  &quot;How does Europe sound?&quot; My uncle asks.
      &quot;Huh!&quot; I find myself sighing. I apologise after realizing how unprofessional it sounded.
      For the past one hour, he has been talking about expanding La Cooper markets until he brought up the idea of transferring me and I froze, I wasn't ready for that.
      &quot;Why me?&quot; I ask I want to undersell myself until he rethinks that stupid idea.
      &quot;You are the whole package this company has been waiting for.&quot; He states.
      I shake my head flattered, &quot;I am sure what I do is not extra, it lies within my roles and duties.&quot;
      &quot;Then you execute them perfectly, you do remind me of myself.&quot; I am glad when he redirects the attention to himself, I have been looking for that opportunity.
      I feign a blush, &quot;You look so collected, I admire that. &quot; I look up and point at th

  It is a somber affair.
      My earliest recollection of a funeral is that of my father's and the last one I attended was my own.
      I take Andre's hand immediately he opens the door for me. I lift my head to face the church before us. Few people are awkwardly standing outside. There is a van belonging to one of the top media houses, the moment they spot us, some of the reporters rush towards us, and several photos are snapped.
      &quot;Don't answer any of their questions,&quot; Andre whispers. I lock his arm with mine.
      I follow Andre's lead closely as we try to avoid the reporters. We are lucky to dodge them and get in church. The ambiance changes instantly we step in, it is silent. A couple of people are crying, some whisper. We head to the front pew. Ryan's family is seated on the right side of the church, we choose the left.
      Ryan's head turns and his eyes find min

  &quot;You bastard!&quot; Courtney yells.
      I quickly detangle myself from Quinn.
      She takes long strides towards us. I watch her palm unfold and my fight or flight mode is activated. I move my head away from her. A second passes, no sting on my cheek I open my eyes to find the slap wasn't intended for me. Quinn stares at me with his hand resting on the cheek that was victimised.
      &quot;Why do you always find different ways to hurt me?&quot; Courtney asks.
      I feel a soft touch on my knee. I look down to find it's Theo.
      &quot;Hi, Theo?&quot; I speak.
      He leans his head on my hip.
      &quot;Get away from him, homewrecker.&quot; Courtney pulls him to her.
      She turns to Quinn again, &quot;Tell me, Quinn, what is so special about her. What sets her apart?&quot; Her words burn through my chest.
      Quinn turns to me then to her. I don't expect him to tak

&quot;How does Europe sound?&quot; My uncle asks.
      &quot;Huh!&quot; I find myself sighing. I apologise after realizing how unprofessional it sounded.
      For the past one hour, he has been talking about expanding La Cooper markets until he brought up the idea of transferring me and I froze, I wasn't ready for that.
      &quot;Why me?&quot; I ask I want to undersell myself until he rethinks that stupid idea.
      &quot;You are the whole package this company has been waiting for.&quot; He states.
      I shake my head flattered, &quot;I am sure what I do is not extra, it lies within my roles and duties.&quot;
      &quot;Then you execute them perfectly, you do remind me of myself.&quot; I am glad when he redirects the attention to himself, I have been looking for that opportunity.
      I feign a blush, &quot;You look so collected, I admire that. &quot; I look up and point at the picture above him, &quot;You were close with your brother?&quot; I ask.
      He stands and 

Chapter 38