Chapter 4

I said, "The like was a blessing. As for why I blocked you, it's because we've already broken up. There's no reason for me to hold onto your contact information."

Robert's fury only intensified.

"A blessing? Do you have any idea how much your actions messed with Maya? She was racked with guilt all night, apologizing to me over and over, worried that she'd caused a misunderstanding."

I couldn't help laughing at the sheer absurdity of it.

"If she really felt guilty, she should've apologized to me. But we're over. Whatever happens between you and Mikayla has nothing to do with me. Whether she feels guilty or not is none of my concern.

Robert stared at me, his jaw tight as he practically hissed, "Fine, Clarissa. You've got guts, but let's see how long you can keep this up."

He dismissed me with a flick of his hand.

Less than ten minutes after I got back to my desk, a new announcement popped up in the company group chat.

I had been stripped of my position as director of the project department. Mikayla was taking over the core project I had spent six months preparing, one that was days away from completion.

As for me, I was reassigned to the logistics department to handle trivial administrative work.

I stared at the message, and my chest tightened despite myself.

I had already planned to resign. I just wanted to finish the project before leaving. After all, it represented the pinnacle of my career up to this point.

I thought that even if the relationship was over, what we had built together still meant something. But now, I realized that it had only ever meant something to me.

Still, it was for the best. At least it put a clean break to things.

I went on my computer and had just finished drafting my formal resignation when a message came in from Nathan's assistant.

"Ms. Skriver, Mr. Crosby wanted to let you know that your wedding dress is ready. You can head to the boutique after work for a fitting. Please let me know if any issues arise."

After work, I went to the bridal boutique.

The staff smiled and greeted me. "Ms. Skriver? Mr. Crosby mentioned that you'd be coming. Your dress is in the fitting room."

The satin gown was simple and structured, with clean lines that made my figure look tall and elegant.

I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself as a flood of memories came rushing back.

Robert once said that when the company stabilized, he would get me the best wedding dress in the city and throw me a wedding that would be the envy of everyone we knew.

I had believed him.

I waited, year after year, until the anticipation wore itself down to utter disappointment.

My nose stung, and my tears fell before I could stop them.

I wasn't crying because of Robert. I was crying for the version of myself who had foolishly wasted seven years loving him.

Just then, a chorus of respectful greetings came from the front of the shop.

"Welcome, Mr. Fuller."

My body stiffened as I slowly turned around.

Robert stood at the entrance, staring at me with surprise written all over his face.

He quickly noticed the redness around my eyes, and for a fleeting second, his gaze softened with a trace of pity as he walked over to me.

"The dress looks good on you. If you like it, I'll get it for you."

He paused before adding, "I know I've neglected you lately, but that's because you haven't been listening. You keep pushing me into things I'm not ready for. If you can just be patient and listen to me, I promise I'll marry you once the company stabilizes."

He thought I had come here alone to try on a wedding dress because I desperately wanted to marry him.

I was about to explain when Mikayla's soft and gentle voice came from behind him. "Rob, I picked my dress. Have you chosen your suit yet?"

She walked over in a white wedding dress and affectionately slipped her arm through his.

Robert's body stiffened. He instinctively tried to push her away, but was afraid of making it too obvious, so he settled for a sloppy excuse.