Giving Him Up

I didn’t stay at the hotel for long. Very soon, I rented an apartment for the time being and settled in.

That day, while I was at home going through an investment report, I received an unexpected call from Leo’s assistant, Gavin Sinclair.

“Ms. Morgan,” Gavin said politely, “Mr. Smith has an urgent meeting, but the analysis report for the Westside project can’t be found. You were the one following up on that project before. Do you happen to know where the report is?”

The Westside project.

Of course I remembered it.

In my previous life, that project had been a major turning point in Leo’s career, but it had also hidden a massive pitfall.

Back then, I had pulled three all-nighters, going through countless materials before finally uncovering that hidden risk, which helped him avoid it perfectly and earn a huge profit.

It was also after this that his position in the company truly became secure.

Holding my phone, I fell silent for a few seconds.

“I don’t remember,” I said calmly. “I have nothing to do with Mr. Smith anymore. You don’t need to ask me about his company’s matters again.”

On the other end, Gavin seemed to choke on his words.

“But Ms. Morgan, this project is very important. Mr. Smith, he—”

“That’s his problem,” I cut him off directly. “I’m busy. Goodbye.”

After hanging up, I looked out the window, my mood completely undisturbed.

I was no longer that Nicole who would come whenever called and leave whenever dismissed.

Whatever happened to Leo had nothing to do with me anymore.

In the afternoon, I went out with a friend to shop and have afternoon tea, and I posted a selfie on my social media.

In the photo, I was smiling brightly, with delicate desserts and warm sunlight in the background.

Not long after, a mutual friend commented, [Oh? Back together with Mr. Smith? Not heartbroken anymore?]

Someone quickly replied below, [No way. Didn’t you see the news? Mr. Smith accompanied that beauty, Sophie Miller, to the hospital today. I heard she fainted from exhaustion. He looked incredibly anxious, even carried her into the ER himself.]

There was even a clear candid photo attached.

In it, Leo was holding a pale-faced Sophie in his arms, rushing into the hospital with a look of panic and concern I had never once seen on his face in all thirteen years.

I gave the photo a like, then closed my phone.

That night, when I returned to my apartment, a familiar car was parked downstairs.

Leo was leaning against the car door, smoking, with cigarette butts scattered all over the ground near his feet.

When he saw me, he stubbed out the cigarette and walked over in a few quick steps, carrying the heavy scent of smoke mixed with hospital disinfectant.

“Where did you hide the materials for the Westside project?” he asked bluntly, his tone unfriendly.

“I told you I don’t remember.”

“Nicole!” he barked, his eyes bloodshot, looking agitated. “Don’t play this game with me! You know how important that project is to me. Are you really going to use this kind of method to get back at me?”

I looked at him and found it almost amusing.

“Get back at you? Leo, aren’t you thinking too highly of yourself?”

“I just don’t want to deal with your mess anymore.”

His expression instantly turned extremely ugly.

“Is this because I went to the hospital with Sophie?”

As if convinced that was the reason, he continued explaining on his own. “Her health has always been bad. She’s been like that since she was young. She fainted at the company today, so of course I had to take her to the hospital!

“Nicole, can you stop being so unreasonable?!”

Unreasonable.

In my previous life, I had been “reasonable” for crying alone until dawn while he celebrated Sophie’s birthday.

As I signed my mother’s surgery consent form alone, he accompanied Sophie overseas to relax.

In the end, I guess I had been “reasonable” enough to die in that car accident.

I took a deep breath, then looked at him and said each word clearly.

“Leo, if her health is bad, that’s something her parents should worry about. If she faints, you should call an ambulance, not carry her there for show.

“And let me say this one last time. We’re over. From now on, your matters and hers have nothing to do with me.

“If you keep harassing me, I’ll call the police.”

After saying that, I turned and walked toward the building.

However, my wrist was grabbed again, even tighter than before.

“Nicole, do you really have to be like this?”

For the first time, his voice carried an emotion I couldn’t quite understand. It sounded like frustration, or perhaps something else.

“Isn’t what you want just for me to lower my head?”

“Fine.” He stared into my eyes as he spoke slowly, “Give me the materials, and I’ll apologize to you.

“I’m sorry for not coming after you, for being with Sophie.”

I looked at him.

This was the first time in thirteen years that I had heard the words “I’m sorry” from his mouth.

In the past, it was something I had longed for.

But now, it just made me sick.

“Your apology isn’t worth a thing.”

I shook off his hand and walked into the apartment building without looking back.