Chapter 1

The new female coworker was gorgeous.

But my childhood friend, Victor, told me she was nothing but a "bitch."

That was until I had to pull three all-nighters in a row just to clean up her work disasters.

Instead of apologizing, he stormed into my place, smelling of alcohol and radiating anger.

"Why is your work ethic so trash? You couldn't even cover one little mistake by yourself?"

"If you hadn't desperately called me back to the office, I would’ve been in her bed by now."

I stared at him, wondering if I was hallucinating from sleep deprivation.

Later, he stood by the office entrance early in the morning, blocking my path.

"Kate, why did you request to change partners?"

The new girl captured everyone’s attention the second she walked in.

Her low-cut, white lace dress perfectly hugged her curves.

The moment the clock struck five, guys from our department—and even other floors—crowded around her desk, trying to strike up a conversation.

Only Victor, my childhood friend, didn't join the crowd.

He shut his laptop and walked over to me.

He gave me his usual bright, sunny smile. "Kate, what are you spacing out for? Let’s head home."

In the car, I couldn't help but ask, "Don't you think the new girl is pretty? Her body is insane."

Victor scoffed dismissively. "Looks are just skin deep. Who cares how pretty she is? She’s just a bitch who uses her body to hook men."

I frowned. His harsh words made me uncomfortable.

But he didn't notice. "Don't you dare learn from her. She doesn't want to work hard; she just wants to rely on men while she's still young."

I chose to stay silent.

The next day, the office was still buzzing around her.

To my surprise, the new girl hadn't stayed at her assigned cubicle. She had packed up her things and moved.

Right next to Victor.

She flashed a radiant smile and extended her hand to him. "Please look after me from now on, neighbor."

I turned to look at Victor.

Without a second thought, he grabbed her hand.

The new girl turned her head, her eyes shifting from my face to their clasped hands.

She arched an eyebrow. Her smile widened, and she squeezed his hand even tighter.