21
Jasmine stood on stage, eloquently explaining the company’s founding principles and encouraging capable individuals to join. She introduced their first project: helping a remote mountain village in the west, rich in wild mushrooms. She interided to develop it sustainably, attracting young people who had migrated to cities to return home…
Adrian stood in a corner, watching Jasmine, dressed in a business suit, confidently speaking. A flash of amazement crossed his eyes.
He hadn’t seen Jasmine this radiant in a long time. Since their relationship began, she’d been trapped, her life revolving solely around him. She’d given everything, wholeheartedly loving him, only to be disappointed.
In that moment, Adrian seemed to understand Jasmine’s coldness and decisiveness. The Jasmine who loved him had died under his repeated deceptions and hurts. Only by leaving him completely could she be reborn.
The Jasmine before him now had a career she loved, a life she craved. She had finally escaped her well.
Perhaps he shouldn’t disturb her anymore.
“How did you find me?” Jasmine asked, descending from the stage, immediately spotting Adrian. He looked increasingly haggard, as if deliberately punishing himself.
“Jasmine, are you happier without me?” he asked hoarsely, his gaze fixed on Jasmine.
“Yes, Jasmine replied firmly.
Adrian lowered his gaze, a bitter smile on his lips.“I’m sorry. I hurt you.”
“I don’t need your apology. I don’t hate you anymore. Leave. Go do what you need to do,”
Jasmine was distant and cold. She turned and walked away.
Adrian stood frozen, staring at her back, a dull ache in his chest, his vision blurring, as if a dark shadow was descending.
The next moment, he collapsed.
He rested for a while, getting back on his feet, seemingly unconcerned.
He went to a florist and ordered a year’s worth of flowers, to be delivered daily to Jasmine’s office.
Adrian chose to leave.
He was immediately surrounded by shareholders upon landing, demanding he step down.
Adrian’s face darkened. He signed a wagering agreement with them. If he couldn’t earn back twenty billion in six months, he would voluntarily relinquish control of Thornton Industries. If he succeeded, no one could oppose any future decisions he made.
Adrian transformned back into a workaholic, practically living in the office, personally overseeing all major projects. He traveled constantly, working relentlessly, often sleeping less than four hours a day.
Sometimes he felt dizzy or experienced moments of darkness.
He attributed it to exhaustion, ignoring the warning signs.
Six months passed quickly. Adrian exceeded the agreement’s target. The shareholders were dumbfounded, showering him with praise.
They assumed he’d worked so hard because he cared about the
company.
In truth, Adrian had done all this for Jasmine.
07.19
