Forver Mine

Season 01, chapitre 12

Season 01, Chapter 12

I leave Chloé standing there in the cold as I take refuge in the boat’s cabin. The engine hums softly, but inside me, it’s a storm. I take a moment to think, my mind tangled in a web of conflicting emotions.

I wonder if I should go out and kiss her, take her in my arms, and pull her away from all this chaos surrounding us. I’m tempted to leave everything behind, to bring her into my world, to rebuild something new, far from her chains. But reality catches up with me. Chloé is married. No matter what we feel for each other, this undeniable truth remains.

After a few moments, I take a deep breath and calmly step out of the cabin. I’ve decided to do nothing and live my life, to no longer let myself be inflamed by her. Chloé stands with her back to me, beside her car, undoubtedly waiting to see what I’ll decide to do.

Ethan: (thoughtful) “What am I doing here? Why am I still here, caught in this whirlwind of emotions I can no longer control?”

I walk slowly towards my car, my steps crunching on the damp gravel. Every movement feels difficult, as if the weight of the decision I’ve just made is crushing me. I’m only a few steps away from Chloé now, and I pause for a moment to observe her. She is so close, yet at the same time, she seems unattainable, a prisoner of this life that is no longer ours.

She finally turns around, our eyes meet, and I see the same confusion, the same pain in hers. But I say nothing. I simply nod slightly, as if to tell her I have to leave. She doesn’t move, doesn’t speak, but I know she understands.

Ethan: (thoughtful) “It’s better for both of us if I walk away, if I leave all this behind, even though it tears me apart.”

I turn towards my car, determined to leave this place, to free myself from this emotional grip that holds me captive. Every step feels like an eternity, but I keep going, one step after another, until I’m finally behind the wheel.

Before starting the car, I take one last look in the rearview mirror. Chloé is still there, motionless, lost in thought. I feel a pang in my heart, but I know this is the best decision. Without further hesitation, I start the engine and drive away, leaving behind a part of what we were, of what we could have been.

Two days later, I finally set up my own office. This project that I’ve nurtured for so long becomes a reality. I focus on my work, determined to succeed at all costs.

That morning, a week later, I woke up on the wrong foot, and during one of my meetings, Chloé confronts me in front of the entire committee. Despite my efforts to remain professional, the situation slips out of my control. The project I hold so dear, the project that could change the game for my company, will now be conditioned by a collaboration with her, Chloé. During the meeting, I sense that the committee is determined that for the good of the project, we must work together.

Ethan: “I believe it would be more effective for the project if we avoid any direct collaboration. Our visions are too divergent, and this could jeopardize the results.”

Chloé: “I disagree, Ethan. Our visions may be different, but they are complementary. If we manage to set aside our differences, this project could reach heights that neither you nor I could achieve alone.”

I feel the tension rising, but I hold back from responding more harshly. The committee quickly sides with Chloé and ends the meeting. And I, I must resign myself to this decision. Furious, I abruptly leave my chair and walk out without looking back.

Back at my office, the rage still boils within me. I sit at my desk, my mind muddled, trying to channel this anger. That’s when my secretary enters with a file in hand.

Secretary: “Sir, I’m bringing you a file that just arrived. It’s about a project that was recently acquired by a company…”

I don’t need her to finish. Seeing the logo on the file, I immediately understand. My heart races. Ryan SATO.

Ethan: “This can’t be happening… today really isn’t my day.”

Inside, I discover that Ryan has managed to secure a project I’ve been fighting for for months. Worse yet, he’s asking for my services to carry it out.

Secretary: “Sir, we can refuse this project. We’re not obligated to take it.”

Ethan: “No. I’m not going to run from this challenge. Sooner or later, Ryan will know that I’m the director here, and he’ll understand what that means.”

Secretary: “Do you know him? You and Ryan SATO, have you had disagreements before?”

I give a slight, bitter smile, thinking back to everything that happened.

Ethan: “Yes, we know each other… under circumstances I’d rather forget.”

The secretary softly apologizes, then heads towards the door to leave. Before she crosses the threshold, I see a familiar figure entering—Chloé, with the sound of her heels clicking against the floor. Without hesitation, she walks into my office, sits down in the chair across from me, and locks her gaze with mine.

Chloé: “What’s gotten into you, Ethan?”

Ethan: “If I could find a way to never see you again for the rest of my life, Chloé, I’d seize it without the slightest hesitation. I wouldn’t even look back.”

The tension between us is palpable, the air thick with adrenaline. I can tell she didn’t come here by chance, and she’s not ready to back down either.

Chloé: “You can think whatever you want, Ethan, but you’re going to have to swallow your anger. Because we’re going to cross paths far more often than you imagine.”

With that, Chloé leaves, and I take a deep breath, trying to master my emotions. All I want is to step outside, get some fresh air, and escape this pointless confrontation. But as I stand to leave the room, my office phone rings. It’s my secretary.

Secretary: “Sir, Mr. Ryan is inviting you to lunch to discuss business. He hopes you can make time.”

Ethan: “Alright. Tell him I accept the invitation.”

I hang up and put on my jacket, ready to leave. But as I head towards the door, Chloé returns. She positions herself in front of me, her face full of frustration, and I wonder what more she could possibly want from me.

Chloé: “What’s Ryan’s company file doing on your desk, Ethan!?” (She yells at me)

Ethan: “It’s none of your business, Chloé.”

Chloé: “You remember who he is, don’t you? Ryan is dangerous, Ethan. Avoid him at all costs, please.”

I look at her for a long moment, trying to decipher whether it’s concern or something else that’s driving her. Finally, I shake my head, more weary than angry.

Ethan: “I locked the past away a long time ago… I’ll handle this, Chloé. Whatever happens, it’s my affair. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

I start the car, heading towards the address for the lunch meeting with Ryan SATO. On the way, my gaze is drawn to a familiar place—Mr. LIM’s café. Without much thought, I decide to make a stop to say hello, as if giving myself a moment of respite before what promises to be a tense encounter.

As I enter, the comforting smell of coffee hits me immediately, and I see Lucas sitting at a table, a cup in hand. He looks up and smiles when he sees me.

Lucas: “Ethan! Come, sit down.”

Lucas invites me to sit across from him, and I do, appreciating this unexpected break. We quickly start a conversation, and he tells me about what he’s working on at the moment. He’s involved in a promising project, and I suggest a collaboration. His face lights up at the idea.

Lucas: “I like it, Ethan. We could do great things together.”

The conversation quickly drifts to Chloé. Lucas, ever so perceptive, guesses that I’ve had recent or unexpected encounters with her. I tell him everything—the meeting, the tension, and Ryan’s invitation.

Lucas: “Be careful, Ethan. You’re in a delicate situation. But don’t forget… Mia has never forgotten you. I’ve never seen a woman as in love as she is. She’s in love with you. Truly.”

His words touch me more than I’d like to admit. I think back to Mia, to everything we shared, and a mix of nostalgia and regret washes over me.

Lucas: “We should meet up at my place tonight. How about it? We’ll all have dinner together—you, me, and Mia. It’ll do you good too.”

I nod, accepting his invitation. Shortly after, I leave the café and resume my journey to the restaurant where Ryan is already waiting.

I arrive at a luxurious establishment, slightly late. I enter and introduce myself, and the staff leads me to the table where Ryan is already seated. He seems to have a sense for entrepreneurship, right on time. As soon as I approach, without even looking up at me, he coldly says,

Ryan: “You’re five minutes late.”

Ethan: “Today, it’s your turn to wait for me, not the other way around. The world can be strange, can’t it?”

He finally looks up at me, visibly surprised by my tone. His eyes lock onto mine, trying to size me up.

Ryan: “What are you doing here?” (he asks, his voice harder)

Ethan: (staring into his eyes) “I don’t like being looked down on or spoken to in that tone, Ryan. If you want to talk business with me, you’ll need to adjust the way you address me.”

He seems momentarily taken aback, as if he didn’t expect me to stand up to him like this. After a moment of silence, he finally asks, in a more measured tone,

Ryan: “You’re the director of the firm, then?”

I let a small smile play on my lips and simply reply, “Yes.”

To be continued….

Forever mine, by Saint Daniel