He Gave His Secretary Two Hours Every Day Until Our Wedding. So I Left Chapter 09

He Gave His Secretary Two Hours Every Day Until Our Wedding. So I Left Chapter 09

Seven years later, I encountered Nathaniel at a cinema.

I held my five-year-old daughter’s hand.

He was alone.

The man didn’t move upon seeing me, but his dull eyes reddened quietly.

My daughter looked from him to me and whispered, “Mama, who is that man? He seems to know you.”

“Good thing Papa went for popcorn, or he’d be jealous again!”

I smiled at my lively child.

Once, while shopping, a stranger had asked for my number. Her father had grown sullen. In her eyes, that towering figure had become a possessive, petulant man.

Nathaniel didn’t approach. He passed us and entered the theater alone.

I watched his retreating back.

I thought he might have come seeking me, but he acted as if we were strangers. No greeting.

That was fine. When we parted, I’d believed I was gifting him and Lydia their happiness.

I’d left with grace. I owed him that much.

Inside, Nathaniel’s seat was directly behind our family of three.

I didn’t know if it was chance. Didn’t ask. Anyone who cared could easily learn I was back.

I feared he might disrupt my family.

“What’s wrong? Seeing him stirring old memories?”

A faintly sour voice murmured in my ear, warm and tickling.

There he went again.

“You saw him?”

The man behind me gave a soft scoff, his expression disdainful. “He was practically weeping. Who could miss it? Such pretense. If he truly cared, where was he then?”

His voice wasn’t quiet.

Nathaniel must have heard, but he gave no sign. His face remained calm, as if merely passing time before a

film.

When the credits rolled, the audience rose to leave.

Nathaniel remained seated. Alone. Silent.

My daughter pointed and asked, “Mama, is that man asleep?”

I took her hand, amused by my jealous husband, and smiled. “Yes. Let’s not disturb him. Let him sleep.”

Many years later, I happened to hear Owen mention Nathaniel.

Only that he remained unmarried.

I didn’t wish to hear more. There was no need.

Two strangers, leaving one another in peace.

That was the finest ending of all.