Chapter 2
After receiving the divorce agreement my lawyer had prepared for me, I submitted my resignation to the company.
Darren called me into the CEO's office.
"Is it a headhunter trying to lure you away? Whatever they're giving you, I can top it," he said.
I gave a wry smile. "It's not about money. I want to move somewhere new with my daughter."
I added, "Life is short, and I want her to see more of the world, not end up stuck here like I did."
After five years, my heart was shattered. I'd stopped hoping Chester would ever give me a second glance.
Darren asked quietly, "Is this because of problems in your relationship? People have been saying your daughter's father is actually the Sharpe Group's—"
"No," I interrupted him. "Her father passed away. That's why I want to spend more time with my daughter and be there as she grows up."
Darren nodded. "Alright. But if the day ever comes when you want to return, this company will always welcome you back."
He added, "Over the years, I've heard all kinds of rumors about you and Mr. Sharpe, but I never gave them much credit. After all, I met Scarlett back then. Anyway, let's drop it."
I couldn't suppress a bitter laugh at Darren's words.
My nose tingled, and my eyes burned with unshed tears.
Everyone knew Chester had someone he loved.
But that someone was never me.
*****
After finishing my resignation paperwork and stepping out of the office building, I bumped into Chester and Scarlett in the lobby.
The two of them stood side by side, looking like the perfect couple.
People nearby were whispering.
"Isn't that Mr. Sharpe from Sharpe Group? Who's the woman with him?"
"Seriously, you don't recognize her? That's Mr. Sharpe's true love, Scarlett Geddes, the golden girl from the Geddes family. She studied finance and management at one of those elite colleges overseas."
"No wonder Mr. Sharpe hasn't been seen with any other women all these years. He already has someone special."
I gave a bitter smile.
He managed to cover up everything between Teresa and me so flawlessly that no one in the world ever suspected a thing.
Scarlett was barely back in town, and already Chester was parading her everywhere for everyone to see that his first love had finally returned.
Honestly, he treated the one he loved and who he didn't completely differently.
From where I stood, even just out of courtesy, I figured I ought to say hi and let him know I resigned.
After all, when it came to anything with the Sharpe Group, I was always the one handling things.
But just as I started heading over, his icy glare cut through me like a knife.
Chester said, "Ms. Jackson, do you need something?" His voice was so cold and detached, as if he were warning me not to cause any trouble.
He didn't care less if I quit, and our marriage falling apart didn't even register with him.
The only person on his mind was Scarlett.
"My apologies, Mr. Sharpe. I think I had the wrong person," I said.
Chester turned back to Scarlett, smiling at her like nothing had ever happened.
He was my husband and Teresa's father, but to him, I was nothing more than a shadow.
I laughed at myself bitterly.
Even though I was about to leave for good, I thought maybe I should say something to him.
But honestly, why bother? He never would've cared.
He never cared whether Teresa and I went or if we'd ever show up in his life again.
After leaving the company, I headed home and quickly packed up some luggage.
Then I went out to bring Teresa home.
She saw me from across the street and dashed over to me.
But when she peeked inside the car and realized nobody else was there, she looked disappointed.
Teresa pouted, "Didn't Chester say he'd celebrate my birthday with us? Is he working overtime again, or did he forget?"
I couldn't stand the thought of her last birthday wish slipping away, so I sent Chester a quick WhatsApp message, hoping he'd come.
About half an hour later, Chester replied: [I'll come by and pick you up tonight.]