By 1 PM today, I thought Sonya wouldn't come. I had just opened my lunchbox when she arrived, with Keenan trailing behind.
His eyes were red and swollen, his head hung low and he looked both respectful and pitiful.
I set down my cutleries and silently observed them.
Sonya sat beside me, letting out a sighed, "Because of what happened last night, Keenan is being targeted and excluded everywhere in the company."
Without lifting my eyes, I picked up a spoon and ladled soup for her. I asked, "What's the problem? A man who's the personal assistant to the CEO can't even handle something so minor?"
"I'm asking you to manage your people and stop making things difficult for him, he's new!" said Sonya.
By an unspoken rule of corporate alliances, each of us had planted our own people within the other's company. Sonya was implying that my people were deliberately retaliating against Keenan to stand up for me.
Last night's annual gala had been a joint event between the two companies, with almost all employees present. Where there are crowds, there are politics. It was inevitable that Keenan's actions would spark gossip.
I placed the soup bowl in front of her and said, "First, I didn't instruct anyone to target or exclude your assistant. You know that's not my style or method. Second, the trouble he's facing today is a result of his own lack of boundaries and awareness."
I continued to explained, "Sonya, you still don't understand human nature well enough. Your special tolerance and indulgence toward him will only make him more enemies over time. The ones who'll hurt him are never going to be me."
Keenan, who had been silent, suddenly stepped forward and spoke urgently, "This has nothing to do with Sonya. Mr. Phoenix, what happened yesterday was indeed my poor judgment. It was my first time receiving such an expensive gift and I got carried away with excitement. I offended you and I sincerely apologize."
I paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Sonya, your assistant is quite amusing. He doesn't seem to understand human language, but he's quick to defend you."
I didn't accept Keenan's insincere apology, nor did I intervene to stop my people from targeting him. Keenan's grievances and tears struck a nerve with Sonya.
For the first time, she lost her temper at me. She smashed the soup bowl at my feet and demanded that I apologize to Keenan.
I had done nothing wrong, why should I apologize? That day, Sonya and I parted on bad terms.
By the afternoon, she had left for a business trip with Keenan, getting both of them out of the toxic environment. That evening, I went drinking with my buddy, Hector Bass.
He scolded me for being too calculating and said it only triggered Sonya's protective instincts toward Keenan. Ridiculous, haven't there been enough beautiful women around me?
For thirty years, I've remained steadfast in my principles. Why can't Sonya do the same?
At the end of the day, it all boils down to this, she no longer loves me. I don't care for things that aren't truly mine.
Hector smirked and said, "Today, I specifically went to the Cage Group to catch a glimpse of this assistant. Wow, at first glance, doesn't he look like a life-sized Cole Phoenix figurine?"
"Especially his eyes and the tear mole, don't they look too much like yours? I really don't get what's going on in Sonya's head. Why not worship the original and instead pamper a counterfeit? Does she love you, or does she not?" he continued.
Hector's words jolted me out of my drunken stupor. No wonder I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity when I first met Keenan.
I let out a mocking laugh, "Who knows? Maybe the counterfeit is gentler, more understanding and more considerate," I sneered.
By the time I returned home, I had a splitting headache. Hector was the one who helped me back.
"The divorce agreement is ready. When are you planning to tell Sonya?" he asked.
I answered, "Mid-month. She'll definitely come back to have dinner with her grandfather then."
Every month, we make it a point to visit the Cage Family estate for a simple meal with the elder generations.
