More Than A Gesture

Just then, a sharply dressed man strode up to me and took my hand.

“Good evening, President Sargent. I’m Emille Forest, the head of the research institute and organizer of this symposium,” he said.

“We’ve been waiting so long for your arrival—it simply wouldn’t mean anything today without you here.”

…

After ushering me inside, Emille was quickly called away by another staff member.

I had no choice but to walk into the conference hall alone.

But before I could reach my seat, Daniel stepped out to block my path.

“You followed us in? Don’t tell me you plan on sitting here—can you even understand what’s being discussed?

“And you do realize that this is an invite-only event, right? Do you have an invitation? Better watch out or the security guards might toss you out.”

He smiled as he spoke, but his eyes gleamed with hostility.

I looked at him calmly.

“This doesn’t concern you. Move.”

Not wanting to waste another second looking at Daniel’s smug, self-satisfied face, I stepped past him.

What I didn’t expect was that as soon as we brushed shoulders, Daniel would put on a performance—deliberately throwing himself to the ground.

He knocked over the table behind him with a loud crash.

One by one, the entire row of tables toppled like dominoes, falling with a thunderous clatter.

The hall, noisy just moments ago, fell into stunned silence.

All eyes turned toward the chaos—toward Daniel and me.

“Daniel!”

Violet rushed over and helped him to his feet, her face twisted with fury as she turned on me.

“How dare you, John! Who permitted you to be here anyway? Haven’t you caused enough trouble already?

“Apologize to Daniel! Now!”

Daniel gently tugged on Violet’s sleeve, his voice full of false modesty.

“It was my fault, Professor…

“And besides, Mr. Sargent doesn’t even have an invitation. If people find out, he really could get thrown out.”

Violet softly patted the back of his hand.

“You don’t need to speak up for him. If he hadn’t shoved you, how else would you have fallen like that?”

She stepped up to me again, her eyes cold.

“Apologize, John. If not, I’ll have security throw you out,” she hissed.

I stared at Violet and almost laughed.

I had always believed her to be calm and intelligent—turns out even she could be led around like a fool.

So this is what true love looks like.

“He already admitted it was his fault,” I said steadily. “Yet you’re still trying to pin this mess on me?”

Without thinking, Violet raised her hand.

But before her slap could land, I caught her wrist.

“Are you going to hit me again just to protect your lover?”

I flung her hand aside.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned to Violet and Daniel, their expressions curious, especially those who had just been sucking up to them at the door.

Violet’s face turned a furious shade of red as rage burned in her eyes.

“You’re beyond saving!” she spat.

“Security! What are you waiting for? Throw this man out! He doesn't even have an invitation!”

I looked at the woman who had been my wife all these years.

Her face was twisted in fury, her voice shrill with indignation.

All I felt inside was a cold, hollow void.

Thank God our marriage was almost over.

Security arrived swiftly.

They recognized Violet, and without asking questions, they prepared to drag me out.

But just then, Emille came rushing in with a group of staff behind him.

“Stop! What do you think you’re doing?” he shouted.

“President Sargent is the key guest of today’s seminar!

“He’s not only the largest investor in this research project—he’s also the institute’s biggest shareholder! Are you all trying to get fired?”