Chapter 3
Three days before the shareholders' meeting, Nick still hadn't shown his face.
But his lackeys kept calling me nonstop, one after another.
One of them snapped, "Charlotte, they haven't even found Nick's body yet. What makes you think he's dead?
"I knew you were up to no good. You're just trying to take over the company while Nick's missing. You bitch, stop selling those shares right now, or don't blame me if I teach you a lesson for Nick."
Another sneered, "Charlotte, you gave up after just three months? It seems that your love was never real."
At first, I'd clap back at them, but then I realized it was just a waste of time and only made me feel worse.
So, I just blocked them all and focused on selling my shares.
Time flew by, and the day of the shareholders' meeting had arrived.
I slipped into a sleek black business suit, pulled my hair up into a high bun, and looked every bit the sharp, capable professional.
Andrew quietly put on a crisp white suit. His tie perfectly matched the color of the brooch on my chest, almost like we were showing off as a couple.
I saw right through his little stunt, but I let it slide. First off, it'd totally get under Nick's skin.
Second, Andrew had been playing house for me these past few months. Honestly, after everything he'd done for me, I couldn't really get mad over something this small.
The shareholders' meeting kicked off right on time, and I took the stage, putting on my best heartbroken act.
I said, "I've already reached an agreement with Mr. Howard. All the shares Nick and I own will be sold to him at market price. From now on, he'll be in full control of Apex Prosper.
"I built this company from the ground up, and letting go is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I loved Nick more than anything, and every time I see this place, it just tears me apart."
Benson wiped at imaginary tears, shooting me a moved look. "Don't worry, Ms. Hayes. I'll make sure Apex Prosper thrives under me."
After our friendly speeches, Benson and I stood side by side, ready to sign the papers.
Once I signed, Apex Prosper would be out of my life for good.
And Nick? Since his death was fake, the ten percent share would be returned to him. With just ten percent left, he'd be nothing but a small fry in the company. Just picturing how miserable he'd be made me smirk.
Just then, Nick stormed in, out of breath, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Stop. I'm not dead. I won't let you sell those shares. Honey, I'm back. I know you've had it tough, but from now on, let me handle everything."
Benson didn't get mad when he was interrupted. He just grinned and said, "It seems you two lovebirds need to talk it over a bit more."
With that, he sat down nearby, looking like he was ready to enjoy the show.
"Honey, I'm back. Thanks for putting up with everything while I was gone," Nick said, sounding guilty.
He came over, trying to hug me, but I quietly stepped back. A bit annoyed, I didn't want him near me at all.
Seeing my cold expression, Nick let out a bitter laugh and started to explain, "I really did fall into the jungle, but somehow I landed in a river and got swept away for miles.
"I ended up in a small village, but I lost my memory. It wasn't until a few days ago that I finally remembered who I was.
"As soon as I got my memory back, I borrowed a few hundred bucks from the villagers and rushed over to see you. Look at these scars on me. They still haven't healed yet."
He rolled up his sleeve to show a big scar on his arm, like he was trying to prove he was telling the truth. I could tell in a heartbeat. That scar was nothing but movie makeup, totally fake.
I looked at the fake look on his face and didn't bother wasting my breath. I exposed him right then and there.
"I was outside that fancy boutique three days ago. I heard every word you said," I said. "I was the one in green. You were too busy making out with Melissa to even notice me standing there."
Nick's face changed in an instant, looking totally freaked out as panic flashed in his eyes. He blurted out, trying to defend himself, "Honey, it's not what you think. Just let me explain—"
I cut him off, ice in my voice. "Don't call me honey. It just makes my skin crawl. Nick, we've known each other for five years and been married for one. For six years, you always thought you never did me wrong.
"But you went and faked your own death just to toy with me. Do you really get a kick out of messing with my feelings?"
As I spoke, my eyes started to well up, tears glimmering in them.
Even if I was over Nick, I spent six years of my youth with him. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for myself.
That was it. I couldn't hold back anymore. I stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face.
Nick turned his head, looking all sheepish, but I caught a nasty glint in his eyes.
I laughed at myself, bitterly. He'd probably not have loved me ages ago, and I was the last to find out.
Nick sucked in a breath, trying to tamp down his rage. The moment he saw Andrew nearby, his eyes lit up, and he threw him under the bus without hesitation. "It was Andrew's idea. I swear, I just lost my head.
"Honey, please, just forgive me this once. I promise, I'll never mess around like this again. Whatever it is, let's talk at home, okay? Now that I'm back, you don't have to sell your shares."
Nick grabbed my hand and tried to pull me out of there.
"Let go. I'm not going with you," I shouted, struggling to break free.
I kept hitting his arm, but he didn't even flinch.
"I'm not taking the fall for this," Andrew said, stepping up to my side.
He forcefully pried Nick's hand off me, with barely a hint of a smile in his eyes. "You were the one complaining about Charlotte being too bossy, wanting to put her in her place.
"You wanted her to stop ordering you around. I just gave you an idea, but I never forced you to adopt it. You made that choice yourself, which just proves you've already strayed.