Thankfully, we had never gotten the marriage certificate back then. Otherwise, we would have been bound together for life.
Thinking of Eulalie’s delicate features, I felt nothing. Not anger, not regret, just emptiness.
I had no idea if she even came home that night. But early the next morning, a message lit up my phone:
[River was overwhelmed and fell sick again! I can't make it to the City Hall today.]
I glanced at the message, then, without hesitation, swiped it straight into the trash, discarded as easily as spam.
By the time I saw it, five hours had already passed. No explanation. No apology.
I chuckled, but there was no humor in it. I had long since grown used to her ways, but now, all they did was leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
Shaking off the thought, I gathered my things and headed to a business partner’s company to finalize an important collaboration.
Once, I had planned to give this opportunity to Eulalie’s company, hoping to ease her financial troubles.
But yesterday, I changed my mind. She wasn’t worthy.
The negotiations wrapped up seamlessly and soon, the contract was signed.
Just as I set my pen down, the meeting room door burst open.
Eulalie strode in, her sharp business suit accentuating her commanding presence. Behind her, River followed closely, dressed in formal attire.
The moment his eyes landed on me, he froze in shock.
"President Everly? Why are you here? Isn't this supposed to be our company’s deal? This—"
I rolled my eyes, my patience for him long depleted.
"And what does that have to do with you?"
Eulalie’s expression darkened. Stepping in front of River, she squared her shoulders and confronted me.
"I only postponed getting the marriage certificate and yet you're taking it out on River? He’s done nothing wrong."
The representative from the partner company quickly assessed the situation and made a tactful exit.
"President Everly, I’ll take my leave for now. I’ll send the follow-up details to your secretary’s email."
I gave a slight nod. River’s eyes reddened at the words.
"Larkin! Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights Eulalie spent working on this deal?"
"If you don’t care about her, I do! If you’re targeting me, I’ll leave! Just don’t hurt her!"
Only then did I bother looking at them again, my tone indifferent.
"Have you been drinking coffee? The smell is so strong."
River’s face turned an alarming shade of red.
Eulalie had reached her limit. Her voice was cold, clipped.
"I understand what you mean. As long as you return the deal to us, I’ll go to City Hall with you this afternoon. Isn’t marriage what you’ve always wanted? Why make things difficult for others?"
Once, I had been drawn to that haughtiness, mesmerized by the way she carried herself like she was above it all.
Now, it only felt exhausting. I had no intention of paying the price for her indifference any longer.
A quiet chuckle escaped my lips.
"Did you forget? We already called off the engagement."
