Chapter 1
The rain stopped, and the car pulled up outside a tastefully decorated café.
I got out and politely thanked Dylan again.
His lips parted as though he still had something to say.
Just then, my client, Mr. Knox, came out of the café.
He handed me a warm cup of coffee, then turned to look over the tall, handsome young man in a well-tailored suit.
"Ms. Grant, who is this?"
Dylan stood quietly nearby, looking at me with open hope.
I ignored it.
I pulled a crisp $20 bill from my wallet, walked over, and pressed it into his hand.
"Thank you for the ride. Here's the fare. Keep the change."
A mix of emotions flashed across Dylan's face.
Embarrassment, disappointment, and then disbelief...
None of them had anything to do with me anymore.
I turned and walked into the café.
After a moment's hesitation, Mr. Knox followed me inside.
Dylan was left alone on the rain-soaked street, the $20 bill clenched between his fingers and fluttering in the chilly autumn wind.
It was after 7 p.m. when I walked out of the café.
Dylan's face appeared before me again.
I rubbed my eyes, thinking I was seeing things after working too long.
Then his voice rang out.
"Ruth!"
I turned toward the sound.
It was still the same Maybach from that afternoon, and he was still wearing the same impeccably cut suit.
The only difference was the bouquet of white roses in his arms.
He hurried toward me with the flowers.
It was rush hour, and the streets were packed. Everyone turned to watch, expecting the dashing hero to declare his love and win the woman.
Unfortunately, the "leading lady" gave them no chance to enjoy the spectacle.
I quickly hailed a cab and escaped the scene.
When I got home, my roommate Beth Nash was already back from work.
She was leaning over the living room windowsill, staring intently at something downstairs.
"What's so interesting?"
Beth jumped at the sound of my voice.
When she recovered, she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the window. "Ruth, come look! There's a guy outside our building, and he's seriously handsome.
"There's a Maybach parked next to him, too. I looked it up. That thing costs several million dollars..."
A bad feeling rose in my chest.
I reached the window and looked down. Sure enough, it was Dylan.
He stood outside holding the flowers, his neck craned as he stared up at the building.
Beth propped her chin on one hand and watched him. Then she suddenly slapped her forehead.
"Ruth, that guy looks so familiar.
"I remember now!
"He's a distinguished alumnus of Crestwood University.
"He's also the founder of Lumina Tech!
"Lumina Tech is one of Aster City's top emerging technology companies. Every year, graduates practically fight one another for a chance to work there.
"I heard it started as a tiny studio. It only became what it is today because of Dylan.
"He's incredible!"
Beth went on and on, lavishing praise on the young and successful CEO downstairs.
When she turned and saw my calm expression, her smile faded.
"I wonder who the lucky woman is, making him wait this long."
"He's waiting for me."
Beth's mouth fell open. "How is that possible?"
I watched the farce below without emotion.
"I'm his ex-wife."
