A Different Kind of Breaking
1085 Words
Elara
The question hangs between us.
For a split second, I see panic flicker in Ethan’s eyes. Bailey’s lips part slightly, like she’s about to speak, but Ethan beats her to it.
“I had a troubled stomach earlier and had to return home to rest. Bailey stopped by because she needed help reviewing a proposal. She has that client presentation later, remember? We were supposed to meet for lunch, and since I was at home, I asked her to come over instead.”
Convincing.
If I hadn’t heard those words earlier, I would have believed him.
Bailey catches on instantly, nodding as she folds her arms casually.
“Yeah. I’ve been stressing about it all week. I figured Ethan could help since he’s worked with similar clients before.”
She even rolls her eyes lightly, like it’s nothing. Like they are nothing.
It’s almost impressive.
I let a small breath leave my lips like I’m trying to catch up.
“Oh,” I say softly. “That makes sense. Did you get it sorted out?”
She nods.
“Babe, why are you here? I thought you said…”
“I actually came around here because I had a meeting nearby,” I cut him off, brushing invisible dust off my sleeve. “It ended earlier than expected, and I thought I’d stop by and rest for a bit before heading back.”
I shrug lightly.
“But then I got a call. Another client is waiting for me at the office, so…” I gesture vaguely toward my car. “Didn’t really see the point of coming in anymore.”
Ethan frowns. “So, I’d have missed you if I didn’t come out just now.”
Oh oh! This acting sure deserves an oscar.
“I’m sorry. I just had to hurry back.” I force a smile.
The irony almost makes me laugh.
Bailey tilts her head. “You look… tired. Are you okay?”
I meet her eyes.
“I’m fine.”
“I actually need to get going,” I add quickly. “I don’t want to keep the client waiting any longer.”
“Right,” Ethan says. “We’ll talk later, okay?”
I nod. “Sure.”
I turn before they can say anything else, before my mask cracks, before I do something reckless like scream the truth in their faces.
I start the engine.
I drive.
I don’t look back.
Not until I stop.
A sudden thought hits me. I roll down the window slightly and lean out.
“Ethan!”
They’re still standing there waiting for me to leave before they can finally breathe properly again.
He steps closer immediately. “Yeah?”
“I won’t be able to make it to the cemetery today,” I say, my tone calm, almost apologetic. “This meeting might run long. I’ll just send flowers instead.”
A pause.
Then I add, almost as an afterthought.
“You don’t have to go either.”
Bailey’s expression flickers.
Ethan nods slowly. “Alright. We’ll… reschedule.”
“Yeah,” I say, already pulling the car forward.
*****
“Miss Carter,” Amara hurries toward me the moment I step in. “The client is waiting in the conference room.”
I nod. “I’ll handle it.”
Without hesitation, I walk straight in.
The man seated there looks me up and down the moment I enter… Like I’m something to be evaluated.
“Finally,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “I was starting to think I’d been stood up.”
“My apologies for the delay,” I reply smoothly, taking my seat across from him. “Let’s get straight to…”
“Relax,” he cuts in, waving a hand dismissively. “We have time.”
His gaze lingers.
“I’m sure we can come to an arrangement,” he continues, his tone lowering slightly. “But you’ll have to make it worth my while.”
My stomach turns. I’m already used to this pattern to know fully well where this is headed.
“I believe you’re here to discuss business, Mr. Jowon… right?” I ask firmly.
He chuckles.
“Business comes in many forms.”
Then…
He reaches out.
His hand brushes against mine.
“How do you plan to make up for keeping me waiting, hmm?”
“Can you please keep your hands to yourself?” I plead pleasantly, ignoring the fury rising inside of me.
His hand travels further to my thigh. “Oh, come on. Don’t be…”
Before I can think or he can finish the statement
SLAP.
The sound echoes through the room.
His head jerks to the side, eyes wide with shock.
“You…” he starts, fury rising instantly.
But I’m already standing.
“Get out.”
He laughs bitterly, grabbing his things. “You just lost this deal.”
“Just get out,” I reply.
He storms out.
Amara rushes in almost immediately, her eyes wide. “Miss Carter! What happened? I heard…”
“I’m fine.”
She stops.
Because she knows.
This isn’t me.
The Elara they know would’ve endured that. At least long enough to secure the contract.
“Your flowers were delivered,” Amara adds softly after a moment. “I had them placed in your car.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
She hesitates but hands me my car keys anyway.
I take them.
And I leave, heading straight to the cementery.
I stand in front of mom’s grave; a slow exhale leaves my lips as I crouch down, placing the flowers carefully.
“Why did you end up like this?” I whisper.
“Maybe… maybe there was something you could’ve done differently. Maybe that’s why the heavens decided to write me the same fate as yours.”
I let out a small, hollow laugh.
“But I won’t end up like you.”
My voice hardens.
“I’ll die on my own terms. Without seeking anyone’s pity or ending up miserable as you did.”
The wind brushes past me, cold and distant.
I straighten slowly.
“Happy Birthday, mom.”
Then I turn and walk away.
*****
I barely make it past the entrance when a slap hits my face.
My head snaps to the side, pain exploding across my cheek.
For a second, everything goes still.
Then I hear Dad's furious voice.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
- Writer
