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Chapter 8
After making that final decision, I realized something, hearing Sonny's voice no longer stirred any emotions in me. The past didn't haunt me, nor did it bring me pain. It was as if that ###Chapter had finally closed, leaving behind nothing but distant echoes. What once felt earth-shattering now seemed like just another fleeting moment in the grand scheme of life.
During the three months I spent preparing my employment documents and wrapping up work, Sonny called me countless times. Yet, despite his persistence, he never once tried to see me in person.
And honestly? I was fine with that.
Life was moving forward, and so was I. My career prospects were bright, the Wendell family business was thriving, and my parents were healthy. I even spent the New Year at home with them, visited relatives, and caught up with old friends.
One afternoon, after wrapping up my last project proposal, I stretched lazily and glanced toward the balcony. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow across the room. The money tree on the windowsill had started to bloom.
Winter had passed. Spring had arrived, bringing new beginnings.
On the day of my flight to Lagado City, I ran into Mark at the airport. We grabbed coffee while waiting to board, making small talk about our plans.
"My only goal right now is to do my best at work," I said with a confident smile. "I'm still young, there are endless possibilities ahead."
Excitedly, I outlined my career goals, my enthusiasm bubbling over like a kitten eager to show off its favorite treat.
Mark listened, a thoughtful expression on his face. Watching me now, he was reminded of the first time he had seen me give a presentation back in college. I had stood at the front of the room, hair tied back in a simple ponytail, speaking with such clarity and passion that the topic came alive.
Back then, he had been aimless, seeing school as nothing more than a stepping stone before inevitably joining the family business. But watching me that day had sparked something in him. My drive, my love for what I did, it had ignited something deep inside him. That admiration had turned into something more, something he had never been able to let go of.
When we arrived in Lagado City, I moved into the apartment Mark had arranged for me. I understood his sincerity, but I wasn't ready to accept everything without hesitation. Still, if he ever needed me, I wouldn't refuse him, I knew he would never take advantage of me.
At work, I settled in quickly. The headquarters offered great pay and benefits, and everything was moving in a positive direction.
Half a year after my separation from Sonny, his name unexpectedly resurfaced.
Our team was assigned a new project, and when I opened the file, I saw the name: Shine Co., Sonny's company.
He had built Shine Co. from the ground up, juggling multiple roles just to secure his first round of investment. I had been there through it all, through the struggles, the late nights, the sacrifices. And yet, now that he had finally made it, he had left me behind.
I took a deep breath, pushing aside any lingering emotions. This wasn't personal. It was just another project.
According to the report, Shine Co. was in urgent need of investment for a major project, competing in a high-stakes market. They were in trouble.
I remained professional, thoroughly reviewing their proposal. When their representative requested an in-person meeting to discuss the details, I considered it for a moment, then decided to delegate the task to my team.
Some bridges weren't worth crossing again.