Loving and Letting Go Without Regret

...

The silence in the hall was deafening.

The marketing managers, who had never approved of my relationship with Ivan Knowles, snickered behind their hands.

Their judgmental looks cut deep, but I held my head high, glancing at Ivan.

His face was sullen, but he didn't bother to call them out.

With a bitter smile, I grabbed the microphone and addressed the crowd. "That's all for today's party. Please enjoy the food and drinks. You can get your gifts back from Mr. Knowles and Ms. Lawson as you leave. And if they'd like to announce their engagement, I'd be happy to witness it."

I set the microphone down and turned to leave.

Ivan grabbed my wrist. "What are you doing? It's our big day. Don't cause a scene and embarrass both of us."

"Cause a scene?" I pulled my arm free and gave him a cold stare. "Care to explain the ring on Alba's finger and the bracelet on her daughter's wrist?"

Ivan cringed, looking away.

"No? I'll answer for you," I smirked. "You said the ring was customized for me, claiming it was one of a kind. And that bracelet was for my last birthday, matching yours. You said it was the only pair in the world."

As I reached for the bracelet on his wrist, he pulled back and snapped, "So what? It's a small matter, and you're blowing this out of proportion. I just felt bad for Alba and gave her those things. You're jealous over nothing."

I stared at him, stunned by how easily he twisted the truth. "In that case, I guess we're done."

His brows furrowed. "Enough! Don't push your luck here."

The tension in the hall thickened.

I started to walk off the stage, but Alba Lawson blocked my path, her bitter orange perfume making my stomach churn.

She stood at the edge, clutching her shirt nervously. "Ms. Marin, I know you're upset, but that video was a misunderstanding. You don't have to humiliate me like this."

She wiped her tears and glanced at the audience. "The guests here today are all our business partners. You can't just speak recklessly and embarrass Mr. Knowles like this."

She started sobbing. Ivan stepped forward and patted her shoulder.

Turning to me, he sulked, "If you had half of Alba's understanding, I wouldn't have to deal with this. Go backstage and cool off. Alba and I will clean up your mess."

I stared at him, my jaw set tight.

He softened. "Come on. Just listen to me."

Without waiting for my response, he took Alba's hand and led her off the stage.