Coaxing Her Back

"Two days?"

"She seems really angry this time. I'll bet on a week."

Hansen glanced at the door, which hadn't fully closed yet, and let out a cold smile. "She'll come crying back in less than three days."

"It's been the same all these years. It's honestly getting tiring to watch.

"That's true. There's no way Christine would leave you. Everyone knows how madly in love with you she is."

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and tightened my grip on my purse as I walked to the elevator.

Back at my apartment, I went to the corner of the closet and took out the wedding dress.

I had waited six months for it, but unfortunately, I would never get the chance to wear it.

The wedding dress was custom-made, so there was no way I could refund it.

So, I simply grabbed a pair of scissors and cut it up.

After all, it would just be an eyesore for Hansen if I left it there.

Before I left, I took off my ring and put it on the coffee table.

I didn't take much with me. Other than my personal belongings, I left everything else behind.

After a moment of thought, I left Hansen a note.

It said that he could deal with the house and everything in it as he pleased. There was no need to ask me.

I booked an early morning flight to Harbor City.

My best friend had gotten married there earlier in the year. It was the perfect excuse to visit her and clear my head.

My best friend, Linda Moore, invited me out to shop and have some afternoon tea.

In the evening, there was a small gathering with some old classmates and friends.

After a few rounds of drinks, someone opened the door and entered.

A few of our old female classmates lit up immediately. "Landon Shore? What a rare guest."

"Yeah, big shot, what brings you here tonight?"

Landon replied, "I had a meeting next door. I heard about the gathering here so I thought I'd drop by."

As Landon spoke, his gaze lingered somewhere for a moment before slowly moving away.

Linda pinched me discreetly, "Christine, he's here for you, isn't he?"

I looked at Landon in my drunken haze.

He was slightly taller than Hansen and was dressed in a black coat over a matching business suit.

Landon was incredibly handsome and had a well-built physique as well.

I squinted at him for a moment before I shook my head. "There's no way. We haven't kept in touch for years."

But Linda ignored me and called out to Landon. "Landon, can you do me a favor and send Christine home later? We've all been drinking, and I wouldn't feel safe letting her get a taxi."

I froze and looked up at Landon.

Landon looked right past the crowd and at my face.

After about two seconds, he nodded. "Alright."

"Thank you, Landon," Linda replied.

She grinned and leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Christine, seven years with one man is such a terrible waste no matter how you look at it. If Hansen can play around, then why don't you start anew? Besides, Landon is top-tier. It'd be a waste if you didn't make use of him."

I scoffed. "How do you know he even wants to sleep with me?"

Linda said, "Babe, he's practically undressing you with his eyes. Believe me, I've dated 18 men. I'm much more experienced than you are."

Landon drove me back to my hotel.

When we arrived, I unbuckled my seatbelt and thanked him. "Thanks for sending me back."

Landon glanced at me. "You're welcome."

I opened the door and was about to step out when Hansen's words from that night suddenly sprang up in my mind.

Before I knew it, I blurted out, "Do you want to come up for some tea?"

Landon started kissing me in the elevator.

I was already tipsy, and his kiss was so forceful that I nearly lost my breath.

"Cameras…" I panted as I felt my cheeks flush red.

My legs weakened, and I had to hold on to his waist to stay standing.

Landon glanced at the security camera and turned slightly to adjust the angle. Then, he kissed me again.

When we reached my room and I swiped my keycard, he suddenly stopped me. "Christine, I can still walk away now if you don't want this."

"Why wouldn't I?" I tilted my head to look at him. Then, I pulled him closer with his tie. "You've already kissed me senseless, how could you talk about walking away?"