Eight Years to Goodbye

In the days before my departure, I quietly took care of everything that needed to be done.

I sold the house we had lived in together at a reduced price.

On the day I handed the keys to the real estate agent, I discovered a stack of project documents from Mason's company in the study.

After hesitating for a moment, I decided to deliver them to him.

Just as I reached the door of his office, I heard laughter and conversation coming from inside. Not only were Natalie and Mason there, but so were a few of his close friends.

I was about to knock when one of them spoke.

"Mason, the others already know you and Madison argued at the wedding. They've been secretly asking me if the two of you broke up."

Natalie caught sight of me standing at the doorway. Her voice sounded apologetic, but the look she gave me was openly provocative.

"Mason, it's all my fault. It was my first time attending a wedding, so I didn't know the customs. I shouldn't have grabbed the bouquet and caused a fight between you and Madison."

Mason's voice followed. "It has nothing to do with you. Madison's just being petty."

One of his friends began to tease him, testing the waters.

"Mason, are you serious this time? You even moved out. Are you planning to break up with Madison and get together with Natalie?"

Mason paused. When he spoke again, his voice carried a hint of coldness.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I love Madison. How could I possibly break up with her? I moved out because I want her to reflect on herself. She can't keep acting so possessive all the time."

Mason didn't notice the flash of jealousy that crossed Natalie's face.

"When she's done reflecting, I'll move back home."

His assistant spoke cautiously, his tone hesitant.

"Mr. Ryder… are you really going to keep giving Ms. Blake the cold shoulder? Yesterday, I saw Ms. Walker buying a dress. I even heard her tell the sales clerk that in a week she'd be a bridesmaid for her best friend. Her best friend… isn't that Ms. Blake?"

The room fell silent.

Mason's expression stiffened.

"A wedding without a groom? There's no such thing," he said. "Normally, I indulge her enough. But this time she needs to understand that I'm the CEO of the Ryder Group. Not everything can go her way. She can't make every decision."

I gently set the documents down on the floor outside the door. Then, I turned and walked away without looking back.

The next day, carrying my luggage, I boarded a plane bound for Montelvia.