Secrets Come to Light
1204 Words
I was filling reports outside the boardroom when Simon's voice caught my ear from inside. The door stood slightly open, and I knew eavesdropping was wrong but his tone made me freeze.
"Listen, the deal with Lunaaimed to help the company," he stated. "We had to protect Sky Industries' image."
My heart sank. I inched closer holding my breath as I listened.
"We needed stability so the fake marriage seemed the best fix," he went on. "Nothing more nothing less."
A stabbing ache hit my chest. I had started to think we had something genuine. I believed he cared for me even if just a bit. But here he stood confessing it was all a calculated move to boost the company's image.
"So, he has no real commitment to her?" the board member asked.
"None," Simon said right away. "She was just... a practical pick."
That did it. I couldn't bear to hear more. My hands trembled as I stepped back feeling like a complete fool. I had been nothing but a tool to him, a piece in his business plan. Trying not to cry, I rushed away unable to look at him or anyone else right then.
At my desk, I struggled to breathe as my thoughts raced. His coldness shocked me. I had opened up and started to care for him to realize this was just a game to him. Nothing more than a convenient setup.
My shaky hands grabbed a piece of paper and began to write.
Simon,
This situation is no longer bearable for me. I can't act like our relationship is genuine when I know it's just business to you. I believed I could manage it, but I can't. I'm quitting the job and our arrangement. I wish you luck in finding someone else who meets your "practical" requirements.
Goodbye.
I looked at the note for a while, my heart racing. Would he even bother? Would he read it and just move on, or would he understand how much he'd wounded me?
I put the note on his desk, took one last look around, and left. My heart felt weighed down, but I knew I couldn't stay somewhere I felt so exploited.
The afternoon went on, and I didn't think I'd hear from him. But later that night, as I packed my stuff at home, my phone buzzed. Simon had sent me a message.
Lunawhere are you? We need to talk. Now.
I didn't respond, my heart hurt too much to see him. Then he sent another message, and called multiple times. At last, I answered his call speaking. "Simon, please… just let me go."
"Luna, hold on!" He sounded urgent almost begging. "I know you're upset, but don't decide anything until we talk. I need to explain."
"What's to explain?" I lashed out feeling a sharp pain in my chest. "How I was just an easy pick? How this all meant nothing to you?"
"Luna, please," he spoke, his voice cracking. "Let me explain the truth. Just meet me this one time."
I paused, my fury battling my desire for answers. "Okay. But don't think this changes our situation Simon."
We got together at a small peaceful park that evening, with cool air and empty streets. I waited by the fountain, my arms folded, for him to show up. When he came into view, I noticed the tension in his face and the dark circles under his eyes.
"Luna," he started taking a cautious step in my direction. "I apologize for what you overheard. But you don't have all the facts."
"So explain," I answered, my voice icy. "Explain why you deceived me why you led me to believe this was genuine."
He raked his fingers through his hair, seeming vexed. "It began as a business choice, true. I can't deny that. But as I came to know you... things shifted."
I shook my head unwilling to listen to justifications. "You still exploited me. You allowed me to think we shared something, that I had significance."
"You matter," he said with intensity. "More than you realize. Luna, my history... it's not simple. People have betrayed me, some wanted my wealth or status. I thought I could keep things uncomplicated with you just business. But I was mistaken."
I looked into his eyes trying to find signs of honesty. "What about now? Am I just another asset to you, Simon?"
"No." He almost whispered. "You're... you're the only person I've trusted in years."
My chest tightened, but I made myself stay tough. "If that's true why didn't you say anything? Why'd you let me think I was just another piece in your game?"
"I was scared," he said looking away. "Scared of what you'd think if you learned the truth about my history. I've screwed up, Luna, and I thought keeping my distance would keep us both safe."
For a second, I felt a hint of sympathy, but the pain was still too fresh. "Simon I... I don't know if I can get past this."
His shoulders drooped, and I noticed the anguish in his eyes. "I get it. But please, don't leave without knowing how much you mean to me. This goes beyond business. I know I've caused you pain, and if you can't let it go, I'll understand. But please... allow me to reveal my true self."
I paused, his words stirring something within me. A part of me wanted to trust him, to give him an opportunity. But just as I prepared to answer, a voice I recognized cut in.
"Well, isn't this snug?"
I spun around feeling my heart drop as Fredemerged from the darkness grinning . "Excuse the interruption," he said acting innocent. "But you should hear about the true Simon Joe ."
Simon's face grew serious. "Fred, this doesn't concern you. Go away."
", it does," Fredshot back looking at me. "Luna, has Simon mentioned his previous 'relationship'? The one where he played mind games with a woman just like he's doing with you?"
My gut clenched, worry building in my chest. "What do you mean?"
Fredsmiled enjoying the trouble he was causing. "Ask him, Luna. Ask him how he took advantage of his last fiancée then dumped her when she became a problem."
I turned to Simon, my heart racing. "Is this true?"
Simon's face went white, and I saw guilt all over his face. "Luna, it's not... it's not what you're thinking."
"Then tell me," I insisted, my voice quivering. "Tell me everything."
But he didn't reply right away, and the quiet between us felt like a betrayal.
Simon drew a shaky breath, his eyes showing pain I couldn't grasp. "It's not simple, Luna. But I promise, I never meant to cause you harm."
"Then show me," I said , my heart breaking. "Tell me everything, the whole truth."
He paused glancing at Fredthen back at me. As the quiet stretched on, I felt my last bit of faith fading away.
Fred's laugh cut through the night. "Seems Simon isn't as honorable as he acts."
As I turned to leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that my heart had just shattered into pieces I'd never be able to put back together.
- Writer
