The silence was thick in the air as we all waited for Samuel's response. However, Samuel, being Samuel, immediately declined and told me that he was busy and was about to have a meeting with important clients. Of course, I didn't believe him because why would he be in his office alone with Samantha if he was indeed about to have a meeting?
"The talk won't take long. I have something to tell you and it's very important," I argued.
"Fine, if it's that important to you, let's talk about it over dinner tonight. Just not now," he stated.
Normally, I would've demanded to hash things out without delays, but I didn't care anymore. I wanted to get this done and over with, so if he wanted to talk over dinner, then we could talk over dinner. I figured that it would also be a good opportunity to let him know about the baby we both lost.
"Text me when and where," I told him.
I turned to leave not wanting to cause any more scenes. It was enough that I somehow embarrassed them. As I was about to call for the elevator, Samuel caught up to me, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Why are you acting this way?" he asked.
It took everything in me not to laugh hysterically at him for even daring to ask the question. In the end, I simply raised an eyebrow at him and tilted my head.
"I just don’t see the point in causing more problems for you or me in front of everybody."
Samuel visibly tensed, but he didn't say anything. He simply watched me get in the elevator and waited until the doors slid shut. I took a deep breath steadying my nerves, and once I reached the lobby, I quickly got out of the building and headed back home.
Later that evening, I stared at my phone, the screen glowing in the dim light of the restaurant. It was just past seven. Samuel was late. He had texted earlier, confirming our dinner plans. I glanced around, noticing that I was the only customer left.
As the minutes dragged on, I checked my phone again. No new messages. Just the same text from Samuel about the time and place. Anger washed over me when I decided to look at social media. There it was—a post from Samantha, all smiles and celebration, her caption announcing her promotion. And right there in the background, I spotted Samuel, laughing and raising a glass of toast. They were out together, and I was here, waiting for someone who didn’t care enough to show up.
I tapped out a message to him, my fingers flying over the screen. 'Looks like you missed your chance. We’re over.' I hit send before I could second-guess myself. It felt liberating, like shedding a heavy cloak. I pushed my chair back and stood up. The waiter approached, but I waved him off. I didn’t want dessert or an after-dinner drink. I wanted to leave this place behind.
I walked to my car, each step feeling lighter. The reality of my decision washed over me. Samuel had chosen Samantha over me. I had given him so many chances to make things right. I thought about how I had supported him through his struggles, and how I had always been there when he needed me. And yet, he chose to disrespect me like this.
I quickly drove to the airport and booked the earliest flight back home. Once I was about to board the plane, my phone started vibrating. When I checked who was calling, Samuel's name flashed on the screen.
"Goodbye and good riddance," I muttered.
I turned my phone off and without thinking, I threw it inside the trash can.
