I wasn’t concerned about any of this; my focus was entirely on preparing for my global travels.
On the thirteenth day of the new year, Leigh’s secretary called to inform me of a product launch conference scheduled for the next day.
At first, I didn’t want to attend. But realizing it was the result of years of hard work, I reluctantly agreed.
Seven years ago, after confirming my relationship with Leigh, I had turned down lucrative offers from Fortune 500 companies and joined Ellis Corporation.
Through my tireless efforts, I helped the company rise from a second-tier enterprise to Portland’s leading high-tech powerhouse.
This success had led the Ellis Family, who once looked down on me, to start involving me and my mother in family discussions, even inviting us to their mansion for New Year’s to discuss our marriage plans.
The product launch was grand and lively.
Just as I was about to step onto the stage to deliver my speech, Leigh suddenly appeared.
She was impeccably dressed and breathtakingly beautiful, but there was an intriguing edge to her expression.
She didn’t offer an explanation for her absence over the past few days. Instead, she halted me with a sharp command.
“Harris, wait a moment.”
“The company has arranged for someone else to deliver the speech this time.”
I froze.
For as long as I could remember, I had always been the one to lead the new product projects.
In the entire company, no one else was as qualified as I was to take the stage.
No one knew the product better than I did.
From the design to the development, I had poured my heart and soul into it, investing countless hours and effort.
It felt like my own creation, my child.
But then, Wendell’s voice echoed across the stage.
“Good day, esteemed guests! On behalf of Ellis Corporation, I extend a warm welcome to all of you.”
“Now, let me introduce the features of the product we are launching today…”
Watching him, smug and dripping with confidence, it all became clear.
I turned to Leigh, my voice cold and steady. "If everything was already arranged, why bother having me attend the launch?"
Leigh’s response came without hesitation. "As the head of the new product project, it’s only natural for you to be here."
She continued, “Harris, the decision about the speaker was made by the company and I fully support it.”
“After all, you’ve already made your mark in the industry. You don’t need this kind of superficial recognition.”
"But for Wendell, it’s different. As a newcomer, he needs this opportunity to build his credentials…”
I watched her closely as she spoke, her words flowing like water unimpeded.
The more I observed, the more she seemed like a stranger to me.
The Leigh who had once loved me deeply, who had eyes only for me, had changed entirely.
It happened after Wendell returned from abroad and joined Ellis Corporation as her assistant.
She began leaving for business trips without a word, staying out all night.
The time she spent with Wendell far outstripped the moments she’d shared with me.
I had been so wrapped up in my work that I didn’t pause to consider the growing distance.
My perceptive mother had noticed it long before I did and one day, she cautioned me, “Harris, Leigh is your girlfriend, yet she’s always with another man. Don’t you think that’s inappropriate?”
I shrugged off her concerns, dismissing them as overthinking. “Mom, you’re reading too much into it. Wendell’s just Leigh’s assistant. They have to work together; it’s nothing unusual.”
Leigh had even told me herself that Wendell had been like a brother to her since their college days.
“If they had any feelings for each other, they’d have been together long before I came into the picture,” I said, trying to reassure my mother.
Now, looking back, I realized how blind I had been.
Seeing my silence, Leigh smiled, misinterpreting it as acceptance.
“Harris, tomorrow’s our engagement day. Are you ready?” she asked, her smile almost too perfect.
I nodded stiffly, unsure of how I truly felt.
Leigh raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with mild curiosity. “Your mom must be so excited, huh? But it’s odd… I’ve been trying to reach her these past few days, but her phone’s been off.”
