04
The mention of the ocean–view apartment and the classmates‘ reunion sent a sharp pang through my heart.
That property was a gift from Ethan after the company went public.
He had solemnly placed the key in my palm, saying, “After we get married, this will be our new home. If I ever treat you poorly, you can lock me out and send me to sleep on the streets.”
The love I had seen in his eyes back then was now completely gone.
He didn’t rush me, likely realizing something was off; a hint of awkwardness crossed his face.
I didn’t keep him waiting long. After rummaging through my bag for a moment, I pulled out the key and handed it
to him.
“Sorry, I was just thinking about where to put this.”
“There’s no spare key, so when you give it to Sophie, make sure to remind her. But if you lose it, it’s no big you can just change the locks,” I said casually.
I continued searching through my bag until I found a stock transfer agreement.
After Ethan’s company went public, I had invested nearly all my savings into it.
C
As a result, I held twenty percent of the company’s shares. Since I wanted to sever our ties, keeping his shares
felt odd.
I had prepared the contract early on but forgot to have him sign it amidst everything else that had happened
recently.
“Can you sign this? It’s better for shares to be consolidated under one person. If it’s okay with you, just sign it,
9:52 AM
After the Love Fades, I Love You In the Fog
and I’ll take it to finance myself.”
Ethan frowned deeply.
“It’s unnecessary.”
“You contributed to the company going public; keeping those shares would ensure you’re set for life. This is like
killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.”
His expression was complex as he looked at me with calmness that belied his unease.
But he couldn’t articulate why he felt that way.
He’d seen the contract before; there was nothing wrong with it–it would benefit him too.
I pressed on, “A company only needs one person in charge.”
In the end, he signed it.
Satisfied, I took the contract and pulled my suitcase toward the door.
“Tell Sophie to get ready for her move soon; you can’t be too comfortable with her living alone.”
Back at the office, I quickly delegated tasks and then went to finance to settle my accounts.
Seeing a string of zeros added to my bank balance lifted my spirits.
That evening, my teacher called multiple times to confirm my flight details, and we chatted until nearly ten
o’clock.
Just as I hung up, Ethan’s call came in.
His tone was harsh.
“Who have you been on the phone with?”
“Why couldn’t I reach you?”
KYNN
I took a sip of water and glanced at my chat notifications, realizing there were many new messages.
“Sorry! I was just chatting with my best friend and didn’t notice your messages,” I explained.
“Sounds like you and Sophie are having fun. You two enjoy yourselves while there are still things left unfinished
at work.”
In the background, I could hear Sophie’s voice occasionally.
“Does this pajama look good on me?”
“Do I smell nice…?”
“…”
I contemplated hanging up when Ethan continued, “Don’t get me wrong; I just took Sophie shopping for clothes.”
“I even got you two pieces too–both high–end brands that you used to love…”
His words made me laugh despite myself.
“You must be mistaken; I’ve never bought luxury items before. Thank you, but really, just buy for Sophie.”
I have one day left before I leave to see my teacher.
