Joy had lingered outside for quite some time, neither knocking on the door nor stepping inside. Silently, she admired the contemplative, handsome face that was framed by the window pane. A sudden melancholy surge rose in her heart, filled with sorrow and heartache. She knew well what was on the man’s mind, yet she also understood that none of those thoughts were about her.
After deep reflection, Bryan suddenly turned his head towards the door, catching Joy off guard as she hesitantly entered.
“I bring tidings that may not be pleasant, but I regretfully have no other choice,” she began.
Taking the dossier from Joy’s hands, Bryan was in disbelief. A few days ago, he secured significant contracts; printing and promotional plans were underway. And now, they wanted to cancel the contract? Were they trying to corner him into a dead end?
His legs trembled, and he could barely keep himself upright. Collapsing into a chair, his face was as pale as a ghost. Joy was visibly concerned.
“What’s wrong? Must we consider the possibility that we were entangled from the start?”
At her words, Bryan started. The same suspicion had dawned on him.
“You might be right,” he mused, “but who could want to sabotage us? Could it be his dirty tricks?”
Joy hesitated before replying, “If he did this, he’d be hurting himself immensely. It doesn’t make sense. Whoever is behind this surely despises us.”
If what Joy speculated was true, Mary might be in danger. Without hesitation, Bryan grabbed his phone and called her. As her voice emanated from the other side, he urgently spoke, “You’re in danger. Stay put. I’m booking a flight to you right now.”
Mary was taken aback. Both men had expressed such urgent concern. She tried to calm Tan Phong, urging him to clarify things.
“Don’t panic. I’m fine. I’ll be back home tomorrow. You don’t need to worry so much.”
“I am genuinely concerned for you. Someone is trying to undermine us, and they might target you at any moment.”
Mary was worried, “Could it be that Bryan knew something? Why such pessimism?”
“How do you mean?”
“I’m at a loss about explaining everything clearly, but I’m certain someone’s plotting against us. But why did he take you there? If anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive him in this lifetime.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. Then we can figure things out together.”
He regained composure when Bryan knew Mary’s exact return date. He began recounting everything to her. His every word and gesture radiated deep concern for Mary, seemingly oblivious that Pearl was still present.
Every of Bryan’s thoughts now rested upon Mary, unaware of the turbulent sea of troubles he was drowning in. Contracts had been canceled, and a massive inventory of unsold books equated to a heavy financial burden that he had never anticipated. Moreover, with brimming confidence, he proudly proclaimed to Andrew that their venture would succeed. He wondered how he’d find the right when faced with these messages.
As much as Bryan worried about Mary, she was equally, if not more, concerned for him. And yet, he continually reassured her of his well-being, unwilling to add to her distress. Isn’t love a curious thing? Even when suffering, lovers often pretend all is well so they don’t cast shadows over their beloved’s heart.
Joy, in her quiet wisdom, knew she was but an extra in this love story. No matter how genuine a heart’s affections are, they’re best kept secret if they’re unreciprocated. She was older than Bryan, having weathered many storms in her life, but she never felt heartbreak quite like this.
Once a strong and independent woman, love had tapped on her door, and she found herself transforming, becoming vulnerable. Perhaps even the most muscular women secretly crave a shoulder to lean on.
As dawn broke and Mary descended from the plane, she was met with the sight of Bryan awaiting her despite her insistence that she’d hail a cab.
Upon seeing Andrew, Bryan briskly approached him. “Did you intentionally prolong this business trip to irritate me?”
With a mocking grin, Andrew retorted, “Did you think so? Then you’re right.” He then turned to Mary, his smile sly and insinuating. “So many men go crazy over you. Do you need another?”
Unable to contain his fury, Bryan lunged at Andrew, but Mary, foreseeing this, pulled him back. “Ignore him. Let’s go home.”
As the pair walked away, they heard Andrew’s trailing voice, “Back at the office, you and I will settle this.”
They reached the office by Andrew and summoned an emergency meeting. He vehemently criticized Bryan’s carelessness in handling contracts, which plunged the publishing house into its current predicament.
“I told you from the start you weren’t cut out for this,” Andrew berated. “Now, how do you plan on taking responsibility?”
Bryan cornered yet unyielding, proposed, “They’ve only asked to cancel the contracts. We can negotiate and offer incentives to retain these deals.”
Andrew raised his voice, “What are you thinking? Our prices are already reasonable. More incentives will mean we’re practically giving away our products. Are you planning to turn this company into a charity?”
Before Bryan could retort, Andrew interjected, “Do you even know who’s setting a trap for us?”
The room turned towards Andrew in collective astonishment.
The room turned towards Andrew in collective astonishment.
In bewilderment, Bryan pondered why Andrew would utter such words. Hadn’t it all been orchestrated by him?
Andrew waited in serene silence until the murmurs faded, then he softly let out the name “Agnes.”