Waiting for a Love That Never Comes

I could not help but laugh at how ridiculous it all was.

Life had really become this pointless.

I turned off my phone and ignored Vivian’s provocations.

Instead, I went home and started throwing away everything that once symbolized our so-called love.

While I was busy, Julian suddenly called.

“Vivian left in a rush. There’s a mistake in one of the processes. Please handle it.”

Previously, I would have dealt with it no matter how angry I was for the sake of the company.

However, this time, I just said no.

“I can’t handle it.”

Julian clearly did not expect that and snapped immediately, “What do you mean you can’t? It’s a simple task.”

Then, Vivian’s loud, arrogant voice came through the line.

“So Ms. Lane still doesn’t get it after all this time. Skills don’t matter, background does.

“Julian, I was being nice by asking my dad to give your company a hundred-million-dollar deal. If she doesn’t want it, don’t blame me.”

I was startled for a moment.

She was this arrogant, even in front of me. Did she really not know who I was?

Before I could think further, Julian quickly soothed her.

“She doesn’t know any better. Please, for my sake, don’t take it personally.”

Then his tone turned cold again as he snapped at me, “Do what I told you. Helping Vivian is your privilege.”

At that moment, the maid walked over holding a watch.

“Madam, should I throw this away too?”

It was the watch I had given Julian on our first date. He used to treasure it, wore it every day, never letting it leave his wrist. Now, it had long been tossed into a corner, covered in dust. It did not matter anymore.

I nodded. Then, I replied to Julian, “Forget it. She’s so high and mighty. I’m not worthy enough to get involved.”

Julian clearly heard the maid’s voice.

“You’re at home?”

“Work hasn’t ended for the day. If you don’t come back and fix this, I’ll mark you as absent and cut your salary.”

He did not hesitate to threaten me with punishment just to protect Vivian.

He thought that would force me to back down.

Still, he was wrong.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Do whatever you want.”

…

Silence reigned on the line for a full minute.

No one spoke. Only Julian’s heavy, angry breathing could be heard.

Finally, he could not hold it in anymore.

“Lydia, what is wrong with you? I’m already exhausted from my business trip. Can you stop being so childish?”

Exhausted?

He was out there traveling and sightseeing, clearly having the time of his life!

“I’m not throwing a tantrum. What Vivian said was right. Companies don’t need capable people anymore, only well-connected ones. As such, I’m stepping down. I wish you and your company great success.”

Julian let out a long sigh.

“You still say you’re not throwing a tantrum? I can hear it through the phone.

“Lydia, you and Vivian are both my right-hand people. She handles connections, while you handle operations. It’s a win-win.

“You should be building a good relationship with her, not targeting her.”

After his long lecture, he transfered me 1 dollar and softened his tone.

“The project still needs your approval when it comes through. Just hang in there for a bit. Once it’s done, I’ll give you a month off. Okay?”

I did not respond.

Vivian suddenly interrupted, “Julian, I'm willing to humble myself and get along with her for you.”

Julian sounded satisfied.

“See? That’s what real composure looks like. Lydia, you should really learn from her…”

Before he could finish, I hung up.

He called again, I rejected it.

He texted and I ignored it.

Then I switched my phone to silent.

After I finished clearing out the house, I finally picked it up again.

There were more than one hundred messages and missed calls.

Still, I did not bother soothing his anger. Instead, I opened the work platform and submitted my resignation.

The approval went through layer by layer and, when it reached Julian, he approved it instantly.