- 6.
Oblivious to Henry’s frantic search, I was in
Massachusetts, immersed in work.
I was discussing new product data with Ben.
Re–entering the workforce after so long had
been challenging initially.
But the constant work kept me distracted.
<
We’d recently landed a contract to develop a
new skincare line.
Ben and I, along with our team, were working
late every night.
Just as we finalized some data, my phone
rang.
It was one of the housekeepers from the
Harrison estate.
He was one of the few who knew about my
departure.
He told me that Henry was a storm cloud of
anger, terrorizing the staff.
The chef couldn’t seem to cook anything to
his liking.
く
He said Henry had searched for me for two
days before giving up.
And Molly had moved in.
I wasn’t surprised.
Henry’s initial search was likely fueled by
wounded pride, not genuine concern.
After a couple of days, my absence probably
became insignificant.
I dismissed the news about Henry, focusing
back on my work.
Unbeknownst to me, the housekeeper, after
hanging up, looked up to see Henry standing
there, his face grim.
<
“Mr. Harrison… I…”
Henry’s voice cut him off. “You can contact
Mia?”
Under Henry’s intimidating gaze, the
housekeeper nodded slowly.
“Call her again.”
I found it odd to receive another call from the
housekeeper so soon. I answered anyway.
“Hello? Is something wrong?”
Henry’s voice boomed through the receiver.
“Mia, where are you?”
I paused. “What do you want, Henry?”
He repeated his question, his voice tight with
tension.
My patience wore thin. “If you have nothing
to say, I’m hanging up.”
“Are you sure you’re not coming back?”
I chuckled. “The contract’s over. Why would
1?”
A strange silence followed, then, “I can offer you more money. A million dollars. Enough?”
I sighed. “Henry, we’re from different worlds.
The contract’s done. There’s no need for
further contact.”
His voice took on a desperate edge. “Two
million. I’ll give you two million.”
く
“I’ve already lost eight years of my life. I’m
not wasting any more on you.”
My repeated refusals pushed him over the
edge. “Mia, don’t be ridiculous! I’m asking
you one last time…”
I cut him off. “I am not coming back to the
Harrison estate. Ever.”
I hung up, ignoring the furious roar echoing
from the phone.
Henry stared at his phone in disbelief, then
hurled it against the wall.
He marched back to his study, fuming. He
called his assistant.
“Arrange my wedding with Molly.
Immediately.”
He assumed seeing me replaced would force
me back.
He’d forgotten I’d left on the day of their
engagement party.
And that a marriage based on a contract
wouldn’t crumble over a wedding.
News of Henry and Molly’s upcoming nuptials
spread like wildfire online.
Molly capitalized on the buzz, creating a
social media account documenting their
wedding preparations.
Carla showed me a video, a mischievous grin
on her face.
く
“Bored, are we?” I asked, setting aside my
work.
She giggled. “Just thought you’d find this
interesting.”
I glanced at the video, then looked away.
“He’s really spoiling her, isn’t he?”
Seeing my lack of reaction, Carla clicked her
tongue. As she left, she tossed a question
over her shoulder.
“You divorced yet?”
My hand stilled. “The lawyer said Henry
refused to sign.”
“I have no idea what he’s playing at. I’ll deal
with it when I have time.”
C
Carla smirked. “Maybe he doesn’t want to let
you go?” She winked and left.
I’d entertained that thought briefly, but
dismissed it quickly.
Henry was a selfish businessman.
My presence made his life comfortable, so he
was willing to pay, to barter for my return.
But my refusal had bruised his ego,
preventing him from showing any weakness.
Marrying Molly was his way of forcing my
hand.
But I wasn’t the same Mia Williams anymore
<
I didn’t care.
