9
Seven years ago, after I landed, I saw
countless missed calls and messages from
him. First, condescending questions and
impatience; then, panic when he couldn’t
reach me. He never cared about my life. He
assumed I revolved around him and Alex. He
didn’t need other ways to contact me. A
shout would do. I’d usually approach him,
asking what he needed. In return, he locked
me up, drugged me, and Sarah carved “slut”
into my arm.
I didn’t bother reading his messages. I texted,
“Goodbye,” then removed the SIM card. His
wife would help me keep quiet. Derek hardly
knew me, so my life was peaceful for seven
years.
<
Before I could push Derek away, Ethan
intervened.
“Mr. Grant, please respect her.”
Derek ignored him, lunging at me, but Ethan
pushed him back.
“Why did you disappear? Do you know how
long I searched for you?!”
“How could you just vanish, leave me for
seven years?!”
Soon after I left, Derek married Sarah. A
lavish wedding.
Derek stared at me. “Lily, I heard about your
office. I’ll get the best team for you. I’ll call
them now. That location is bad. Use our
building in North City. No rent!”
I finally said something. “No, we’re not
business partners. Ethan handled everything.”
His face fell, then he tried a casual smile. “It’s
fine, Lily. I can help you with other things. Our
HR team can help you. Finance, legal, tech,
anything you need…”
I stopped him. “Derek, are you insane? My
business is none of your concern. Stay away
from me.”
Understanding my meaning, Ethan stepped in
front of me. “Derek, leave. Or we’ll call
security.”
He took me to the elevator.
“No, Lily, let me explain!”
Derek’s casual demeanor froze, turning pale.
He vanished as the elevator descended.
