Chapter 10

****Present Moment****

I refused to let jealousy creep in. This was a happy moment for my friend—I was happy for her.

"Make sure you take lots of pictures," I said with a playful giggle.

She hesitated, searching my face. "So… you're not upset?" She asked.

"Of course not. Why would I be?" I muttered, forcing a reassuring smile.

"I'm happy that you're happy. You deserve this," I added, and she nodded, relief washing over her face.

"I thought you’d be upset because I'm leaving you for a whole week," she admitted.

I waved a dismissive hand. "You’re the best, you know that? Don’t worry about me—I can handle a little alone time."

A warm smile spread across her face. "I love you," she giggled, pulling me into a hug.

"Thanks for being so understanding."

****Damien****

After the mandatory business meeting Scarlett and I attended as a couple, we headed straight to my office. Outside, the rain poured harder, drumming against the windows.

"I don’t know why they keep making us attend these meetings," Scarlett muttered, her arms folded.

"It’s important for our business," I replied. "We need their partnership."

I had noticed something lately—Scarlett could barely look me in the eye anymore. She always kept her back to me, she was staring outside at the rain, lost in thought.

And then, finally, she turned.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself," she said, her tone sharp, laced with something unreadable.

She started walking toward the door.

"Wait—where are you going?" I grabbed her hand before she could leave.

"We need to talk," I said softly.

"Please, princess."

She sighed heavily, like I was draining the last bit of patience she had left. "What?"

"I swear, how many times do I have to apologize?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

"I miss my wife. I miss us."

Scarlett scoffed. "You don’t need to apologize, Damien. Whatever you said—whatever you did—it’s done. It’s over."

"But I—"

"You can’t take it back," she interrupted, her voice colder now.

I clenched my fists. "I just want to fix this. Tell me what I need to do."

She let out a humorless laugh. "You can’t really do much."

She hesitated, just for a moment, before looking me straight in the eyes.

"Because I regret marrying you."

My chest tightened, my breath caught in my throat.

She didn’t mean it… did she?

Scarlett pulled her hand from mine, turning away without another glance.

And then she was gone—leaving me standing there, stunned and shattered.

****Next day****

I felt empty inside.

Searching for answers, I kept wondering—when did things start going wrong for us? Was I blinded by something that kept me from truly understanding Scarlett? Or had the passionate fire between us simply burned out?

Thousands of feet above the ground, flying through the clouds, I should have felt weightless. Yet, somehow, it felt like I was buried underneath it all. Suffocating. Left with what seemed like an ultimatum in my marriage.

I had to choose—give up or fight until the end.

"Enjoy the flight, Mr. Cross."

Ivy’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, dragging me back to reality.

"Yeah, sure," I murmured. My voice was hollow, my mind still lingering on the storm brewing inside me.

"One of many flights," I added absentmindedly.

She gave me a small smile. "I feel you."

A beat of silence passed before she spoke again, her tone softer this time. "Is everything alright?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I must’ve looked as miserable as I felt.

"Uh, yeah. Just a little tired, that’s all."

Ivy tilted her head, unconvinced. "Something tells me you’re not being honest."

I hesitated, then shook my head. "You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to," she said quickly. "But just so you know, I’m here for you. Always."

Something inside me cracked. The weight of everything I’d been holding in pressed against my chest, and before I could stop myself, the words slipped out.

"I don’t know what to do with my wife," I admitted.

Ivy stayed quiet, allowing me to continue.

"Things aren’t right, and I feel hopeless."

She exhaled softly. "I’m so sorry to hear that."

I let out a bitter chuckle. "God, I know unloading my problems on you is unnecessary. You probably don’t want to hear me rant—"

"Don’t be like that, Mr. Cross," she interrupted.

Her voice was gentle but firm. "Your well-being and happiness matter. Not just as my boss, but as a person, too."

I glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her eyes.

"Thanks, Mrs. Thompson. That means a lot."

She smiled, but I could see the concern still lingering in her expression.

"I just don’t know if I can keep pretending to be happy like this," I admitted. "My marriage is a mess."

"You both work hard. It’s okay to take a break,"

I let her words settle in my mind. Maybe she had a point. I shouldn’t force Scarlett. She needed time. And maybe… so did I.

"Trust yourself. Trust her," Ivy continued. "If it’s true love, it will always find a way to work out."

I took a deep breath.

"I guess you’re right," I murmured.

"Thank you, Mrs. Thompson."

****Ivy****

After hours of travel, our flight finally landed. The long journey had been exhausting, but at last, we arrived at the hotel we had booked.

"We hitting the bar or what?" Max asked, stretching as he walked beside me. He had tagged along for the business trip, making things a little less dull.

"I dunno… I think I’m gonna lay down for a bit. I’m exhausted," Damien muttered, rubbing his temple.

"You guys go ahead and do whatever," he added.

"But, sir, I think you should join us," Ana chimed in from beside me. She was Scarlett’s secretary and had also come along for the trip. If Scarlett wanted her here so badly, why didn’t she let Ana take her place and let me stay behind instead?

I just wanted a moment with my friend, but now I was here.

"You should come," I added, glancing at Damien. "It might help you relax."

He hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Sure," he finally said. "I’ll meet you guys down there."

"Cool, it’s a plan," Max grinned. "I’m gonna go check into my room. See ya later." With that, he walked off.

"God, I need coffee," Ana muttered, shaking her head. "I’ll be back." She turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving me alone with Mr. Cross.

"You heading to your room too?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. I also need to call Camila and let her know we’ve landed. She must be worried, but my phone is completely dead."

"You can use mine," he offered, pulling his phone from his pocket and holding it out to me.

"Really? You don’t mind?"

"Not at all," he said with a small shrug.

"Thanks," I said, taking the phone and walking over to a quiet corner to make the call.

After two rings, Camila finally picked up.

"Hey, girl!" I said, relieved to hear her voice.

"Ivy?" she asked, as if making sure it was really me.

"Yes, it’s me."

"Oh my god! I’ve been worried sick! I tried calling you so many times, but your phone was off. I even tried Max’s phone, and his was off too!"

I sighed, feeling guilty. "I know, I’m sorry. The flight was long, and my phone completely died. But we’re okay. I’m about to head into my hotel room and freshen up—I’m exhausted."

"Okay, just text me when you can," she said, her voice still laced with concern.

"I will. Talk to you soon. Bye," I replied before hanging up.

As I stepped into my hotel room, my eyes widened in awe.

"Wow…" I breathed out.

The room was stunning. Elegant. Luxurious. Everything about it screamed class. The plush furniture, the floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking view, the perfectly made bed that looked like something straight out of a royal palace.