Your Apology Is Too Late!

Chapter 2 Magnificent Return

Two years later.

London.

"Congratulations, Ms. Grace, on winning this award! Do you have any words to share with us?" the host asked with a warm smile.

Sally, draped in a canary yellow gown, held a crystal trophy in her hand. Her long, slightly wavy hair flowed down her shoulders with an effortless elegance, and a serene, easy smile graced her face. "Well, first, I'd like to thank my mentor and everyone who supported me. This award isn't just mine; it belongs to all those who stood by me. Thank you!"

Her words were laid-back yet heartfelt, striking a genuine chord with the audience.

The host chuckled, "Winning this award is an honor and a recognition. What are your plans for the future, Ms. Grace?"

Sally paused for a moment before speaking, "Actually, I've decided to return home and work at GlamourWave group!"

The announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd.

GlamourWave group, a rising star in the corporate world, had already made waves with its outstanding success just a year after going public. Why would Sally leave a promising opportunity in London to return?

Sally simply smiled and said no more, stepping down from the stage.

……………………………………

The following morning dawned bright and early.

At 10 a.m., Toulouse Airport, Sally, with a suitcase in tow, was sporting oversized sunglasses that veiled half of her delicate features. Despite this, her striking presence still drew many glances.

She slipped off her sunglasses, her heart swelling with joy as she took in the familiar sights.

Two years, and finally, she was back!

With that thought, she wheeled her suitcase out.

She found the apartment she had rented in advance, got the keys, and moved right in.

It took her half a day to settle in, and in the past two years, she had blossomed into a fiercely independent woman.

Just as she finished unpacking, the phone rang. "Hey, Sally, are you back yet?" Bella's voice came through the line.

Bella had been Sally's companion since childhood, closer than a sister.

"I just finished unpacking, and now you call? Were you waiting on purpose?" Sally teased as she lounged on the sofa for a short break.

"I've been swamped, forgive me..." Bella replied playfully.

Sally chuckled, "Alright, I'll let you off the hook!"

Bella chuckled, "So, when do you start your new job?"

"Tomorrow!"

"Great, let's grab dinner tonight to celebrate your return!"

"Sure!"

"Alright, it's settled then. I'll get back to work now, and we'll catch up later!"

"Sounds good!"

After hanging up, Sally flopped onto the couch for a quick rest. Before she knew it, she had dozed off, only to be jolted awake by the ring-ring of her phone.

"Hello..." she mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Ms. Grace, this is GlamourWave's HR department. Can you start work officially tomorrow?" the voice on the other end inquired.

Sally blinked away her sleepiness, "No problem!"

"Great, just come straight to the HR department when you arrive!"

"Will do!"

With that, the brief conversation ended. Sally glanced at the clock and realized it was already evening.

Just as she was about to call Bella, the doorbell rang. She got up to answer it.

"Sally!" Bella exclaimed, bubbling with excitement as she pulled Sally into a hug the moment the door swung open.

Sally smiled, "I thought you'd be too busy again!"

"No matter how busy I am, I had to make time for you. Come on, let's go eat!"

Sally nodded, slipped on her shoes, and headed out with Bella.

As they were eating, Bella suddenly asked, "By the way, Sally, aren't you worried about running into Luke now that you're back?"

Sally paused, caught off guard by the question, then casually continued eating as she replied, "Even if I run into him, so what? We're divorced now."

If they met again, they would just be strangers.

"That's true, but aren't you even a little concerned?" Bella asked, her curiosity piqued.

Sally pondered for a moment, then looked at Bella earnestly, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried at all, but it's been three years. Maybe he's forgotten about me by now."

Besides, theirs was just a marriage of convenience, devoid of any real feelings or interactions. He probably wouldn't remember.

And Luke? He only remembered beautiful women. Back then, I was probably just a passing nightmare to him!Bella tore into her crab with gusto, her eyes brimming with unspoken thoughts. "If it were the you from three years ago, I bet he wouldn't remember you at all. But seeing you now..." Her gaze lingered on Sally.

"If Luke saw you like this, I swear, he wouldn't have divorced you back then!" Bella declared with absolute certainty.

Sally chuckled at that. "But we are divorced now!" she replied. Some things are just set in stone.

Intrigued, Bella leaned in closer. "Sally, I really admire you. You kept up that disguise for a whole year! And let's not forget, Luke was one of the top figures in Marseille, a dreamboat for so many women. Yet you didn't fall for him at all and even managed to make him despise you with that act!" Bella exclaimed.

"That's because I'm not a hopeless romantic. I know better than to play with fire," Sally said, munching on her food. "We were just in a marriage of convenience, no feelings involved. But Luke, with his notorious reputation, wouldn't let any woman he fancied slip away. I was wise enough to stay off his radar, biding my time until I could make a clean break."

Bella nodded in agreement. Luke's playboy reputation was undeniable.

Suddenly, Bella's eyes lit up with a thought. "Hey, Sally, what if Luke finds out you tricked him three years ago? What do you think he'd do?" she asked.

Sally paused, then replied with a deliberate, thoughtful tone, "Probably make my life a living hell!"

Bella burst into laughter, unable to contain herself at Sally's expression.

"By the way, you're not avoiding the Grace group because you're worried Luke will find out, are you?" Bella inquired.

Sally shook her head. "No, there are many reasons. I just don't want to go back for now," she said.

Bella nodded, not pressing further.

The two of them chatted endlessly over dinner, as if their conversation could stretch on forever. After dinner, Bella dropped Sally off at home before heading back herself.After a delightful meal, Sally returned to her place and indulged in a refreshing shower. She gave her mentor in London a quick call and then slipped into a peaceful sleep, content with the day's events.