Chapter 15

After my friend left, I stared blankly at the computer screen. His words lingered in my mind like an unshakable fog.

My phone suddenly vibrated. It was Vivian.

"Hello?" I answered.

Silence stretched on the other end—so long that I thought she had dialed the wrong number.

"Ryan..." Her voice was hoarse, barely recognizable. "Let's get back together."

My grip tightened around the phone, fingers turning cold. I had waited ten months for those words.

"You know what?" she continued, voice trembling. "I just spoke to your friend. He told me... back when he started his business, you turned him down to stay with me."

I closed my eyes. The memory rushed back—my friend’s furious accusations, Vivian’s hopeful gaze. I had chosen her.

"Ten years, Ryan." Her voice cracked. "Didn’t we promise to get married?"

Images flashed through my mind—her handing me hot coffee during late-night work sessions, her exhausted eyes when I was sick, the way she held me tight after my startup failed.

"Ms. Lancaster!" Ethan’s voice suddenly cut in. "Ryan, this is all my fault. I’ll resign tomorrow!"

I scoffed. Resign? Who was he trying to fool?

"I’ll agree to reconcile," I heard myself say. "But on one condition."

"What condition?" she asked urgently.

"Half of your company shares. And half of your personal assets."

Dead silence. I counted my own heartbeat—one, two...

"Fine," she finally said. "I accept."

The answer caught me off guard. My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms.

"Come to the office tomorrow to sign the papers." Then she hung up.

I stared at the darkened screen. This wasn’t the Vivian I knew. She never compromised.

Unless... this was another trap.

Outside, the sunset bled across the sky. Suddenly, I remembered my friend’s parting words.

"I hope you won’t waver."

Now, I was wavering.