Unexpected Love Arrives

I hadn't even had a chance to talk to the handsome guy when my dog already sullied his dog.

I walk my dog every day until dark. After squatting at Vertex Plaza for half a month, I finally ran into the handsome guy who was out walking his dog again.

Just as I mustered up the courage to strike up a conversation with him by the bushes, he frowned and looked behind me with disbelief.

His voice trembled. "Your dog..."

"My dog?"

I turned my puzzled head.

My dog, a Husky named Bruno, was riding on the handsome guy's dog, a beautiful Border Collie.

1.

I heard the increasingly urgent breaths behind me and kicked Bruno urgently.

Bruno, were you trying to ruin my chance at love?

"Handsome, you see, Bruno can't get off for now," I said, sweating nervously.

The handsome guy looked down at me with a frosty gaze, and I couldn't help but tighten my coat.

So, an odd scene unfolded.

The handsome guy and I, one standing and one squatting, silently watched this R-rated spectacle that didn't require extra payment.

I took a sneaky glance up, and the handsome guy had his eyes closed, his face pale.

After a long time, Bruno finally got off.

The handsome guy immediately squatted down and patted the Border Collie's head, looking heartbroken.

I glared at Bruno, who was cowering with his tail between his legs behind me, and took a step toward the handsome guy.

"Handsome, don't worry. I will take responsibility for you."

The handsome guy cast a glance over, looking more resentful than the Border Collie.

"Ahem, I mean, I'll take responsibility for your Border Collie." I embarrassedly touched my nose.

The handsome guy grunted and said "no need," then took the Border Collie and walked away, gradually disappearing like my elusive love, lost in the crowd.

"Handsome guy, you haven't told me your name yet.

Or your dog's name will do."

I shouted hopelessly in my heart.

I walked Bruno through the chilly autumn wind, both of us lost in our thoughts, silent.

Back home, after I closed the door, Bruno unusually lowered his head and dragged his tail back to his doghouse.

I was so angry that I slapped his backside.

"Bruno, why are you the one feeling wronged first? Do you know you ruined my chance?"

"Whoo." Bruno propped up his front legs and raised his head to howl.

"Why are you howling? Do you still dare to blame me for ruining your luck?"

Anger surged within me.

"If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?

It's still me who has to take care of your child."

Bruno instantly wilted and whimpered softly.

I sighed. My dog had grown up.

2.

I never expected that my reunion with the handsome guy would come so quickly.

The next day when I entered the company, I swiped my card and saw the familiar back and the familiar back of the head from afar.

After all, I had "coincidentally" encountered him eighteen times last month.

I hurried to catch up and held the elevator door that was about to close.

I looked into the handsome guy's clear eyes. He raised an eyebrow with an overly complex expression.

I gave a nervous laugh. "What a coincidence. Are you working at this company?"

The handsome guy didn't say a word but nodded.

It seemed the handsome guy was still mad about Bruno.

"Uh, sir, I will definitely take responsibility for Coco."

The handsome guy turned his head to look at me, full of shock.

I took a sharp breath and went silent.

It was over. Coco was a name I made up last night while chatting with Bruno.

I told Bruno that since he had taken the Border Collie's virginity, they would definitely have to meet often. The two dogs might have a happy ending.

Maybe the handsome guy and I could go from in-laws to a couple. Wasn't that a closer bond?

"It's called Chloe," the handsome guy's cold voice brought me back to reality.

"Good name." It sounded very intelligent.

Just as I was about to ask about Chloe's reaction after returning, another person squeezed into the elevator.

My colleague Miranda came over and said crisply,

"Hello, Mr. Hardy."

I looked back in confusion. Where did Mr. Hardy come from in this elevator? I had no idea.

As I turned my puzzled head, the person beside me lowered his voice and nodded.

"Mm."

Mr. Hardy adjusted his collar and walked out of the elevator with confidence.

It felt like he was demonstrating something to me.

My heart sank. It turned out Coco was born with a golden spoon, and Bruno's dog life was hopeless.

3.

"Miranda, which Mr. Hardy is he?"

I poked the person beside me.

"He is Joshua Hardy, the new marketing director who was transferred in. Didn't you see the message in the group last night?"

"I didn't read the group message."

Of course, I didn't know. Last night I was at home with Bruno, each with our own thoughts on the pain of love.

"I didn't expect Mr. Hardy to be so handsome and capable," Miranda said with starry eyes.

"Maybe he's a well-connected person?"

"That means he's even more handsome and wealthy."

I swallowed nervously.

"Miranda, what do you think would happen if you offended the director?"

"Probably, you'd be fired for stepping into the company with your left foot in the morning."

I twitched my mouth and walked to my desk with a dejected expression.

I hunched behind my computer for an hour, struggling to figure out how to plead with Joshua.

Suddenly, a hand appeared on my desktop, tapping lightly.

"Louise, come to the office."

"Okay."

I nodded and followed Joshua.

His footsteps were rhythmic on the floor, and I was anxious inside.

I was done. He must have found out my name. Was it too late to contact a lawyer now?

Joshua leaned back in his chair, and today it was my turn to stand, but I still felt his imposing aura. His eyelids were lightly lowered, and his gaze was indifferent when sweeping over people.

"Mr. Hardy, your Border Collie..." I was the first to break the silence.

"Don't talk about personal matters while working."

"Okay,

okay.

Mr. Hardy, is there something?"

I leaned forward.

"When we were handing over the work, I noticed you performed well on your last project. There's a new project here. You'll be the team leader. I need the plan by this weekend."

"Huh?"

I was momentarily stunned by the sudden compliment.

"You can't handle it?"

Joshua raised an eyebrow.

"I can. Of course, I can."

I said, taking the folder with a flattering demeanor and subtly pocketing the business card from his desk before leaving.

"Joshua Hardy," followed by a string of numbers.

It was inappropriate to ask a director for their contact information directly. Such trivial matters should be handled by us subordinates.

4.

I entered the phone number and found Joshua's Whatsapp.

His profile picture was a sweet-looking Border Collie.

Coincidentally, my profile picture was the grinning Bruno.

I clicked "Add Friend," but after a long wait, the request remained unapproved.

A new official often tried to show their authority. I understood that.

Moreover, Joshua had another fire burning inside him.

Until the end of the workday, I maintained a highly serious attitude, carefully analyzing the project requirements and actively discussing the division of tasks with team members.

In reality, we created a group chat to gossip about Joshua.

Miranda typed. "Mr. Hardy is so handsome."

Natalie typed. "Whatever."

Leyla typed. "He better be straight."

I typed. "I heard his dog got mounted by another male dog a few days ago."

Miranda typed. "No wonder he looks so cold and has no smile."

Natalie typed. "It's probably his profile picture. The dog is quite cute."

Leyla typed. "If I were the male dog's owner, I'd take it for neutering and make amends."

I typed. "Hmm, you make a good point."

Bruno, you had ruined my love life, and now it looked like my career path might be ending soon. I guessed I'd have to take you for neutering.

After work, at the company entrance, I ran into Joshua.

He was in his car. I was about to approach to greet him and ask about Chloe.

Before I could extend my hand, the car window slowly rolled up, and with a press of the accelerator, Joshua sped away, leaving only a few fluttering leaves behind.

I was done. I must take Bruno for neutering.

5.

Back home, Bruno was wagging its tail, circling my feet.

I put down my bag, flopped onto the sofa, and ignored him.

Seeing that I wasn't paying attention, Bruno jumped up and pressed his front paws heavily on my chest.

"Ahem, Bruno, you're going to get me killed,"

I swatted his paws away.

"Woof woof!"

He stared at me with his not-so-bright eyes.

"What's the matter? You miss your little Border Collie?"

"Woof!"

"Missing won't help. Her owner is ignoring me, unless..."

Bruno's ears perked up sharply.

"Unless I take you for neutering and give them an explanation."

Bruno suddenly drooped his head and, with his tail between his legs, returned to his doghouse.

Fortunately, Bruno's reaction wasn't too extreme.

I quickly called a nearby pet hospital and scheduled the surgery for this weekend.

After a shower, I lay in bed.

I checked Joshua's Facebook. Apart from a photo of the Border Collie from two months ago, there was no other content.

I suddenly remembered how Joshua had spoken to me in the office today.

He was indeed very handsome.

A handsome guy I had been secretly observing for the past couple of months had suddenly become my boss. Who wouldn't be excited?

Unfortunately, there was now a deep rift between us.

But I felt his attitude towards me wasn't too bad.

He even praised my performance and made me the project leader. At least, this was considered a significant project.

Perhaps if this project succeeded, Joshua would see me in a new light and forgive past grievances?

I turned over happily.

Suddenly, a shiver ran down my spine, and I opened my eyes wide.

I was done. Joshua was setting me up for a flattery trap.

He gave me such a big project. If I messed it up, wouldn't I be directly packing up and leaving the company?

6.

After thinking it over, I spent the entire week diligently revising the proposal at the office.

Whenever I ran into Joshua, I would bow nearly ninety degrees when greeting him.

Thankfully, by Friday afternoon, I managed to finalize the proposal and placed it on Joshua's desk.

He wasn't there, so I also sent him an electronic version.

"Mr. Hardy, the proposal is already on your desk."

I waited for a while, but there was no reply.

I remained anxious until Sunday morning, but still, no response from Joshua.

Whatever, I thought, as I grabbed Bruno nearby. I might as well take him to get neutered.

I pulled out my phone and ordered a car while Bruno whimpered beside me.

I patted his head. "Good boy, Bruno. They'll give you anesthesia. It won't hurt at all."

At the pet hospital, Bruno was tied up and taken inside by two doctors.

After paying the fees, I waited in the lobby. Suddenly, I spotted a familiar dog silhouette.

"Chloe!"

I called out.

"Woof!"

Chloe must have recognized me, or rather, she probably smelled Bruno on me, so she dragged Joshua, who was holding her leash, over to me.

"Hello, Mr. Hardy. Did you bring Chloe for a checkup?"

"Yes."

Joshua nodded.

"I brought Bruno here for neutering."

I pointed towards the operating room down the hallway.

"Woof!"

Chloe, being a Border Collie, understood immediately and wagged her tail anxiously.

"Yes, I came for Chloe's checkup."

Joshua's tone was neutral.

"How's Chloe's health? The vet says she's doing well, right?"

"She's pregnant."

"Bruno's the father?"

Bruno had managed that?

"Yes."

Joshua clenched his jaw.

I squatted down and stroked Chloe's head, and she licked my hand with her tongue.

Such a sweet dog. She was much more adorable than Bruno.

"I'll take full responsibility. Don't worry. Bruno's getting neutered, and I won't let him fool around outside anymore."

I promised solemnly.

"And once their puppies are born, I'll make sure to take good care of them. They'll want for nothing."

I added, waving my hands enthusiastically. Joshua's lips curled into a slight smile, and it was only then that I realized how ridiculous I must have looked.

"I got too excited. Mr. Hardy, you should take Chloe home to rest."

"Alright, take care on your way back."

"Thank you for your

concern, Mr. Hardy."

I rubbed my hands together and gleefully went to pick up Bruno.

7.

"Bruno, you're going to be a dad."

I told Bruno the good news the next day to avoid overwhelming him.

"Woof woof woof!"

Bruno shot up on his paws.

"Calm down, calm down. Don't worry. I'll take good care of your wife. Just rest at home, heal quickly, and you'll see Chloe soon."

I patted his Elizabethan collar for reassurance.

As I packed up and headed to the subway for work, I received a message from Joshua.

"The proposal didn't pass. Redo it."

"Mr. Hardy, may I ask which parts need improvement?"

My heart sank.

"Come see me when you get to the office."

"Okay."

When I arrived at the company, I hurried to Joshua's office after taking off my bag.

"Mr. Hardy."

The door was ajar, so I knocked and entered.

"It's raining outside. Didn't bring an umbrella?"

Joshua handed me a few tissues. "Wipe yourself off."

"Thank you, Mr. Hardy."

I accepted the tissues and dabbed at my soaked hair that had clumped into strands.

"I reviewed the proposal. There are two main issues: the concept of the jewelry and the venue."

Joshua tapped the file, his nails clean and neat.

"For the venue, we've contacted Isabella's agent. They're hoping for a larger space, given that Isabella is quite well-known in the entertainment industry."

I nervously crumpled the tissue in my hands.

"And as for the jewelry, the styling needs to align with their requirements."

Joshua frowned slightly, eyes focused on his phone. "I understand. Go back and revise the proposal, considering all possibilities. Prepare two backup plans. I'll arrange a meeting with Isabella to discuss further. You'll come

with me."

"Got it."

I returned to my desk, staring blankly at the documents.

Isabella was, after all, a B-list celebrity, and yet Joshua could just arrange a meeting like that.

Could this be a case of a wealthy heir and a cold-hearted superstar entangled in a love-hate relationship?

Joshua, due to family reasons, ventured into the working world, while Isabella chased her dreams in the entertainment industry.

She ran and he pursued, and there was no escape for her.

For some reason, the thought left me with a sour feeling in my chest, as if someone had pulled at my heartstrings.

"What are you thinking about, Louise?"

Miranda suddenly popped up beside me, startling me.

"Nothing, nothing. We need to revise the proposal."

"Is it about the part involving Isabella?"

"Yes, that's part of it."

"Our company isn't exactly big, but landing Isabella is still quite an achievement. Getting a big star to compromise is unlikely unless they know each other."

I swallowed hard. They did know each other.

The team spent the whole morning discussing the revisions, and around 12:30, I went downstairs for lunch.

After coming out of the restroom, I bumped into Joshua. He was dressed in a loose sweatshirt today, exuding a casual charm.

"Hello,

Mr. Hardy."

Joshua nodded and pressed the elevator button.

"How's Chloe doing? Bruno's been missing her quite a bit."

"She's doing fine. I'm being extra careful with her care."

"Has the vet mentioned anything about prenatal checkups? If you're too busy, I can take Chloe for you."

"No need. I can handle it."

Joshua adjusted his watchband, looking calm.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Sure, what Bruno did to Chloe was wrong, but after all, I was Chloe's mother-in-law now. We couldn't become enemies.

"I've scheduled a meeting with Isabella for Wednesday evening at a restaurant in the city center. You'll come with me."

"Okay."