6
I had hoped the encounter with Aria and Ross was just a bizarre, one-off incident. But when I was leaving Veridian Global later, I saw Aria waiting for me.
‘Fred, why are you with Vera Vance?”
The afternoon sun was blinding. I looked at her, at the confusion and disbelief in her eyes. I pointed to a nearby coffee shop and walked over, not waiting for her.
I ordered a latte; she ordered an Americano.
As she watched me, I calmly recounted the story of my life over the past few years.
How, after she had left me at the altar, I had stumbled, and Vera had been the one to catch me. How her parents had interrupted us before anything more could happen. How I had seized the opportunity to acquire the Northgate plot and sever all business ties between our families.
told her how, using my knowledge from our past life, I had guided Green Enterprises through every opportu nity, building it into something new and powerful, while her family’s company had declined day by day.
I told her how Vera and I had truly connected at a gala. How some fool had tried to cause trouble for me, and she had stepped in, effortlessly defusing the situation. How I had used it as an excuse to thank her and seek a partnership, and how we had gotten her number. How, over time, our mutual respect had blossomed
into love.
I took a sip of my coffee. “And that’s the story. Is there anything else?”
Aria stared at me, her expression crumbling. “But… I was your fiancée. How could you be with another wom- an? Didn’t you say you wanted to marry me, to be with me forever?”
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Chapter 2
I was momentarily stunned, then I burst out laughing. “Aria, are you serious? We broke up three years ago. You’re bringing this up now?”
“If I recall correctly, you were the one who accepted Ross’s proposal at our engagement party.”
“If there’s nothing else, I’m going back to the office. I’m very busy.”
I started to get up, but she grabbed my wrist. “Fred, I’ve missed you so much these past three years. Did you
miss me?”
Her question was so absurd I could only stare at her. She was the one who wanted a life of freedom and passion. And now she was having second thoughts? What was this?
I yanked my hand back, my voice turning to ice. “Aria, we are not on the same path. Ross can give you the ife you want. I can’t.”
There was no point in dwelling on the past. The chasm between us, filled with two lifetimes of arguments and resentment, was too wide to cross. The thought of those hysterical, screaming matches now felt alier and repulsive.
turned and left. As I walked out, I saw Ross standing by the door.
‘Don’t get too cocky, Fred,” he sneered. “So you have a little money. Don’t think for a second that Aria actuall ikes you.”
I just nodded and got in my car. I drove away, oblivious to the explosive argument that erupted betweer
them behind me.
