Chapter 7
The day after I accepted Lucian’s proposal, I stumbled upon him outside his office, offering empty comfort to a tearful Ophelia.
“I don’t really love Savannah,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “She‘ s just clung to me like a lapdog for so long that I feel obligated to keep her quiet.”
His words struck like daggers, and the irony was not lost on me. As I renounced my promise, I watched disbelief wash over Lucian’s face, turning it ashen as he stood frozen in shock.
I hailed a taxi, and just as I swung the door open, Lucian’s voice cut through the air with a cold edge. “Savannah, you know me well. If you walk away now, it’s truly the end for us…”
Before Lucian could utter another word, I slammed the door behind me, unwilling to
95% 15:36
1/4
Chapter 7
spare him a second glance.
A month flew by in a whirlwind. Between settling into my new place and searching for a job, my days were filled to the brim with bustling adventures.
Thankfully, despite the trials and the hustle, I secured the home I had always. dreamed of and landed a new job that was not only far more interesting but also paid.
better.
Lucian, meanwhile, remained a distant memory. Occasionally, a mutual friend would unwittingly mention him, perhaps. without realizing how it felt to me.
They’d say he was busier than ever, swamped with work and neglecting to attend social events, and even that he had yet to delete the pinned post on social media: [Lucian and Savannah are getting married soon.]
I paid it no mind. My time and energy were precious commodities, and I wouldn‘ t
95% 15:36
2/4
Chapter 7
waste them on remnants of my past.
One Friday evening at the beginning of the month, I hurried through the post–work rush to attend a celebration for an old
classmate‘ s baby daughter, marking her 100th day.
In the bright and elegant hotel banquet hall, I gifted the little one, nestled in my friend‘ s arms, a pure gold longevity locket, wishing her a lifetime filled with happiness and serenity.
As the meal unfolded, a handful of familiar faces from neighboring tables came over to raise a toast and share a few laughs.
The last to arrive was Rigel Sinclair, who was two years my junior from law school. Our paths had first crossed in college when I was the president of the debate club, and he served as my right–hand man as vice president.
As Rigel was about to take his leave, he handed me two de–alcoholizing candies
95% 15:36
3/4
Chapter 7
with a playful grin. Watching him return to his seat, my friend nudged me and said,
“Savannah, to be honest, I didn’t plan on inviting someone like Rigel. He’s a well- known lawyer, and I barely know him. He actually tracked down my contact info just to see if you’d be here tonight.”
Before the celebration wrapped up, I made my farewells and slipped out early. Coincidentally, Rigel was also making his
exit.
In the elevator, the handsome, sober man turned to me and offered, “Savannah, let me give you a ride home.”
I narrowed my eyes, casting him a suspicious glance. “What‘ s with the sudden attentiveness? After all these years, are you still plotting to dethrone me and take over as club president?”
Rigel chuckled, ready to play along with my jest, when the elevator doors slid open to the basement level, revealing a man I never expected to see.
