Chapter 3
My wedding anniversary with Ethan was on Friday.
He'd promised a week ago to take me to my favorite stargazing restaurant.
I'd even secretly prepared a gift.
At 6 p.m., I started doing my makeup and picking out a dress.
At six-thirty, his message came.
"Sorry Zara, there's an emergency meeting. I might be an hour late. Can you go to the restaurant first and wait for me? I'll be there as soon as possible."
I typed back.
"What meeting?"
He replied instantly. "Final negotiations for the acquisition. The other party suddenly changed their terms. I have to be there."
Very reasonable.
I went to the restaurant alone.
The server came several times asking if I wanted to order. Each time I said to wait a bit longer.
Seven-thirty. Ethan didn't come.
Eight o'clock. He sent a photo of a conference room.
"Still at a standstill. Sorry, babe."
Nine o'clock. The restaurant was about to close.
I picked up my bag to leave, but through the window, I saw the huge LED screen across the street at the mall.
It was playing financial news.
In the frame, Ethan wore a sharp suit, smiling as he gave an interview.
And beside him, Blair in a white dress was holding his arm.
The caption scrolled.
"Jameson Group heir Ethan with his female companion at charity gala-wedding bells soon?"
I stood on the street, cold all over.
My phone buzzed. Another message from him.
"Finally done! I'm heading over now. Wait for me!"
I stared at those words and suddenly laughed.
When Ethan arrived, the restaurant lights were already off.
He found me on the street, his face full of apology.
"Zara, I'm sorry. The negotiations dragged on too long. Why are you waiting out here? Aren't you cold?"
He took off his jacket to drape it over my shoulders.
I dodged.
He froze. "Are you angry? It really was work."
"Ethan."
I interrupted him, looking up at him.
"Did the negotiations go well?"
His eyes flickered, and he forced a smile.
"It was... okay. The other party was difficult."
"I see."
I nodded. "And the charity gala? Did that go well too?"
His expression changed drastically.
The air went dead silent.
After a few seconds, he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
"You saw? I didn't mean to hide it from you. Blair insisted I accompany her."
"She said it was her father's dying wish to see her in the spotlight once. I couldn't refuse."
Couldn't refuse again.
"So you lied to me?"
I heard my voice trembling.
"Ethan, today is our wedding anniversary."
He panicked, reaching for my hand.
"I know! I remembered! That's why I rushed over!"
"Zara, I was wrong. I'll make it up to you. Let's go eat somewhere else."
"No need."
I pulled my hand back. "I'm tired. I want to go home."
Finally, he said hoarsely.
"Okay. Let's go home."
In the car, he drove with one hand and gripped mine tightly with the other.
It hurt.
When we got home, he pressed me against the door, kissing me fiercely and urgently.
"Don't leave me..."
His voice choked.
"Zara, I can't live without you. I thought about you all day today. Really!"
I closed my eyes.
I felt his tears falling on my face.
But my heart-why wouldn't it warm up anymore?
After the anniversary, Ethan started trying to make it up to me.
He canceled all evening engagements and came home on time every day.
On the weekend, he took me to the countryside to relax. On the terrace of a bed-and-breakfast, he held me while we watched the stars.
"Let's have another child. This time I'll stay by your side every step of the way. I won't leave you for a second."
I leaned against him, saying nothing.
For a moment, I almost believed everything could go back to how it was.
Until his phone buzzed.
He glanced at it, instinctively about to decline, then paused.
"It's Blair. Her father might not make it."
I closed my eyes.
"Go."
He kissed my forehead.
"I'll be back soon. Wait for me."
He left.
I sat alone on the terrace until midnight.
The inn owner came up with hot milk, hesitating to speak.
"Did something happen at home? That gentleman left in such a rush."
I smiled.
"Yeah. Something happened."