Chapter 172

I propped up my knees and sat, considering a rest. Suddenly, a few colleagues from the library approached, their faces mocking. I frowned, feeling annoyance.

“Hey, Esmeralda, working hard?” one colleague said, smiling.

I ignored him. Another sneered, “Why manual labor instead of documenting, Esmeralda? Masochistic?”

I stared coldly, feeling quite sad. They had been good colleagues initially—commuting, eating together, laughing and sharing milk tea and pastries. Now, they mocked and distrusted me the most.

I knew these people were temporary, so I shouldn't care so much. But the transformation was undeniably disheartening. This was my first real job, and I'd always taken it seriously. But the result… the more I thought, the sadder I became.

I didn't want to rest, so I stood to continue working. However, dizziness struck, and I blacked out, falling to the side. Fortunately, a force supported my waist. Before I could steady myself, laughter erupted.

“Look, Bennett, said Esmeralda was shameless, yet eagerly helped her!”

“Yeah, a hypocrite! He’s clearly had a crush on her, but won't admit it!”

“His strong reaction must be from unrequited love turned hatred!”

“Go away! Stop talking nonsense!” Bennett retorted, instantly retracting his hand as if it were soiled. He vigorously wiped it on his clothes.

I steadied myself against the cart and calmly said, “Thank you.” He had helped. Otherwise, I would have fallen, endangering my baby. So, despite his harsh words and actions, my gratitude was sincere.

My gratitude startled Bennett. Immediately, a colleague mocked, “Cunning! She knows Bennett’s interested, so she leans on him.”

“Yeah, maybe she faked the faint! She’s always been energetic.”

“Exactly! Bennett's subdued now. He can't say anything mean.”

“Alright, alright, I just helped her. You're overthinking it,” Bennett said, frustrated, glaring at me. “Hurry up and move those bricks! If we don't finish, who knows how the boss will punish us?”

I silently pushed the cart. Bending to pick up a brick, I saw Reynaldo watching from a distance. He smoked, his face cold and stern, his expression indifferent. Perhaps he felt the punishment was too lenient.

It didn't matter anymore. When I met him, I never imagined the future would be like this. Just my baby… I absolutely cannot let him discover them.

I withdrew my gaze and mechanically threw bricks into the cart. After filling it, I looked up; Reynaldo had already left, his back indifferent. I pursed my lips sadly. If it were Kimberly, he wouldn't let her do this hard work; she wouldn't endure any punishment.

I pushed the cart west, dismissing my feelings. Returning, my colleagues were gone; only Bennett remained, supervising.