Chapter 5 - The Uninvited Apology
My old apartment building looked exactly the same. Brick walls, flickering streetlights, and the smell of damp pavement.
Vanessa was shivering on the front steps. She was still wearing her wedding dress, covered by a designer trench coat.
When she saw my town car pull up, she immediately burst into tears.
“Daniel!” she cried, running toward me.
I stepped out of the car, keeping my distance. Marcus stood by the door, watching her carefully.
“What do you want, Vanessa?” I asked.
“I was so worried,” she sobbed, trying to grab my hands. “I’m so sorry about my mother. She had too much to drink. She didn't mean it!”
“She said my father was trash someone forgot to throw out,” I repeated flatly. “She seemed pretty sober to me.”
“She’s old-fashioned and stupid!” Vanessa pleaded. “Please, Daniel. Don't throw away three years together over one bad comment. We can still fix this. We can go to the courthouse tomorrow.”
I stared at her tear-stained face. A few hours ago, this woman was my entire world. Now, she looked like a stranger playing a role.
“Why didn't you defend him?” I asked.
Vanessa hesitated. “I... I was in shock! I didn't know what to do.”
“You laughed, Vanessa.”
“It was a nervous laugh!” she cried, stepping closer. “Daniel, look at me. I love you. Not your money, not whatever your father does. I love you.”
She didn't know that Richard had already realized who my father was. She was lying right to my face.
“You love me?” I asked softly.
“Yes! More than anything.”
“Then you’ll be okay with living here,” I said, gesturing to the rundown apartment building. “Because I told my father I don't want his money. I’m walking away from Mercer Global. We are going to live on my salary as a junior accountant.”
Vanessa froze. The tears instantly stopped falling.
“Wait,” she said, her voice losing its emotional edge. “You… you turned down the money?”
“I don't want it,” I lied smoothly. “I want a simple life. Just you and me, struggling together. Building our own path.”
She stared at me, panic flashing in her eyes. “Daniel, don't be ridiculous. Your father is a billionaire! You can't just walk away from that!”
“Why not?” I pressed. “You just said you love me for me.”
Vanessa took a step back, her eyes darting nervously toward Marcus and the expensive car. “Well, yes, but we have to be practical! My father’s business needs… I mean, we need security.”
I couldn't help it. I laughed.
It wasn't a nervous laugh. It was a laugh of pure, utter relief. The last ounce of guilt I felt for leaving her vanished into the cold night air.
“Your father is broke, Vanessa,” I said, my voice dropping its gentle tone. “And you’re a terrible actress.”
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Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
“Go home,” I said, turning back to the car. “Before you have no home left to go to.”
