Startseite / Emotional Realism Kurzgeschichte / Say Goodbye to Your Resources / Kapitel 1 – Kapitel 9

Alle Kapitel von Say Goodbye to Your Resources: Kapitel 1 – Kapitel 9

9 Kapitel

Chapter 1

"Marry him! Marry him!"The banquet hall erupted as cheers rang out from every corner.My boyfriend, Lucas Cowan, knelt on one knee, proposing to his first love, Rebecca Hall, who had returned to the country just last month.I stood off to the side, swirling the red wine in my glass.A coworker nearby glanced at me, confusion written across her face. "Gina, weren't you and Lucas together? Why is he proposing to Rebecca all of a sudden? Did you two break up?"On stage, Rebecca nodded, her smile bright."Yes," she said. "I do."The crowd burst into applause again.Lucas slid the ring onto her finger and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.I nodded calmly. "Yeah. We broke up."My coworker's expression softened with pity. She seemed about to speak, but Lucas was already stepping off the stage and heading straight toward me.Afterward, Lucas pulled me aside to explain. "Rebecca's family has the resources I need. Her mother said she would only agree to the partnership if we ma

Chapter 2

Maybe guilt over how agreeable I had been at the banquet drove Lucas to find me the very next day with two plane tickets in hand."I booked us a trip abroad. Let's get away this weekend, just the two of us. Clear our heads," he claimed.I had always loved traveling, so I agreed.On the day of the flight, I waited at the airport for two and a half hours. Lucas never showed.His call came just as boarding was about to start, his voice rushed and apologetic. "I'm sorry, Gina. Something came up at the company. I don't think I can make it. Go enjoy yourself."I said nothing for a moment. He braced himself, expecting me to snap.Instead, I answered in a light, almost breezy tone, "Okay. Don't worry. I'll relax enough for both of us."A brief silence followed before he asked, "You're not mad?""Why would I be? I know how hard you're pushing yourself. You're doing it for our future.""Gina, you're amazing...""Focus on work. I'll be fine." I rolled my eyes where he could not see me,

Chapter 3

I spent a full week abroad and enjoyed every minute.When I returned to the office, Lucas was in a foul mood. I heard him through the door, his voice raised. "What is going on? How does a solid partnership collapse overnight? And now the supplier situation too…"He slammed his fist on the desk.His secretary flinched and stepped back."Ungrateful vultures. They turn on you without a second thought," he grumbled.I stood just outside the doorway, out of sight, and allowed myself a small smile.Rebecca leaned against him, her arm looped through his. "Baby, don't stress. Once we're married, everything my family has will be yours."That settled him. The tension in his shoulders eased."That's my girl. Smart and beautiful. Exactly the kind of woman I want," he said.Rebecca tilted her head with a coy smile. "What about Gina?"Lucas paused, then answered without hesitation, "She's different. She has an ordinary family and an ordinary background. She was never a serious option. Marr

Chapter 4

One of the businessmen spoke first. "Miss Hudsion, wasn't that a bit much? After everything you've given him over the years, especially considering who you are…"I shook my head and let out a short, tired laugh. "Call it a lesson learned. I gave my heart to someone who didn't deserve it. I've made a fool of myself in front of all of you tonight. Thank you for coming. My family will continue to look after your businesses going forward."I had no appetite left. I said what I needed to say, pushed back my chair, and walked out of the private room.As I passed the restrooms, I heard Lucas' and Rebecca's voices."Baby, not so loud. What if someone's outside…""Relax. No one's going to catch us. Doesn't the risk make it better?"Their breathless voices mixed with the rustle of clothing.So this was what he meant by keeping up appearances. He had told me repeatedly that the proposal was a business arrangement. That Rebecca meant nothing. That he only wanted her family's resources.If

Chapter 5

For the weeks that followed, I watched Lucas and Rebecca plan their wedding. They moved through it like a real couple, choosing venues, trying on rings, and picking out a dress.It looked exactly like the wedding I had once imagined with him.The day itself was grand.Lucas had invited half the city, and the guest list ran deep.Our coworkers were there too. Their whispers carried across the room."Can't believe he actually went through with it. She's barely been at the company six months.""He and Gina were together for five years. Five years. And he just moved on like that.""What do you expect? Rebecca's his first love. She's got a rich family, the right background. That's how it works.""Who wouldn't want to marry into that kind of money? A woman like Gina is nice to have around, but you don't bring that home."I let it all pass and sat quietly in my corner, waiting.Onstage, Lucas and Rebecca finished their vows and kissed in front of the crowd.He pulled back and, for

Chapter 6

Every head in the room turned toward the speaker.It was Rebecca's mother. Her expression had gone completely cold. "I've changed my mind. I won't allow my daughter to marry a man who lies through his teeth. And with his company in its current state, what exactly does he have to offer?"Whispers spread through the crowd. More than a few guests smiled."Mom! What are you saying?" Rebecca grabbed her arm frantically. "It was all a misunderstanding. Lucas loves me. He does.""Love? Wasn't the recording clear enough? He asked to marry you for our family's resources. The moment he got what he wanted, he planned to divorce you."Rebecca pointed at me, her eyes filling. "That recording is a lie. She set him up. Mom, you can't just take her word for it."Hilda did not even glance at her. She stepped back to the microphone. "This wedding is cancelled. As of today, my family has no further connection to Lucas Cowan. None whatsoever.""Mom!" Rebecca begged.Hilda didn't respond.I was no

Chapter 7

Rebecca's family had real pull. I had to give them that. Hilda stepped in and tamped down the online backlash.The damage had already been done, though, and I had no doubt Rebecca was getting an earful behind closed doors.I didn't dwell on it. I had my own concerns to handle.After leaving Lucas' company, I returned to the family business. My parents planned to formally announce me as the successor to the Hudson Group at next month's gala.Word traveled fast in our circles. Aside from a handful of business partners who already knew the truth, most people had no idea who I was.…The announcement set off a wave of speculation.The gala was held at our family estate. I didn't expect to see Lucas and Rebecca there, yet there they were.It made sense once I considered it. Desperate and running out of options, they had heard about the mysterious successor and decided to take their shot. If they won over the right person, they could secure resources and perhaps salvage the company.

Chapter 8

"Of course."Lucas and Rebecca heard the word and went rigid."What did you just call her?"The butler gave them a brief glance, said nothing, and turned to me with a respectful gesture toward the stage.I didn't look back.I walked up, and the spotlight found me the moment I reached the top.My father stood beside me, beaming. "Thank you all for joining us tonight. It is my honor to formally announce that my daughter, Gina Hudson, will be taking on the role of Vice President of the Hudson Group. As our sole descendant, she will have full authority over all matters across the group."The room erupted in applause.I smiled and nodded to the crowd.Below the stage, Lucas unraveled. He shoved his way forward until he reached the edge of the platform, his voice cracking. "That's impossible. This has to be fake! You told me you came from a normal family. How are you the Hudson heiress?"I looked down at him, my smile unchanged. "Lucas, did you really think your company got that lu

Chapter 9

Lucas' knees buckled, and he caught himself just before he collapsed. "It wasn't me. I didn't do anything."The officers ignored him and moved in.As they escorted him toward the door, he twisted his head around and fixed his gaze on me. "Gina, you reported me! It was you!"I said nothing.He struggled against their grip. "You think you're walking away clean? You knew about all of it. You were part of it!"The room erupted in noise.My parents watched me, worry etched across their faces.I reached into my clutch, pulled out a USB drive, and handed it to the nearest officer. "Everything is on here. Every transaction, every illegal act, all timestamped with amounts and the names of everyone involved. I had no part in any of it. The evidence will make that clear."The officer took the drive and nodded. "We will conduct a thorough investigation. No guilty party will be overlooked, and no innocent person will be implicated."Lucas watched the exchange and went still. Whatever fight

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