04
I knew he was angered by my unusual refusal to give in.
I was no longer accommodating him as I used to, and he wasn’t used to it.
Tessa quickly posted a photo of herself sitting in a Maybach, the jade bracelet on her wrist stinging my eyes.
The caption read: “Life is already hard enough, but thankfully I have you to protect me completely.”
Below were likes from all her friends, clearly she was much more popular in Lucas’s social circle than I was.
I laughed self–mockingly and turned off my phone.
Left alone at home, I could finally think about how to rid myself of the traces of these past years.
To avoid direct confrontation with him, I consciously started to keep my distance.
I went to the company less often, instead focusing more on liaising with my father’s company’s business departments, seizing the time to improve myself and prepare for inheriting the family business.
Lucas thought I was just sulking, wanting me to give in, waiting for me to make up with him like I used to.
But after five whole days of not speaking, he finally called me from the company.
No concern, no greetings, his first words were asking where a certain contract document was.
After I answered briefly, he immediately hung up.
On the seventh day, he finally sensed something was wrong.
Early that morning, he intercepted me at the bedroom door.
I frowned at him, annoyed that he was acting crazy before he was even fully awake.
He looked dissatisfied too:
“What’s going on with you? You’re not planning to run away from home, are you? Why are there so many clothes and jewelry missing from your closet?”
“And why haven’t you been taking care of me lately? I spent ages this morning looking for my blue shirt.”
I responded coldly: “Am I your mother? Can’t you do things for yourself?”
In the past, I would help him manage daily chores, arrange work schedules, prepare outfits for different occasions, arrange gifts and transportation for social events, down to the smallest detail.
But he insisted that a workplace romance would affect his business image, and persisted in telling others I was just an assistant.
Yet he allowed Tessa to take whatever she wanted at will, and spread word of their special relationship everywhere.
Back then, we spent every day together, and gradually, he became an indispensable part of my life.
At that time, he would caringly tell me to take it slow, not to tire myself out.
He would also appreciate me for staying by his side day and night during his hard–working days.
I believed we were a perfect match, the best partners who could progress together.
C
10:31 AM
<
Now, I only blame myself for being too naive, deluding myself that my identity was unique and his feelings for me were irreplaceable.
Fortunately, I’ve finally woken up.
Now, I no longer want to be his caretaker, and have nothing to do with him anymore.
He seemed a bit wronged, “You’ve really been getting more and more temperamental lately. You’re about to get married and still throwing these little girl tantrums.”
I just smiled: “With Tessa’s care, I don’t think you need my attention anymore.”
He looked me up and down, frowning in disapproval: “You’re still jealous. These past few days, Tessa has been speaking up for you every day, asking me to be understanding towards you, but you just won’t let it go.”
I ignored him and prepared to attend a business negotiation meeting organized by my father.
His tone softened, and he leaned in closer, his hot breath on my neck.
This action disgusted me, and I turned my head to avoid his impending kiss.
“Don’t be angry anymore. I know sometimes I get too busy and neglect your feelings, but that’s because I trust you more. You have everything, but she only has me here in the country.”
“In a while, I’ll take some time off and take you on a trip to relax, okay? Didn’t you always say you wanted to see the Northern Lights?”
The Northern Lights, I had indeed mentioned it many times, but I had long lost hope amidst his repeated neglect.
At this moment, I just said flatly: “If you want to go, take Tessa with you.”
A flash of disappointment crossed his face, but I didn’t want to accommodate him anymore: “I have important matters today, I’m leaving now.”
He fell silent, standing dejectedly in place.
In the past, Tessa was his comfort zone amidst work and life pressures. Whenever I couldn’t reach him, nine times out of ten he was with her.
He never considered that I might be anxious, angry, or worried, only showing dependence when he needed me.
Now, no longer putting him first in everything, I found this feeling surprisingly liberating.
