense, so I agreed to a secret relationship.

It took me a year to see the calculating face beneath that gentlemanly skin.

Whenever we went out to eat, he disappeared at the bill. After I paid, he would hold my hand with guilt in his eyes.

Baby, I made you spend again. You know my familys situation. Dont worry. Ill work hard and pay you back double someday.

I would smile and say, I believe you.

On the third day of dating, he told me everything.

Sick parents, no jobs, younger siblings to raise, tuition paid by loans.

My family was well-off, and because I cared about his fragile pride, I never showed the slightest superiority. Whenever I had no classes, I accompanied him to part-time jobs.

Gradually, he worked less and less.

His demands grew more and more.

He no longer saved money on food or daily expenses either.

Once, he ordered me to buy him a pair of limited-edition sneakers worth eight thousand dollars.

I refused.

He gave me the cold shoulder for a whole month because of it.

During that time, I got sick and had a fever. He did not even show his face.

I was done serving him.

I broke up, blocked him, and moved on.

The next day, he cornered me and demanded to know what I meant.

You cant read plain language?

He exhaled hard, pointed at my nose, and cursed.

Celine Hart, whats so great about you? You were just born into a good family. Who are you showing off to? You want to break up? Dont regret it.

Seeing him lose his composure only made me more certain I had done the right thing.

A year and a half of feelings went down the drain.

Later, Noah graduated and got a job assignment, disappearing completely from my life.

Never in my dreams did I think our reunion would happen like this.

Monica was still talking, smiling like she could barely contain herself.

She said she added Noah through an alumni group and took the initiative to chat with him. She even confessed that she had secretly liked him back in college but had been too shy to say it.

They had been dating for half a year. Noah used to be in Bayside, thousands of miles away, so even seeing each other once had been a luxury.

Recently, Noah sent his resume to companies in Hartwell City. Yesterday, he received an offer, so he dragged his suitcase here in a rush.

Monica leaned on his shoulder, face full of sweetness.

He didnt even tell me he resigned. He said he wanted to surprise me. It made me so embarrassed.

From the corner of my eye, I saw that Noahs face held no joy at all.

Lana looked at me, then at Jade beside her, and clicked her tongue.

So which company in Hartwell hired you, Noah?

Hartwell Group, Noah said calmly, though his pride was hard to hide.

Hartwell? Isnt that Lana turned to me. Isnt that where Celine interns?

My heart tightened. I nodded without speaking.

Lana and I were closest. We often chatted privately, so she was the only one who knew I was interning at Hartwell Group.

Monica said in surprise, What a coincidence. Noah is applying as a sales supervisor. For my sake, make sure he takes good care of you at work.

Then she looked up at Noah.

Right, babe?

Noah looked at me and said coldly, Of course.

I lifted my glass to hide my unease.

They did not know that my internship at Hartwell Group was under the identity of the chairmans daughter.

The entire company would be mine someday.

And Noah said he would take care of me?

The dinner finally ended.

Jade and Lana had come by taxi. They were interning in a neighboring city.

A black Mercedes slowly stopped in front of the hotel, temporary license plate still attached.

Monica got out from the passenger seat and took the initiative to call them a ride.

Jade and Lana stared at the car for a few seconds, then looked at Monica in unison.

Monica smiled shyly.

Oh, stop. Noah just picked it up yesterday. He said itll be easier to drive me to and from work. I told him not to buy it, but he wouldnt listen.

After saying that, she glanced at me.

I played along.

Nice car. Your boyfriend treats you so well.

She covered her mouth and laughed so hard she trembled.

The drivers window rolled halfway down. I saw Noahs lips curve faintly.

The rideshare arrived quickly, and we watched Jade and Lana leave.

Monica looked at me, alone now, and asked with a smile where I lived. She said she and Noah could drive me.

I frowned and waved her off.

No need. I checked. Theres a subway nearby. Ill go myself. You two go ahead.

Monica shrugged.

All right, then. Were leaving.

Noah silently rolled up the window. Monica climbed into the passenger seat with tiny quick steps.

The car drove off.

Once it disappeared from view, I made a call.

Five seconds later, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up steadily in front of me.

The driver stepped out and respectfully opened the door.

Miss Hart, please.

The car rolled over the marks left by the Mercedes and drove forward.

When I got home, my father was in the study handling documents.

I leaned against the door and asked, Dad, the company hired a new sales supervisor. Why didnt I hear about it?

Dad put down the file and smiled at me.

Your news travels fast. It was decided temporarily. I was going to tell you tonight.

Why that Noah Price? I asked directly.

He took a sip of tea and set the cup down.

I saw his resume. His sales performance is outstanding, and the company happens to have an opening for a sales supervisor. Three-month probation first.

So he hasnt been officially hired yet? My tone brightened.

Dad narrowed his eyes, sensing something.

You know him?

He was one year above me in college. We worked together in student council.

I answered casually.

I had never told my parents a word about dating him in college.

Since it ended badly, there was even less reason to mention it.

Dad nodded thoughtfully.

Thats good, then. Since you know each other, you can ask him for advice in sales.

I curled my lip.

Ask him?

I turned toward my room, my voice lazy.

Lets see if he survives probation first.

Noah Price, are you ready for your new job?

The next morning, the moment I entered the company, whispers from female employees drifted out with the bitter smell of coffee.

The gist was simple.

A young, handsome male supervisor had arrived. Was he single? Did they have a chance?

I also vaguely heard someone say, I heard this new supervisor was personally recruited by Secretary Lewis. His background must not be simple.

I assumed it was just a normal personnel transfer and did not think too deeply.

This was my third month as an intern, an important stage.

Whether I could stay depended entirely on my supervisors review.

My father often traveled for work and did not care about small things like this. Now that he knew Noah and I were acquainted, he was probably even more at ease.

When I joined, I specifically told him not to pull strings.

So no one at the company knew who I was.

Worried I might struggle in the workplace, Dad told his secretary, Mr. Lewis, to quietly look after me.

Uncle Lewis had watched me grow up.

Every few days, he came by the department to take a look around, mainly to check on me in secret.

I had just reached my desk and pulled out my chair when my coworker, Hannah, came over.

Celine, the supervisor wants you in his office.

I had no choice but to get up and drag myself over impatiently.

The moment I entered, Noah stared at me with a half-smile that made goosebumps rise all over my skin.

He asked me to sit across from him, then brought over a cup of coffee.

I got straight to the point.

What do you want?

He was unhurried, lips curling. His gaze moved over me through his glasses.

We havent seen each other for two years. Cant we catch up?

I rolled my eyes and stood to leave.

Supervisor Price, if it isnt work-related, Im leaving.

Celine.

He suddenly called out.

I turned back and met his smug expression.

You broke up with me so willfully back then. Now that Im sitting in a supervisors seat, dont you regret it?

I was willful?

Those three words made my chest sour.

How had I ever dated such trash?

Looking at his self-righteous face, I sneered.

Did you wake up too fast this morning and leave your brain behind?

The thing I regret most in my life is knowing you and wasting a year and a half while blind and stupid.

He smiled, his tone certain.

You hate me that much? That means Im still in your heart.

I stepped forward and touched his forehead.

Is your brain broken?

He grabbed my hand.

Worried about me?

I laughed from anger at his logic, pulled my hand away with disgust, and gave him one piece of advice.

Date Monica properly. Fix your selfish, freeloading habits.

Embarrassment flashed across his face. He stiffened his neck.

Celine, you really havent changed. Monica is much better than you. Sweet, obedient, listens to me, and is willing to spend money on me. Unlike you

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth.

So all the money I spent on you was fed to a dog.

My eyes landed on his wrist.

If you hadnt mentioned it, I wouldve forgotten. Give me back the watch I bought you.

I reached for it. He dodged, shameless.

Who asks for a gift back after giving it?

My chest tightened. I waved him off.

Youre worse than a dog.

Back at my desk, I pressed a hand to my chest and adjusted my breathing, telling myself not to argue with animals.

After calming down, I thought of one thing.

Monica was flashy, loved showing off, spoke sharply, and could be two-faced. But at the end of the day, we had lived together for four years.

We might not have had deep friendship, but we had been classmates and roommates.

Knowing Noah had impure motives, I decided to try pulling her back.

I carefully selected a few dating advice for girls in love posts and sent them to Monica.

The first one was:

Love is between two people. Both sides should give and understand each other. Girls must not foolishly give unconditionally. Over time, men will think its their due.

I thought it might wake her up.

I never expected the result that followed.

That day made me so angry my lungs nearly burst.

Noah kept calling me into his office. If it wasnt to deliver documents, it was to pick them up. If not that, then to check spreadsheets.

Every time, his first sentence was work-related. By the second, he had already twisted it into something personal.

I warned him coldly, Call me in again, and dont blame me for being rude.

My ears finally got some peace.

But my phone remained silent.

I thought Monica was probably carefully digesting the advice I had sent.

When work ended, I waited until I confirmed Noah had left, then slowly went downstairs. I truly did not want any more connection to him.

The moment I stepped out of the elevator, a large hand grabbed my wrist from the side.

I struggled free in panic and met Noahs smiling face.

I shouted and shook him off.

Are you insane?

He shrugged, expression mild.

Dinner together?

Looking at his fake-gentleman face, my appetite vanished. I did not want to say a single word and turned to leave.

He refused to give up, chasing and tugging at me.

Furious, I kicked him, but he rushed forward and locked me in his arms.

His voice was sticky as syrup.

Its just dinner. Is that so impossible?

I struggled desperately, but he held tighter.

Then a shout came from ahead.

What are you doing?

Noahs hands instantly loosened. I quickly broke free.

Monica stormed up to me, her voice sharp.

So this is why you sent me those so-called warnings?

In this situation, I had no immediate defense.

I glared hard at Noah, then asked Monica, Since you saw it, what does that prove?

Monica froze.

I pointed at Noah.

It proves hes a bastard. Dumping this kind of scumbag in time is the smart choice.

My tone was sincere. Every word came from the heart.

Noah, who had been silent, suddenly interrupted.

What warnings are you talking about?

Monica shoved my message in front of him.

The bastard changed direction instantly and bit back.

Celine, I cant believe you tried so hard to drive us apart. Monica was your roommate. Dont you think this is too much?

My blood went cold.

His ability to frame someone was masterful. With the evidence in front of me, I had no way to defend myself.

Ignoring our four years as classmates, Monica grabbed my collar in a rage.

Celine Hart, how did I never realize you were this scheming? Shamelessly seducing my boyfriend?

I pulled her hand away hard, helpless and angry.

Im trying to help you.

Help me?

She cut me off and warned in a low voice.

Put away your cheap thoughts. If I catch you deliberately approaching Noah again, dont blame me for what happens.

I lowered my head and sighed.

Out of the corner of my eye, Noahs expression was dark and unreadable as he stared straight at me.

Monica was just like I had been two years ago.

Blind and foolish.

Maybe this was the easiest mistake for girls in love to make.

What else could I say?

Anything I said would be wrong.

Some mistakes had to be experienced personally, had to hurt deep in the heart, before a person learned.

But what she did next nearly cost me half my life.

When I returned home in a daze, I ran into my parents carrying luggage toward the door.

Mom reminded me gently, Celine, Dad and I will be away on business for a few days. Take care of yourself.

Dad rubbed my hair.

If anything is difficult at work, ask Uncle Lewis. Hell help you. We might be busy over the next few days.

Distracted, I nodded and told them to stay safe.

After watching the car leave, I walked tiredly toward the second floor.

I tossed and turned all night.

The next day at the office, I saw Monica.

Mr. Lewis introduced the new colleague with a smile, while Monicas gaze pierced me like a needle.

I was confused.

How had she been working elsewhere yesterday and suddenly joined Hartwell Group today?

After the morning meeting, Monica asserted ownership in the office.

Supervisor Price is my boyfriend. Please take care of us in the future, especially certain people. Dont think that just because youre pretty, you can have thoughts you shouldnt.

Coworkers whispered. Their gazes toward me gained suspicion.

I had no desire to argue.

I returned to my desk and looked up just in time to see Noah pull Monica into his office.

Soon, faint arguing came from inside.

Ms. Grant, the team leader, handed me a document with an ordering tone.

You. Go get Supervisor Prices signature.

I knew she was doing it on purpose.

Senior employees bullying new ones was common. Relying on her seniority, she often made trouble for me, though never enough for me to catch her at work.

For the bigger picture, I had endured it.

As I walked toward the office, I heard her whisper to a coworker behind me.

I hate women who destroy other peoples relationships

My steps paused, chest tight.

Inside the office, Noah sat in his chair with an ugly expression.

Monica stood nearby, jaw tight, eyes red. When she saw me, she clenched her teeth.

I placed the document in front of Noah.

It needs your signature.

Noah irritably loosened his tie, picked up a pen, and signed.

I was eager to leave and reached for the document, but my fingertips accidentally brushed his hand as he pulled back.

Monica saw it at the worst possible angle.

She rushed forward, snatched the document, and threw it to the floor.

Celine Hart, do you think Im blind, or do you think Im stupid?

I was angry and wronged.

It was accidental. I have no interest in Noah.

She grabbed the cup on the desk and splashed water straight into my face.

Then she clamped my wrist, staring at me with mockery.

Celine, how did your face grow to look so cheap?

Scalding pain burst across my face. My eyes burned and stung so badly I could barely open them.

I tried desperately to break free, but a woman going mad in love was like a wild vine, shockingly strong.

My wrist was squeezed red. It hurt so much tears gathered.

I turned and shouted at Noah.

Are you dead? Can you say something?

Noahs lips moved slightly.

Only then did the dog of a man slowly stand.

Monica, let go.

Youre protecting her?

The force on my wrist tightened again. It felt like the bone was about to snap.

The commotion was too loud and startled the coworkers outside.

Hurried footsteps gathered toward the office door.

I shouted for help.

The next second, the door opened, and someone rushed in.