The smell of a pho broth wafts into my nostrils, and I swallow, saliva pooling in my mouth. I didn’t even realize I was starving.
But my pride wins, and I ignore the bag, glaring at him. “You lied to me. You betrayed me. You robbed me of an important career opportunity. And then you think soup will solve everything?”
He frowns. His eyes dart between me and the bag. “I brought you food because, knowing you, you probably didn’t eat today.”
“I can take care of myself,” I snap, though lately there has been little evidence of that.
He sighs and puts the bag on the table. “Please eat.”
“Please leave.” I push off the door, and really hope he will leave so I can eat that soup.
“First, explain, what the fuck were you thinking?You’re resigning? Leaving the company? What the hell, Roxy?”
“I don’t have to explain anything to you.” I don’t even have the energy to raise my voice. “You lost that right when you lied to me.”
His jaw works. “Okay, take your revenge on me then. Don’t fucking throw away your future. Why would you resign?”
“Fraternization policy.” That is technically what I’m resigning over, though we both know that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Why I am bringing it into this argument is beyond me. Why am I even engaging in the argument?
I don’t want him here. I don’t want to justify my behavior to him. I don’t want his lies anymore.
He throws his arms up in frustration. “Bullshit. Merged is a private company. The partners can change the rules or adapt them. And they would for you.”
All the endorsements I’m getting today are eating away at my insides. A bit too late.
“Why do you even care?” I regret moving away from the solid door, because my legs don’t seem to support me properly today.
I almost sway, but I don’t dare show him an ounce of weakness.
He flexes his fingers, sighing again. “I don’t want you to throw away your future because you’re mad at me.”
I scoff. “Don’t give yourself so much credit.”
“Jesus fucking Christ, woman.” He vibrates with frustration. “Maybe you can give me a chance?—”
“To do what? Manipulate me more? Take advantage of me? Just go away.”
He flinches at every word, every accusation. Part of me wants to hear what his agenda is. To comprehend the game he’s playing.
To understand why he showed up at Merged, apparently skipping the engagement dinner with my sister, according to Nico.
Part of me wants to give him a chance to explain, because he’s still the man who put me first so many times.
The man who helped me believe in myself when I was struggling. Who supported me silently, creating space and opportunities for me.
That same part has already decided not to trust his words, and that, despite myself, makes me sad. It hurts.
I’ve grown up feeling betrayed by the men in my life. But this man?
He came along and… well, showed up in many ways. And it was all just a game to him. It fucking hurts more than I care to admit.
“I’m sorry, Roxy. I’m fucking sorry. I know mywords mean shit to you right now, but I’m not leaving until you hear me out. So sit down, eat, and listen to me.”
I snap my eyes to him, hoping to inflict some of the pain I feel.
“Please,” he adds.
