Chapter 32: Caroline, You Still Hate Me for Leaving You
Caroline lowered her gaze, trying to mask the emotions swirling within her. “What gave you that idea?” she asked, keeping her voice calm, though inwardly, she wanted to distance herself from him entirely.
Anna looked at her thoughtfully before speaking, her tone sincere. “It was obvious when the manager was yelling at you. I could see it clearly—Mr. Ellison’s expression screamed protectiveness. And sure enough, the manager got fired, and he stood up for you like some knight in shining armor.”
Caroline groaned and lightly banged her forehead against the table in frustration. After a moment, she sat up straight and decided to stop pretending. There was no point in hiding it anymore.
“Anna, Mr. Ellison and I are actually married,” Caroline admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Anna’s mouth fell open, her eyes wide with shock. She couldn’t find her words, stunned by the revelation.
Caroline continued, her tone a little heavier, “But we’ll be divorced soon.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “I never meant to keep this from you, Anna. It’s just… everything’s so complicated. And I…”
Anna, still processing, interrupted her, her voice filled with concern. “You’ve been dealing with all of this alone? That’s exhausting. If I’d known sooner, I could’ve been there for you.”
Caroline nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s fine. I’ve made it through.”
Anna’s tone shifted to one of defiance. “Hah, all I can say is David’s an idiot for not seeing how amazing you are. Honestly, it’s a good thing we didn’t end up working at Ellison Group—he’d probably work us to death. Does having a bit of money make him special? We’ll find something better. It’s not like his is the only company out there.”
Caroline sighed softly, her voice quieter now. “I’m afraid he’s already blacklisted me.”
Knowing David like she did, Caroline could sense that this was inevitable. She had crossed him, and it would cost her dearly.
“Anna, you should stay away from me,” Caroline continued seriously, her gaze serious and unwavering. “I don’t want you getting dragged into this. He’s unpredictable, and while I can handle him, I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”
Anna opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a shadow fell across them, blocking the light.
Both women turned their heads in unison. Outside the cafe’s floor-to-ceiling window stood a man in a dress shirt and slacks, his clean-cut face calm as he gazed at Caroline. His eyes were filled with a quiet intensity, like they were ready to overflow with emotions long hidden.
Caroline met his gaze briefly before nonchalantly looking away, lifting her coffee cup to her lips, her hand steady, her demeanor calm. She was trying her best to remain composed.
“Caroline, I didn’t expect you’d run into him here…” Anna muttered, before standing up abruptly. “You two talk. I’ll go to the restroom.”
Caroline gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. Anna, sensing the tension, made her escape in a hurry.
The man approached with slow, deliberate steps, and as he got closer, he spoke softly, “Caroline, it’s been a long time.”
“A long time indeed, Nash.” Caroline smiled politely, though her tone was distant, guarded. “Or should I call you Mr. Newton?”
Nash Newton studied her for a moment, as though trying to read her, before he replied, “Call me whatever you like.”
“Then Mr. Newton it is. What can I do for you?” Caroline’s voice was neutral now, the polite smile still in place.
Nash sighed, and the hint of frustration was evident in his voice. “Must you be so distant with me?”
Caroline’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are we supposed to be close?”
Nash’s expression softened, but only for a moment. “I know… Caroline, you still hate me. Hate me for leaving without a word, for abandoning you, for choosing a well-matched fiancée, and most of all… for choosing ambition over love without hesitation.”
Caroline let out a soft laugh, almost bitter. “Mr. Newton, you abandoned me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, her voice laced with irony. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. After all, we were never together to begin with.”
