When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

Marian sensibly moved further away until she could no longer hear their conversation.

Sitting idly on a stone bench, her thoughts wandered to the current relationship between Aaron and Yao Ning. Were they boyfriend and girlfriend? Or perhaps already married?

If they were married, something felt off. But what exactly?

It wasn't until Aaron appeared in front of her again that Marian realized: if they were married, Aaron's hand shouldn't be bare.

Yao Ning was the type of girl who valued rituals above all else. If they were engaged or married, she would have made Aaron wear a wedding ring.

But then again, Marian couldn't believe that the two of them weren't together by now. Childhood sweethearts, years spent together abroad—how could they not be a couple?

Aaron handed her the umbrella. "Just keep it for now. I have plenty more in my office."

Marian hesitated. "Um, actually, I can run down in two minutes to return it."

Aaron's deep eyes studied her, seemingly disapproving of her stubbornness.

Faced with his gaze, Marian felt embarrassed to insist further. It was, after all, just an umbrella. If she continued, she'd seem petty. "Alright, tomorrow then. I'll bring it to you tomorrow."

Aaron glanced at his watch. "I'm heading to dinner now. Have you eaten? Want to join me?"

"No, I've already eaten."

"Alright, I'll be off then."

"Okay, goodbye."

Marian waved at him, and they walked in opposite directions.

On Monday morning, Marian sat at her desk on the 25th floor of Yutou Tower, occasionally glancing at the chat records in the Yutou Fund project group.

Finally, by 9:30, everyone on the project team had arrived.

After confirming the attendance, Marian walked to the Yutou Fund reception desk, smiling as she handed the receptionist a cup of coffee.

"Excuse me for interrupting. Our team is all here now. Could you please help us get the access cards? Thanks so much!"

From her past on-site experience, Marian knew that on the client's turf, even the receptionist or cleaning staff could make things difficult for them. She had learned to win over the receptionists, janitors, and security guards first whenever she arrived at a new site.

Sure enough, the receptionist's eyes lit up at the sight of the premium coffee. She handed over the prepared access cards and explained, "These cards only work for the first-floor lobby and the 23rd floor. You can't access other areas."

Marian nodded. "Understood. We won't go anywhere else."

With Marian's assistance, the onboarding process went smoothly, and the team integrated seamlessly. On the first day, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful, with everyone chatting and laughing until 8 p.m.

Seeing how late it was, Marian decided to order some late-night snacks for the team.

"You're really treating us today, huh? The stingy one finally gave in!" teased Liang Meiqi.

It sounded as if Marian were stingy all the time, but in fact, as the project manager, she often paid out of pocket to treat her colleagues to meals and afternoon tea. Her motives weren't entirely selfless—she hoped it would encourage the team to deliver work on time so she could earn her bonuses—but the money she spent was still hard-earned.

"Yes, I'm treating, so make sure you eat plenty. It's a rare chance to 'pluck this stingy goose.'" Marian joked and headed downstairs to pick up the delivery.

The elevator was unexpectedly crowded at this late hour. Wave after wave of people crammed in, forcing Marian into a corner.

Sigh. Oppression exists everywhere, she thought helplessly.

Someone wearing leather shoes accidentally stepped on her foot. The pain made her grimace.

"I'm so sorry!" the person apologized repeatedly.

Marian waved it off without even looking at them. "It's fine, no problem." She didn't blame anyone—if anything, she blamed the greedy capitalists for making them work so late.

When the elevator reached the ground floor, the crowd dispersed. However, the man in front of her didn't move.

Marian looked up and was startled by how familiar his face seemed.

"Have you forgotten me after just three years?" he asked with a bitter smile.

The moment he spoke, Marian recognized him: He Bing, her ex-boyfriend.

His changed hairstyle and attire had made him hard to recognize at first.

Three years ago, shortly after their breakup, He Bing had resigned. Marian had quietly deleted his contact information, and this was their first meeting since then.

Before the elevator doors closed, the two of them stepped out together. Marian was surprised. "What a coincidence. Do you work at Yutou now?"

"Yes. I joined shortly after leaving my previous company and have been here ever since," He Bing replied.

As he looked at Marian, his heart stirred once more. He had thought he'd moved on, but seeing her again, he realized she still had a hold on him.

She looked more radiant now, her skin fairer and her figure fuller. Up close, she was even more beautiful. Clearly, she'd been doing well these past few years, and he felt genuinely happy for her.

Back when they had first started dating, some of his male colleagues had mocked his choice, questioning why he'd fallen for someone like her.

He had answered firmly, "Maybe she doesn't fit your idea of beauty or cuteness, but in my eyes, she's capable, resilient, and straightforward. Her personality is a hundred times better than those pretentious girls. I'm drawn to her soul. Plus, her bright, moist eyes are more captivating than any celebrity's."

And now, years later, he still found himself captivated by those same eyes.

Marian glanced at the crowd behind her and awkwardly pointed toward the back exit. "I need to grab the delivery. Let's catch up another time, okay?"

Before He Bing could respond, she waved goodbye and headed off. Unexpectedly, he beat her to it, picking up the delivery for her.

"It's too heavy. Let me help."

Despite Marian's protests, He Bing insisted on carrying it for her. She reluctantly let him.

Back on the 23rd floor, Marian distributed the food to her colleagues and then escorted He Bing back downstairs.

During the elevator ride, she briefly explained her role on the Yutou project.

"Thank you so much for your help today. I owe you a coffee," she said.

"No worries. You're being too polite," He Bing replied, scratching his head.

He didn't want to say goodbye but found himself at a loss for words. The sudden joy of seeing her again had left his mind blank.

Marian smiled at him and glanced at the time on her fitness tracker.

Seeing this, He Bing had no choice but to say softly, "Goodbye," though he managed to add, "You're new here, so you probably don't know the area well. Let me show you around during lunch tomorrow."

"Uh, okay."

After He Bing left, Marian let out a sigh. What's going on lately? Running into "exes" left and right. First Aaron, now He Bing. And all in the same building—what kind of twisted arena is this?

Turning around, she caught sight of a pair of familiar leather shoes. Slowly lifting her gaze, she found herself face-to-face with Aaron's cold expression.

Speak of the devil. Some people really do appear the moment you think about them.

Seeing Aaron, Marian suddenly remembered the umbrella she had forgotten to return.

"Mr. Fu, I forgot to bring your umbrella down today. I'll make sure to give it to you tomorrow."

Aaron shot her a cold look, the corner of his mouth curling slightly, as if he were about to sneer.

Marian: What's his deal now?

It was just an umbrella. Was that worth an attitude?

Rolling her eyes, Marian turned on her heel and headed upstairs, refusing to humor him further.