9
Bethany had slit her wrists.
“Kara, I’ll be back for you,” Liam said before
rushing off – just like on our wedding day.
No one waits for you, except for me, seven
years ago.
I’ve moved on.
My parents retired, leaving me to run the
company.
I expanded into the domestic market,
intentionally avoiding Liam’s territory the
–
same place I now had my headquarters.
Why give up gold?
This was better. More lucrative.
My return was two–fold: market expansion,
and securing an investment in a resort.
Months later, I saw Liam again at our alma
mater’s 70th–anniversary reunion. We were
both guest speakers.
Three years had passed, yet so much had
changed.
After the ceremony, we were invited to dinner
with the faculty.
Two seats remained
for Liam and me.
Because of my infamous pursuit of Liam.
I ignored him, but felt his gaze on me, making
my skin crawl.
“Professor, can we swap seats? I’m
uncomfortable here.”
The headmaster chuckled. “Kara, you and
Liam created quite a stir back in the day.
Now you’re shy? Liam told us you were
married. What’s with the avoidance? This isn’t
like you.”
“We caused a lot of trouble for everyone,
وو
Liam said, as if nothing had ever happened.
“We’re divorced. I made a mistake back then,
く
a poor choice. I apologize for the
inconvenience.”
Silence fell. Everyone looked at me; Liam’s
face was the most strained.
“Let’s eat,” the headmaster said smoothly.
The rest of the dinner was quiet.
Outside, Liam leaned against his car,
smoking. His face was obscured by the
smoke.
His voice was hoarse. “Why did you tell them
we’re divorced?”
“Why did you lie and say we’re still married?”
I opened my car door.
“I can let you have the resort project. Let’s
get back together.” He knew me well, offering
a tempting deal. But I didn’t need it.
“I’ll earn it fairly.” I left him shrouded in
exhaust fumes.
At the bidding, Liam was absent. I won easily.
It wasn’t charity. He couldn’t be there.
<
I’d rapidly encroached on Liam’s territory,
destabilizing his company, leading to
stockholder withdrawals, financial ruin, and
eventually, bankruptcy. This was his last
chance, but he lacked the funds.
He had options. His personal assets could’ve
saved him.
But he didn’t act.
