Resign with Grace, Return with Fire

It seemed that Sandra had told her own lies so often that she'd started believing them herself.

I didn't bother to call out her contradictions.

When I remained silent, she went on, "But there's one condition. Before you come back to Wendell Group, you have to apologize to Lester. After all, you did lay hands on him last time. If he forgives you, then you can come back."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud at that. "Sandra, you're way too full of yourself. Since when did I say that I wanted to go back? You want me to apologize to Lester? Honestly, he doesn't even deserve it."

Her face immediately flushed with embarrassment, but she quickly remembered why she was here. She pulled a wedding invitation out of her bag.

Both our names were printed clearly on the card.

I looked at it, confused, wondering what she was up to this time.

Sandra sighed and said in a resigned tone, "Fred, just stop this already. Look, this is our wedding invitation. I've already booked the venue and invited all the guests.

"I'm a woman of my word. We'll have the wedding in three days and take our relationship public. This should be enough to calm you down, right?"

After all these years, she'd had plenty of chances to marry me and make things official. However, she only brought it up after I'd given up on her.

At this point, I just didn't care anymore.

Before I could refuse, she shoved the invitation into my hand. "Prepare yourself. I'll come get you in three days."

Then, she turned and walked away.

But she didn't know she was courting disappointment; I was beginning my new job in three days.

This time, I wasn't going to give up my future for Sandra.

No sooner had she left than Lester texted me. "Fred, I heard that Sandra wants to marry you. Don't get cocky! As long as I'm around, that wedding won't happen! Don't believe me? Just try!"

I quickly understood what he meant.

…

Three days later, I was dressed in a suit, about to head to Skyborne Group for my first day.

When I opened the door, I ran into Sandra. She was dressed to the nines with flawless makeup. She had clearly spent a lot of effort on that day's wedding.

Noticing my suit, she assumed that I was dressed for the wedding and nodded in approval. "Since you're ready, let's go. The guests are already waiting for us at the venue."

After saying that, she reached out to take my hand.

I pulled my hand back in disgust and pulled a sanitizing wipe from my pocket to scrub my hands repeatedly.

Sandra's face darkened. "Fred, what's that supposed to mean? Do you think I'm dirty?"

I replied plainly, "I'm just a bit of a germaphobe."

The mood turned awkward. Just then, her phone rang.

Whatever the person on the other end of the line said made her expression fall instantly, and then she turned to me, looking torn.

"Fred, Lester accidentally fell down the stairs. It sounds pretty serious. I have to take him to the hospital, so I probably can't take you to the wedding."

Of course, it was Lester again.

Whenever it came down to a choice between Lester and me, Sandra would always choose him.

But this time, I didn't feel hurt at all. Instead, I thought that Lester's call arrived just in time.

After all, I was expected at Skyborne Group for my first day at 10:00 am. It was already 9:30 am. If I didn't leave now, I'd be late.

I looked at Sandra calmly and urged, "What are you waiting for? Get Lester to the hospital. His life is on the line."