60
“Zoe, Emily is pregnant. She can’t go to jail right now. That night, the lighting in the private room was dim–Zachary didn’t get a clear look at her face. As long as you step forward and take the blame, everything will be resolved.“}
Lucas’s voice trembled slightly as he watched my face harden. He could sense my hesitation, and panic flickered in his eyes.}]
Afraid I would refuse, he quickly shifted the topic to something he knew I cared about more than anything–our company.”
“Zoe, isn’t this company your life’s work? You’ve poured everything into it. If this scandal explodes, do you really want to see the company ruined? Gone, just like that?“}
He held my hand with false sincerity, the same way he used to when whispering sweet words during our happiest days.}
The passion in his eyes reminded me of the man I once loved, and for a brief second, my guard faltered.}
“And didn’t you always want to marry me?” he continued softly. “Once you help Emily this time, I swear, when you get out, we’ll get married. Everything you’ve ever dreamed of–our future together–it’ll be real.”
His words were all carefully chosen, striking every weak spot I once had. But now, those things didn’t hold value anymore.”
I gently pulled my hand away, my voice barely more than a whisper.”
“Lucas… I understand.”
Lucas’s face lit up with relief. He mistook my calm for agreement.
“Zoe! I knew it! You’ve always been the kindest, the most selfless–how could I ever doubt you?“>
He hugged me tightly in excitement before dashing across the room.
In the corner, Emily sat trembling, crying in fear. Lucas rushed over and held her protectively.”
“Emily, don’t be afraid. I’ve taken care of everything. It’s all going to be okay.“}
Their excitement was nauseating–as if they had just survived a crisis together.}
Without another glance at them, I turned and walked away.
Outside, I quietly said a few words to the waiting men, then got into their car and headed for the airport.}
Lucas, watching from the window, assumed I’d been taken away by Zachary’s people. He sighed in relief, thinking his plan had succeeded.
But when Zachary’s men arrived and cornered Emily, Lucas panicked.”
He was already preparing to sneak her away when the confrontation began.}
“What are you doing? Didn’t she just leave?” Lucas barked as he pulled Emily protectively into his arms.
The assistant from Zachary’s team frowned in impatience.
“We’ve given you more than enough time. Are you going to hand her over or not?“}
Zachary had already spoken with me earlier. After our brief exchange, he left with a single command:”
“Enough waiting. Take her now.”
1
Lucas began to sweat. His voice dropped, trembling with anxiety.
“But… but didn’t Emily just leave a while ago?”
The assistant scoffed, yanked Emily from his arms, and sneered.}
“You think we’re idiots? The woman who just left showed us a photo. The one hiding behind you is clearly Emily.“} “Take her,” he ordered, without another word.
They dragged Emily away as Lucas screamed in protest.
He watched helplessly, trembling as they forced her out of sight.“]
When the weight of what had happened sank in, he bit his lower lip until it bled.§
“Zoe! You liar!” He roared, but his voice cracked.]
Emily was still pregnant–what would happen to her now? What kind of suffering would she endure in custody?
Fury and confusion churned in Lucas’s chest. He couldn’t understand why I, the woman who had always done everything he asked, had suddenly changed.
In the past, he would ask for money–I gave it.}
He said he didn’t want the baby–I aborted it without a word.)
But now, have refused. I defied him.
To him, it could only be a tantrum.
Before, when I was upset, I would quietly disappear until he came looking for me.
But since Emily entered our lives, he expected me to be more generous, more understanding.
And I was–until I couldn’t be anymore.
I was done living like that.
After understanding exactly what Lucas wanted from me, I turned and walked away.
What he didn’t know was that Zachary and I had formed a partnership.
8:57 AM
Before leaving, I asked him for one final favor.
In exchange, I offered him everything.”
“This is every project, every share I hold in the company. Combine that with the damages Lucas owes you–and the whole company is yours.”
Zachary agreed quickly and even planned a way to make Lucas regret everything.
But I didn’t care about vengeance anymore.§
I just wanted to leave.
As I sat quietly in the car, my phone buzzed repeatedly.
I didn’t answer.
The voicemail box was filled with Lucas’s voice–angry at first.
“Zoe! What are you doing? Are you trying to get Emily killed? You’re blowing this out of proportion! It was just an apology!”
Then his tone softened, turning desperate.
“Please, Zoe… Tell me where you are. I’ll come get you. Just come back, okay?”
When I arrived at the airport, I stood in the corner and tossed the phone into a nearby trash bin without hesitation.
That was the last time I ever looked back.
From this moment on, I would never return to this city again.”
3:57 AM
