"I am happy for you Pam but…." Dindin facial expression turned gloomy. "How come you never told me about the things going on between you and Tim."
Pam let out a big sigh and held Dindin hand, "Din I am sorry. I did not intentionally keep it a secret. It happened so fast. I was about to be assigned to Australia when he came back to me. I realized I can no longer run away or hide from him."
Dindin had a confused looked in her face. "Came back? Run away from him? Why?" Then as if she had a eureka moment, "Don't tell me he is…"
"Yes, he is the guy who got me pregnant before. I run away from him because of some misunderstanding. He is my first love, the only boyfriend I had." Pam once again felt guilt in her heart. No matter what, this is the reason why her mom passed away.
"So, when you joined the project with NextGen, is this an accidental reunion?"
"Yes. I was not aware that he is part of the executive management of NextGen who will form part of steering committee. God knows how I wanted to withdraw but I cannot mix my personal emotions with professional matters. In fact, he was very antagonistic towards me when we met again after a long time."
Pam took the time to explain everything including her relationship with Tim from 7 years ago skipping the intimate moment they had which brought them together once more.
"I knew it! You are never a desperate woman! I hate those blabbermouths. "Dindin figured out that everything circulating in the office were rumors.
"What do you mean?" Pam is a little confused.
"Well as you know a lot of single ladies have been fantasizing over Tim. When he was with Lissy their relationship developed a fan base in the office like a Cinderella kind of office romance. Everyone assumed that Tim married Lissy privately. For the longest time this is the understanding of most employees. "
Dindin showed her some group chat screens shots she collected and even on thread where she is part of. She is disgusted by it. Why are people so bored prying on someone else's private life?
After reading some of the harsh comments Pam realized, "they think I seduced Tim? They think he cheated. This is funny how can they easily judge us."
"Exactly these are bore people who are self-righteous. However still wanted to ask you this question Did Tim break the engagement with Lissy because of you?"
"Of course not! Tim told me that one time after he returned from Shanghai Lissy broke the engagement with him. Lissy called off the engagement. It is something a guy could never be proud of, so I guess no one knows they parted ways."
Dindin tried to recall the times that she helped out Tim on visiting Lissy in Shanghai. "I am not sure, but I think Tim visited her two or three times. The last visit was a long time ago. So, it is likely that after the last visit they parted way. Are you fine that Tim has a kid with Lissy?"
"What? Where did you get that? Tim is not the father of the child in her womb."
"What?! Oh my God I made another assumption then. "She knitted her brows, "then why is Lissy making ambiguous statements and did not correct me earlier. Even I assumed she is the wife and she is pregnant with their love child. I even find her pitiful."
"What do you mean ambiguous?"
"She did not tell me directly. It was more like I told her the kid is a blessing and rather than getting married just for the sake of child, it's good to have discovered they were not meant to be together earlier. Probably my bad, its awkward to ask question about who it the father given that everyone assumed Tim married her."
"You might be overthinking then. It is indeed embarrassing to ask these questions especially that she is yet to be married. Tim did not disclose the reason of their breakup, but he did tell me the father of Lissy's child is Chinese."
"I know that Tim has raised already a change in status in the office via HR. I heard from one of the HR team members I deal with. That is why I hate those gossip mongers; they don't care even on elevators." Dindin suddenly thought she accidentally gave Pam unnecessary info which could trouble her.
"Are they talking about the three of us? So, am I now looked at as the 3rd Party?" This is what she hates the most.
"Well you know office gossips, especially on Tim's case a lot of single ladies in the company are fantasizing over him. What I find weird is that…its bad for me to think this way." Dindin did not complete what she wanted to say.
"What are you thinking? What is weird?" Pam could not understand what she is trying to say.
"Well, I just thought Lissy has always been clear and straightforward with things. Recently I just realized she has been giving ambiguous statements. She seems not bothered to correct certain assumptions. So, this may actually be fueling gossips. I would think since she is familiar with most leaders in the company they would be on small talks. I was wondering if she ever mentioned specifics like as simple as she is not Tim's wife. I myself has been confused and assumed some information."
"Actually, Lissy requested Tim to remain quiet about the real status of their relationship. Tim even consulted me about it. Being a single mom is hard enough for her, so I agreed to it."
Dindin now understand, she really wants people to misunderstand by keeping Tim silent about it. Why does she want to do that? While in deep thoughts, Dindin her phone vibrated. She was shocked of what she received from group chat.
'This girl is screwed, someone filed complaint against her. She will likely lose her professional license!'
'Good for her, justice for Lissy. She will have to raise her kid on her own. What a pity. That lady clearly seduced Tim!'
"Anything wrong?" Pam saw she turned pale.
Dindin had to lie, she needs to know who filed this complaint and on what basis. "It's nothing my boss is asking me to come in early tomorrow."