C11
“If she hadn’t exposed the hospital incident, you wouldn’t have faced such negative press. I was only trying to
help …”
She used the same manipulative tone that she usually used but this time, Matt was not buying it.
“That’s enough!” he snapped, his voice filled with frustration.
“Do you really think I don’t know you’re the one who arranged for the hospital photos to be leaked?”
“I’ve reviewed the surveillance footage from that day in the neighborhood. You tripped on your own! Why are you blaming Fiona for? Tolerated your antics out of respect for our years of friendship, but now you’ve crossed the line by targeting my wife. I won’t stand for it anymore!”
www
“I’ve known Fiona longer than I’ve known you. I know exactly what kind of person she is. I don’t need your explanations!” Finally, he said, “That’s it. Don’t contact me again. Save yourself some dignity!”
Without giving her a chance to respond, Matt ended the call and left for the airport.
When his plane landed at his destination, I had just finished my work for the day. As I stepped out of the street, I saw his familiar figure on the street and thought my eyes played tricks on me.
I ignored him and turned around to return to the office. However, he grabbed my hand and spoke with a hoarse and desperate voice, “Fiona… it’s me. I came here to find you.”
“I know I’ve wronged you. Please, give me a chance to explain,” he pleaded.
His unshaven jaw and weathered face bore the marks of exhaustion from travel.
1:55 PM
After The Love Had Dead and Gone, You’d Never See Me Again
I didn’t spare him a glance. I only shook off his hand gently as I said, “There’s no need. There is nothing to
explain between us.”
“I know you love Taylor. I’ve already stepped aside for the two of you. Don’t worry, I’m gone for good,” I added.
After I said that, I prepared to walk away but Matt stepped in front of me and blocked my path.
“No, that’s not what I meant! You’ve misunderstood!” he said desperately.
“Fiona, after we got married, the one I grew to love was you. I just didn’t realize it back then, but now I do. Please, give me a chance to explain.”
“I know I’ve wronged you in these five years. Come back home with me and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it
up to you. Fiona, I’m begging you….‘
”
His trembling hands pulled out a transfer of assets agreement from his coat. The paper still carried the warmth ” of his body.
I laughed bitterly. “Matt, don’t you think this is ridiculous? Didn’t you marry me back then just to stop me from
causing a scene at Taylor’s wedding?”
12
I continued, “You let my mother die on the operating table to save hers and now you claim you love me? Do you even hear yourself? Isn’t it laughable?”
“Are you done?” I asked. “If so, then get lost. I’m going home.”
I moved to sidestep him, but he dropped to his knees before me. Tears streamed down his face, his pitiful
expression was a mix of regret and despair.
“Don’t … please don’t go. 1 admit that I was blind and foolish back then, but I’ve finally woken up. My feelings for Taylor were just a habit. The one I truly love is you!”
“No words can make you believe me, I know that. However, I’ve brought the contract. I’m transferring all my assets to you. Don’t you think that’s enough?”
“I’ve already told Taylor everything. I won’t have any contact with her again. I’ve handed over the O’Donnell Group project to my employees. I swear I’ll never see her again. Please, believe me!” he pleaded as he clung to my arm as if his life depended on it.
Unable to pull away, I looked him straight in the eye and said, “You said it’s a habit? Well, that’s a remarkably long–time habit you’ve got. Was having a thousand photos of her on your phone also a habit? Was giving her millions in jewelry just another habit? Matt, stop treating me like a fool.”
“Knowing you is the biggest regret of my life. If I were to forgive you, my mother would never rest in peace.” Then
I added, “You disgust me.”
My words left him frozen in place, his face ashen.
“No, that’s not it. I’ll delete the photos right now. I’ll delete them all!” he said in a hurry.
“There’s no need. Don’t harass me again. Don’t make me hate you more than I already do.”
I didn’t look back as I walked away.
His voice grew fainter and fainter until it was lost in the distance.
The next day, news broke that the Harris Group had declared bankruptcy.
C
When he returned to the country, Matt turned himself into the police for his involvement in the surgery five years ago. Taylor, as the patient’s family member, was also arrested. Henry provided the original forged agreement and filed a charge of fraud against Taylor and her mother. The case caused an uproar online.
The O’Donnell Group business plummeted overnight and Gregg immediately filed for divorce from Taylor.
On the day of the trial, Taylor and her mother were sentenced to prison. As an accomplice, Matt was also
convicted.
The O’Donnell Group business plummeted overnight and Gregg immediately filed for divorce from Taylor. On the day of the trial, Taylor and her mother were sentenced to prison. As an accomplice, Matt was also
convicted.
I knew this was his way of apologizing to me. However, it was far too late. I would never forgive him. Not in this
lifetime.
(The End)
—
