“Honestly? It was everything you did. But that came later. In January, once the party ended and I regained my sobriety, I could reflect on what had occurred. The situation didn't align with my expectations. I couldn't figure out why my past relationships couldn't fill the void in my life. I, uh, found myself coming home to get what I previously searched for from my other, uh, encounters.” He couldn’t believe how embarrassing it became to admit to Julie about his lovers and how it changed for him. “Until Aria, I hadn't had any encounters. I wasn’t interested in anyone else. As for Aria, I regret it because I know it has opened a door with her. She won’t let this end, and I’m afraid she’ll say it’s not over. You know how Aria is like a bad penny. She’ll keep turning up repeatedly.” He rarely admitted to having regrets, but in this case the regret ruined his life and his plans going forward. “I don't want anything from her anymore. The toxic nature of her life and the games she plays with

“But… Isn’t she? Everyone knows she blackmailed you into tossing Ms. Cain aside.” Edward didn’t expect Michael’s response to his words. His explanation spoke volumes. Edward Phillips listened to gossip and believed the lies. Michael laughed at Edward’s response, though there wasn’t much mirth in the sound. He found it the funniest thing he’d heard all day. “What gave you that idea? That’s false. I wanted her, sure. But Aria distracted me from Julie. Then Aria ran off with Leon hours before the wedding. I seized the opportunity and urged Julie to step in. It was in her best interest to marry me.” Michael’s eyes watched Edward like a sleepy predator. “Aria’s situation had nothing to do with Julie and everything to do with her actions. Aria did a lot of things and placed the blame on Julie. She’s been doing things to Julie for years. Her little green dragon perched on her shoulder needs to lose weight. Julie and I are very much still married and we’re working on

“Mr. Allan, one moment please.” Michael looked at Edward Phillips and waited for him to approach. The other board members stayed at the top of the stairs and watched. Julie didn’t know what they were watching for or why they watched. “Mr. Phillips. Is there a problem?” “Yes. No, I mean, I wanted to apologize to you about the horrible misunderstanding. I know now I should have verified the facts before I formed any conclusions or opinion. Will you accept my heartfelt apology?” Michael didn’t respond right away. Nor did he respond, as Julie expected. Seeing the mistreatment of my wife in there by several people, I’m not in the mood for rational thinking. She’s upset and I am taking her home. Have a good evening Mr. Phillips.” With that, Michael gave Edward Phillips his back and climbed into the car. The driver shut the door. Next, he moved to the driver’s side. “Hold up Edward, don’t drive away yet.” “Yes, Sir.”

Michael had always believed he’d been the one to avoid Julie being pregnant. Wearing condoms was something he did with everyone of his lovers. He didn’t trust any woman to do it correctly or intentionally mess it up to trap him with a baby. When he discovered the birth control, he sensed something was amiss. With knowledge of her whereabouts, Michael was certain Julie wasn’t cheating. That left her not wanting to risk becoming pregnant. Before the divorce paper incident, Michael knew he wouldn’t have been happy having children with her. But now. Now, he liked the idea of having a child with Julie. Nothing would make him see this as entrapping her with a child. Confident in the success of his marriage, he refused to sign the divorce papers. “Julie, there won’t be any what ifs, and I won’t sign the divorce papers. You know what? This is crazy. I’m sick and tired of all of this. Come with me, love. I want you to witness something.” He stood up from t

When Julie next saw Michael, she wasn’t expecting what greeted her. He’d not slept, during his university party days or when he buckled down to study. But when he stumbled into the kitchen the next morning, he looked like he’d gone through one too many rounds with a liquor bottle and the liquor won. She had his coffee ready. “I thought you were working today.” Or did I misunderstand you a few days ago?” Julie didn’t hold any grudges. She struggled even now not to apologize to him. Accepting all the blame to make it disappear. That was what she fooled herself into believing in the past. She knew that wasn’t the case, because once she took the blame, it became a weapon to figuratively beat her with. “Thanks. I decided I have more important things to do today.” “Oh, okay. Ms. Higgins has breakfast on the table, and I’ll be in my office.” “The image consultant is coming today. I need to discuss some things with you beforehand.”