Andrew stretched languidly to reach for the phone on the table at the sound of an incoming message, grumbling under his breath, “Who on earth is bothering me this early in the morning?” His eyes widened in shock and fastened onto the screen as he recognized the name of someone he thought would never willingly contact him again.
Mary: “Today, I want to meet you. There’s something I need to discuss. You can refuse, but this decision will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
He fell silent, stunned, then gently swiped his finger, sending a reply. Stepping out of bed, he headed to the bathroom. The rush of cold water was jarring, snapping him fully awake. His firm, muscular form reflected in the mirror was perfect. His typically stoic face occasionally twisted into a wry smile, suggesting some deep contemplation. No one had ever managed to predict his thoughts; he was like a fleeting wind, leaving behind a sense of yearning.
After relaxing under the cool water, he draped a towel around himself. The towel was neither too long nor too short, just enough to cover his essentials. His six-pack abs were on full display, an epitome of beauty.
Sitting pensively on a chair, his face unreadable, he hesitated briefly before choosing an intelligent suit and headed out.
Stepping into a familiar coffee shop where they once had many sweet dates, Andrew paused. The standard environment and scenery were the same, but the emotions and sentiments had drastically changed. The person he was meeting was no longer the naive girl or the tiny mistress but a mature woman who had endured deep wounds. It was him, his deep-seated resentment that had killed a pure soul.
He glanced around and recognized Mary sitting at their old table, which stirred something in him. What was she trying to imply with this gesture? Was she trying to relive old memories?
He straightened his suit and casually walked in. His cold eyes, as before, briefly paused on Mary, observing her before he sat down across from her. When a server asked if he wanted anything, he gestured dismissively.
Mary calmly sipped her tea, seemingly not paying much attention to him. Impatient, he asked, “What’s why you called me here today? Please, hurry up; I’m swamped.”
Mary looked at him thoughtfully before replying, “You’re not the same person anymore. The old you…”
Before she could finish, he interjected, “That’s all in the past and no longer relevant to me. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
Standing up to leave, he heard Mary’s voice ring, “You’re going to meet Mr. Jonathan, aren’t you? I know everything about your dealings with him. And also the promises you made to Bryan. I know the deal can’t succeed without my agreement.”
Andrew froze in his tracks, then settled into a chair, his demeanor icy as he posed his question.
“How did you learn about this? Have you been spying on me?”
Mary maintained her relaxed demeanor as she responded.
“What you should be concerned with right now isn’t this, but how to get Mr. Jonathan to give you an opportunity.”
His voice lowered.
“What are your conditions?”
Seeing him lower his voice gave Mary a sense of satisfaction, but she hid it well. She studied his discomfort, noting the annoyance on his handsome face, eyebrows furrowed.
“I want you to fulfill all your promises to Bryan and keep our meeting today a secret.”
He let out a bitter laugh. His tone was tinged with sourness.
“Why do you care so much about him? Have you fallen for him? I didn’t think you’d be so generous with men, especially after you were recently deceived harshly.”
Andrew’s words tore at Mary’s emotional wounds, causing a pang in her heart. He deliberately hurt her again, but she understood his intentions and responded calmly.
“Not all men in this world are wicked. The one I’m with now may not be the best, but he’s much better than the last one. At least he was there when I needed someone. He didn’t have ulterior motives and always treated me kindly. I refuse to believe that I’m destined only to meet the scum of the earth. I can’t lose faith in life just because of some wretch.”
Andrew knew well enough that those words were aimed at him, which stung. His eyes blazed with anger. He thought he would be pleased with it but instead found himself snubbed.
“You just wait and see. There will come a day when you realize everything I’ve said is for your good. Don’t let regret catch you off guard when life shows you its cruel face.”
Mary didn’t care what he thought. She had initiated this meeting and accomplished her purpose, so there was no reason to bother with his superfluous comments.
The same old place, the same old faces, but the relationship had changed.
…
Mary drove alone to the golf course as agreed, waiting for Andrew to escort her to meet with elder Mr. Jonathan to discuss business matters.
Bryan had been out since morning, preoccupied with important issues to discuss with his business partner. Mary didn’t mention this to Bryan, as she had her plans.
It had been long since Mary frequented the high-class establishments, not since her family was embroiled in a scandal. Too many distasteful events had left her disinterested in such luxurious pastimes. All she wished for now was to settle her vendetta as soon as possible. She would never have come to this place if it were not for a significant matter today.
She admired herself in her petite sports dress and was pleased with her graceful and attractive figure. Yet, a wave of melancholy overcame her as she reminisced about the carefree past. Those worry-free days were long gone.
As she was waiting, Mary touched up her makeup. Recognizing her, a staff member greeted her warmly.
“It’s been a long time since I last saw you here?”
Mary looked up; she didn’t recognize the staff member but responded with a friendly smile. She felt happy to be recognized; she feared that she had changed so much that others couldn’t realize her.
She gave a self-amused smile. It had been a while since she felt this interesting. Suddenly, a voice called out from behind. Mary turned around. Andrew had arrived alone. He sat opposite her, exuding a mixture of concern and slight ridicule.
“Why are you here so early? Couldn’t sleep last night? You seem eager?”
Seeing his mocking, derisive smile, Mary felt disgusted.
“I’m not in the habit of being late. Why are you early, too? I hope you didn’t lose sleep?”
Andrew quickly responded, “On the contrary, I had a sound sleep.”
From a distance, Mary spotted a luxurious car. She recognized Mr. Jonathan, though his ostentatious display was excessive. As the car stopped, an attendant promptly ran to open the door, bowing courteously. The elder did not arrive alone; two beautiful young women accompanied him. He was the kind of man who could not live without women by his side.
Andrew signaled Mary to accompany him toward Mr. Jonathan. Seeing Mary, the older adult’s eyes lit up with predatory delight, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
He playfully slapped Andrew’s shoulder a few times, then turned to Mary with a big grin.
“You didn’t disappoint me today, nephew. Nothing could be better than a long-term partnership with both of you.”
His leering smile and lascivious gaze made Mary feel nauseous. She wished to leave immediately, but having embarked on this course, she was committed.
The sun wasn’t too harsh today. The weather was relatively mild, perfect for outdoor activities. A staff member drove an electric cart to transport them to the course. Mr. Jonathan wanted Mary to sit next to him and reached out to help her onto the cart. Mary tactfully declined.
“That’s okay. Please allow me to be at ease.”
Rebuffed, he was a tad embarrassed, yet this was nothing unusual for a seasoned fox like him. The two girls accompanying him displayed their discomfort, irritated by Mary usurping their position. They pursed their lips in mockery, declaring Mary a fortunate yet ungrateful beneficiary. Yet, Mary remained calm, unaffected by their attitude, as she had always disdained pointless disputes with those who lacked understanding.
Mr. Jonathan always wanted to stick close to Mary, an act that upset Andrew. Today’s meeting was merely to fulfill his promise of introducing Mary to the older adult. The more critical matters would be set aside for the time being.
Mary merely trailed them from one golf hole to the next, unable to pick up anything significant, leaving her somewhat anxious. Noticing this, Mr. Jonathan inquired,
“Why don’t you fancy this sport? Come, let me show you how to play.”
Understanding his intentions, Mary attempted to decline, only to be intercepted by Andrew.
“She’s not particularly good, so she must learn from experienced individuals like you.”
Much like before, he deliberately pushed her toward the older man. Seizing the opportunity, the older adult instruadultr on the proper stance, how to grip the club and create momentum… His withered hand slithered around her slim waist, gently caressing it. His audacity exceeded boundaries as he ogled her bosom and pressed against her.
Mary was filled with has as filledut found herself helpless and unable to resist.
Suddenly, a fist flew up, landing squarely on the older adult’s face. He was left dazed, spinning around and clutching his throbbing face. Bryan, stepping in to deliver more punches, was held back by Andrew. He restrained Bryan’s arm from behind, immobilizing him.
After receiving the unexpected blow, Mr. Jonathan was infuriated. He pointed accusingly at Andrew while yelling,
“You insolent brat, do you know who I am to dare to strike me? Let me tell you, this is all the doing of your ‘good brother.’ If you have any objections, take it up with him.”
Bryan wrenched his hand free and confronted Andrew in a fit of anger.
“Why did you do this? Why did you go back on your word? You are deceitful, and I will no longer trust you.” Bryan took Mary by the hand and walked away. Andrew watched them, simmering in anger. But the damage was done; there was no turning back now. Mr. Jonathan would not let him off the hook again.