Chapter 67
5 years later.
It's been five years. Five years without her. I miss her so much. There's not been a day that I wasn't longing for her. That I wasn't looking for her.
I wanted to go to Singapore, actually, I have been there multiple times. I've been stalking her but it's always bad timing because she's not at the house she was staying. She was like outside all day and I didn't even got to see her even once.
How cruel.
I'm here at my office, working. I'm still a Professor in my University same with my friends but we just visit sometimes. It was like not the same before. We're not active Professor's anymore there since we have something else to prioritize.
Samantha who's now in the other country, working for her family business. Same with Athena and Seinna. While Diana, she was just chilling as usual.
Martinez was known for it's company but I don't know why Diana act like her life was nothing and came from low class family. But I guess that was part of her humor.
"Ma'am?" I heard a voice and it was my secretary knocking at the door.
"Get inside." I said, simple.
"Ma'am, good morning." My secretary stepped in with a clipboard in hand, her voice a little shaky—nervous, almost.
I didn't even look up from the stack of folders on my desk. "What is it?"
"You have a meeting at eleven. The delegation from Osaka moved it earlier than expected. And…" she hesitated, flipping a page on her clipboard.
"And?" I glanced at her, my tone sharper than I intended.
She straightened. "You also have a closed-door executive session at three. With Becruz Company."
I blinked. “Becruz?”
“Yes, Ma’am. You’ll be meeting with their current acting head of international operations.”
I leaned back in my leather chair, fingers tapping against the polished surface of my desk. "Name?"
She checked the schedule. "Isabella Cruz."
Ah. Of course.
"Very well. Prepare the files. Tell Legal to sit in for the first half. I’ll handle the rest alone."
“Yes, Ma’am.”
She started to leave, but I stopped her. “Wait.”
She paused.
“Bring me the Becruz file. The old one. The one with the acquisition attempts.”
“Understood.”
The door clicked softly behind her as she left.
I stared at the skyline of the city beyond the glass walls of my office.
Top floor.
Tower 7.
My name engraved on the wall behind me: Cynthia Lim Sevilla-Sanchez, CEO.
Second on the national CEO index.
Not that it mattered.
I didn't care about the numbers. Or the trophies. Or the power. They were all distractions.
Eleven came and went.
By three, I was seated at the private boardroom on the 40th floor. The AC was crisp, the table long, sterile, made of tempered glass. I brought no assistant. I didn’t need one.
The door opened.
In came Isabella Cruz—confident gait, designer blazer, sunglasses perched on her head like she owned the air she breathed.
“Miss Sanchez,” she greeted.
I nodded once. “Miss Cruz. Sit.”
She did.
There was silence for a moment as I scanned the summary page in front of me. I didn’t look at her.
“We’ll be direct,” I said. “Becruz Company has had multiple lapsed deadlines on the Italy partnership. We have the documents. We have the legal right to pull the funding. And I’m here to tell you personally—we will, unless you give me one good reason not to.”
Isabella smirked. “You haven’t changed.”
“I have. You’re just slow to keep up.”
She shrugged. “Look, we’ve had delays. I won’t sugarcoat it. But we’ve restructured. The issue was internal conflict. The former board is gone. I’ve taken full control.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that’s enough?” I raised an eyebrow.
“You should, if you still want your product launched in Southeast Asia with our logistics at your disposal.”
I watched her. She was bold. Sharp-tongued. But I’ve dealt with worse.
“No partnerships without guarantees,” I said coldly. “And no emotion in business, Miss Cruz. You either deliver, or we walk. Understood?”
Isabella leaned forward, placing both elbows on the table. “Crystal clear. But let me ask—are you still as cold in business as you are in life?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Careful, Cruz. Personal questions are off the table.”
She laughed lightly. “Just testing the ice.”
I didn’t respond. Instead, I stood and gathered the folder in front of me.
“I’ll give your restructuring a month,” I said, walking to the door. “You know where to send the reports.”
“Cynthia.”
I paused, hand on the door.
She didn’t finish what she was going to say. I didn’t wait for her to.
I walked out.
End of meeting. No room for ghosts.
I shut the door to the private boardroom with a soft thud, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I made my way back to my office.
Isabella Cruz.
That woman.
.
.
There was something about her that got under my skin.
Her calm confidence was annoying—borderline infuriating.
Maybe it was the way she spoke to me, like she had nothing to lose.
Like we were on the same level.
She had guts, I’ll give her that.
But I wasn't about to let that slide. She'd have to work for this partnership.
Hard.
I threw my coat over the back of my chair and sank into the leather seat, leaning back with a deep sigh, trying to shake off the anger.
I spun my chair to face the skyline again, trying to clear my mind. The city was quiet this afternoon, the buildings stretching far into the horizon. From the top floor of Tower 7, it was hard to remember the chaos of the world below. The reality of it all felt so distant, so small from up here.
But then again, it wasn’t the world I cared about. It was the empire I was building.
My thoughts were interrupted when my secretary popped her head through the door again. She looked almost afraid.
“Ma’am, there’s something I need to tell you,” she said hesitantly, stepping inside.
I didn’t respond immediately, just waited for her to continue.
She took a breath, holding the clipboard tightly in her hands, her knuckles white. “There’s… news. Something you might want to hear about.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “A new company. It come out of nowhere, and they’ve started targeting our market. They’ve already begun making offers to the same clients we’ve been negotiating with. Their CEO… well, it’s someone with deep connections in the industry.”
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. “Who?”
“Solina Company.”
The name hit me like a slap. Solina Company? I couldn’t place it. I had never heard of them before. It was a strange name, one I didn’t recognize as a competitor or even as someone on the radar.
“Solina? Who are they?” I asked, confusion creeping into my voice.
“They’re… they’re new, Ma’am. At least in the bigger leagues. They’ve been operating under the radar, but now they’ve started making waves. Their CEO is someone with very strong connections in the market, and they’ve been securing some major contracts already.”
I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. “I don’t know this company. Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Their recent move is a strong one. They’ve been bidding on contracts that we’ve been eyeing, and it looks like they’ve already secured some important clients. We… we might be losing a few to them soon.”
I clenched my fists, my mind racing. This was a problem. A serious one. Solina Company wasn’t just some small-time player. They were out there making moves, and I didn’t even know who the hell they were.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me about this sooner?” I demanded, my voice cold.
“I just received the intel, Ma’am. It’s been developing over the last week, but I wanted to make sure before I brought it to you.”
I paced in front of the window, the city below now looking like a maze of opportunities and threats. I couldn’t let this company creep up on us like this. No one would undermine what I’d built—not on my watch.
“Get me everything on Solina Company. I want their financials, leadership structure, any deals they’ve made, anything that tells me who they are. Now,” I said, turning back toward her.
“Yes, Ma’am. Right away.”
As she left, I stood still, my eyes locked on the skyline. The weight of the situation was starting to settle on me. I didn’t care if they were a new company or if they had connections. I’d fought for everything I had, and I wasn’t about to let someone else swoop in and take it all away.
I’d find out who Solina’s CEO was. I’d figure out their strategy. And I’d destroy them before they ever had a chance to touch my empire.
I leaned back against my chair, stretching slightly as I tried to shake off the fatigue building in my shoulders. Just as I was beginning to enjoy the brief moment of silence in my office, my phone buzzed once more, the screen lighting up insistently.
“Argh!” I groaned, snatching it off the table. “Why do people keep bothering me today?”
Without even checking the caller ID, I pressed the answer button and brought the phone to my ear.
“What?” I snapped, my tone sharper than intended.
A familiar voice responded, slightly amused. It was Theo.
“Luh, ang sungit mo,” he said with a laugh. “May ginagawa ka ba? Let’s have lunch together. May sasabihin ako.”
I sighed, letting my head fall back against the headrest of my chair. “Whatever,” I muttered, half-interested. “Where?”
“D’yan lang sa baba ng company mo. Punta na ako d’yan. I’ll be waiting there,” he replied quickly, then ended the call before I could say anything else.
I stared at the screen for a few more seconds before letting out another long sigh. I really wasn’t in the mood to socialize, but knowing Theo, he’d probably wait for me the whole day if he had to. And he'd make a big deal out of it later.
With reluctant steps, I pushed my chair back and grabbed my coat from the backrest.
The hallway outside my office was quiet, save for the faint hum of printers and the low murmur of voices from nearby cubicles.
I passed by the reception area, giving a slight nod to the secretary who raised an eyebrow at me—probably noticing how worn out I looked.
The elevator ride down felt longer than usual.
The moment I pushed the glass door open, the familiar scent of brewed coffee and grilled food welcomed me.
My eyes scanned the area for a moment, and then I spotted him.
Theo.
He was seated near the window, comfortably slouched in his chair with one arm lazily draped over the backrest and the other fiddling with his phone. His messy black hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window, and he looked up just in time to catch my gaze.
With a grin, he waved at me like a child who just spotted his favorite playmate.
I rolled my eyes and I started walking toward him, already wondering what exactly he needed to say that couldn’t wait over text.
"Ang tagal mo!" he joked, standing up to greet me. His words were playful, but his eyes told a different story—he wasn’t here for small talk either.
I sat down, feeling the weight of his gaze. He didn’t waste any time.
"So, how’s life?" he asked, picking up his glass of water, not bothering with formalities.
I leaned back in my chair, trying to appear casual, even though I could feel the tension bubbling under the surface. "Busy. Always busy."
Theo chuckled, but there was something else in his tone—something almost knowing. "Yun lang ba talaga sasabihin mo? Kasi pareho naman nating alam na hindi lang 'yung business ang nagpupuyat sa’yo, Cynthia."
I froze, my fork hovering mid-air. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, though my heart was starting to race.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Don’t play dumb. You’re not the same since… well, since she left."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath caught in my throat, but I refused to show weakness. I swallowed hard and looked away, my gaze drifting to the window.
"I'm fine," I said, more to myself than to him.
Theo's expression softened, but he didn’t let up. "You know, you can’t keep hiding behind all this power and control forever. You’re running away from something, and it’s starting to show. You’ve changed, Cynthia."
I wanted to snap at him, tell him that he didn’t know anything. But deep down, I knew he was right.
"Pero btw nga. I'm getting married." he said.
I raised an eyebrow, watching Theo lean back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Getting married, huh?" I said, unable to suppress a small grin.
Theo laughed, shaking his head, but his excitement was impossible to hide. "Oo nga, sa lalake! Can you believe it? Finally, maglalagay na ako ng singsing sa daliri ng isang tao—at hindi babae! I mean, never ko in-expect na ako pa 'yung mauunang ikasal kaysa sa’yo, pero ayan, nandito na tayo!"
I couldn’t help but laugh at his chaotic energy. Theo was always like this—loud, dramatic, and completely unpredictable. He was the kind of person who would make a grand entrance even if it was just to grab a cup of coffee. But today? Today, his energy was something else.
"And who’s the lucky guy?" I asked, leaning forward, genuinely curious.
"His name is Vincent. Alam mo 'yung tipo ng lalake na sobrang calm at collected? Siya 'yon—parang siya lang talaga 'yung nakakakalma sa lahat ng kaguluhan ko. Honestly, siya 'yung perfect balance sa pagkabaliw ko. Matagal na rin kaming magkasama, and... ayun, ready na talaga akong magpakasal !"Theo said, his hands flying up dramatically, gesturing as if announcing it to the entire world.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "You? Settling down? You’re always the one telling everyone else to avoid commitment."
"I know, I know. It’s hilarious, right? I guess I was all talk. But it’s different with him," Theo said, his expression softening for a brief moment before he looked at me and smirked again. "And you better be at the wedding, Cynthia. Or else, I’ll find you and drag you there myself."
I grinned back at him, amused by the intensity of his words. "Don’t worry, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Honestly, you’re gonna make this wedding a spectacle, aren’t you?"
Theo didn’t even pretend to be modest. "Syempre naman! Sa tingin mo ba magpapakasal lang ako nang tahimik-tahimik lang? No way! Magkakaroon ng fireworks, live band, baka nga pati flash mob kung maayos ko 'yon. Magiging chaotic siya—pero 'yung tipo ng gulo na sobrang saya!"
I burst into laughter at the thought of Theo organizing a wedding like that. "A flash mob? Seriously? You’re going full-out dramatic, huh?"
He winked. "Absolutely. It’s gonna be the event of the year. People will talk about it for ages."
I could already picture it—Theo’s wedding, a whirlwind of chaos, people dancing on tables, an impromptu conga line, and Theo somehow managing to steal the spotlight without even trying. He was born for the spotlight, and now, it was his moment.
"So, what’s the real catch here?" I asked, suddenly feeling playful. "You’re just telling me all this because you want me to help with the wedding planning, aren’t you?"
Theo leaned in, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. "Exactly. You’re going to be my planner. I need someone who’s got taste and can handle my level of chaos. I’m not trusting anyone else."
I stared at him for a beat, then burst into laughter again. "Oh, Theo. You’re insane, but fine. I’ll help. As long as there’s no actual flash mob, okay?"
Theo gasped dramatically. "No flash mob? Who are you?!"
"I’ll help with everything else, but no promises on the flash mob," I teased, trying to suppress my laughter.
Theo threw his hands up in mock defeat. "Fine. No flash mob. But you’re still coming to the wedding, right? You can’t escape that."
I nodded, still chuckling. "Of course, I’m coming. Wouldn’t miss it for anything."
Theo leaned back in his chair, a huge grin on his face. "Good. Because you’re gonna see the most chaotic, beautiful wedding ever. And I’m dragging you onto the dance floor whether you like it or not!"
I couldn’t help but smile.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt genuinely happy.
Theo’s chaotic energy was contagious, and despite everything that had been weighing on me, I couldn’t help but let myself get caught up in it.
He was getting married, and it was going to be the most ridiculous, over-the-top event, and I was going to be there for it.
“Alright, alright. I’ll be there, I promise,” I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But you’re seriously going to have to stop with the drama. I can’t keep up with you."
Theo winked, that mischievous glint never leaving his eyes. "Drama is my middle name, Cynthia. You should know that by now."
"Whatever." I said, chuckling.
"I heard Athena are getting married, too."
My fork paused mid-air as Theo’s words sunk in. “Wait, Athena’s getting married too?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice, and I was sure my face mirrored my shock.
Theo nodded, still lounging in his chair with that playful grin on his face, clearly relishing my reaction. “Yeah, apparently, she’s all set for it. Crazy, right?”
I shook my head, still trying to process the information. "Athena? Married? I didn’t even know she was with anyone."
"Yeah, she’s been keeping it low-key," Theo shrugged nonchalantly, but I could tell there was a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "No one knows who the guy is though. She's been keeping that part under wraps."
That struck me, and my mind raced.
Athena had always been one to keep things close to her chest, but marriage?
This was a whole other level of secrecy.
I thought back to the countless late-night chats, the drinks we shared, the life updates, and not once did she ever mention a boyfriend, let alone someone she was serious about.
"She’s always been the private one," I muttered, trying to wrap my head around it. "But marriage… that seems so… out of nowhere. I didn’t even know she was serious about anyone."
Theo chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "That's Athena for you. Keeps everyone guessing, and the one time she makes a move like this, no one even knows about it."
My thoughts were still on the fact that Athena—of all people—was tying herself down. Her free-spirited, always-aloof nature was something I admired, but marriage? The idea of her settling down, of being with someone, felt almost foreign to me.
"I can’t believe it," I murmured, more to myself than to Theo. "I guess I just never imagined her in that kind of relationship. She’s always been so independent. It just doesn’t feel like her."
"Yeah, well, love changes people," Theo said with a casual shrug. "She probably found someone who’s worth it. But here’s the thing—nobody knows who he is. It’s all been hush-hush."
"Who do you think he is?" I found myself asking, more out of curiosity than anything else.
Athena had always been an enigma to me. She was good at keeping people at arm’s length, and the idea that she was now hiding her future spouse was enough to make me wonder if there was something more to this than just a relationship.
Theo grinned, clearly enjoying the mystery of it all. "No clue. But it’s gotta be someone special, right? I mean, Athena’s not the type to settle for just anyone. I think she just doesn’t want the attention."
I didn’t say anything, but I could feel a slight unease settling in my chest. Athena was a friend I had always thought I knew so well, but the idea of her getting married, keeping something so monumental hidden, made me feel like there was a side to her I still didn’t fully understand.
I muttered under my breath, almost to myself. "But I guess… if she’s happy, then that’s all that matters."
But deep down, I couldn’t shake the nagging question of who she was marrying.
Who was the person who managed to pull Athena into this whirlwind?
Because since back then. Diana and Athena, seem to have feelings with each other. They didn't said it, but I can feel it. It's just different when they are together.
"Pero 'yun nga. The reason why I asked you to have lunch with me, may event mamayang gabi—"
"No. I won't come." I cut him off. I'm tired with that event, when it's useless. Sitting there for hours and listening to useless announcement.
"Hindi pa nga tapos eh. But you know Solina Company, right? Alam kong alam mo 'yun because you and your company are rivals now." he said, and he caught my attention.
I raised an eyebrow at Theo, my interest piqued despite myself. "Solina Company? The one that’s been making waves lately? What does that have to do with me?"
Theo smirked, clearly amused by my curiosity.
"Well, they’re hosting this big event tonight, and they’ll be introducing their new CEO. It’s a big deal. I know you’re not a fan of these corporate events, but trust me, this one’s different. The company’s only been around for a short while, but it’s already gained international recognition."
I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair, not entirely sold. "A new CEO, huh? So who are they? Another mysterious figure, I’m guessing?"
"Exactly," Theo said, his tone full of intrigue. "No one knows who the CEO is. It’s all top secret. The company’s been growing fast, but no one’s seen the face behind it. Whoever they are, they’re pulling some serious strings behind the scenes."
I frowned, the wheels turning in my head. "A CEO with no face? That sounds like some shady business."
"Could be," Theo said with a shrug.
"But it’s also a massive opportunity. Solina’s been making huge strides in the industry. Their products are getting noticed, and their market presence is exploding. Everyone’s been speculating about the identity of the CEO. Some say they’re a genius business strategist, while others think it’s someone with a huge fortune backing them."
I leaned forward, my curiosity outweighing my initial resistance. "And you want me to go because…?"
Theo grinned.
"Because it’s not just about the event. It’s about making connections. You know how the business world works. If you’re not in the room when these kinds of announcements happen, you’re missing out. Plus, I know you’re itching for some answers. Maybe this CEO will give you a hint about why Solina’s been so successful so quickly."
I hesitated, still reluctant to attend another corporate gathering, but something in Theo’s voice made me pause. It wasn’t just about the event—it was about the mystery surrounding this unknown CEO. I had a feeling that there was more to this story than just another corporate figurehead.
"This could be your chance to see how the big players work. Who knows? Maybe the CEO of Solina will turn out to be more interesting than you think."
I sighed, knowing that once Theo had an idea in his head, there was no shaking it. I had a feeling that tonight was going to be anything but ordinary.
"Fine," I said, "I’ll go. But don’t expect me to be happy about it."
Theo’s grin widened. "That’s the spirit. Trust me, it’ll be worth it."
---
"Can I just back out? I'm not really interested in this, Theo," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I stood frozen a few steps away from the entrance. My arms were crossed tightly against my chest, heart pounding, and my feet felt glued to the ground.
Theo turned to me with that signature smirk of his, shaking his head dramatically. "Ay, wala na, teh," he said, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Nandito na tayo, tapos ngayon ka pa aatras? Kung kelan andito na sa harap mo? Hindi pwede 'yan."
Before I could protest again, he grabbed my wrist and started pulling me toward the entrance like it was no big deal. I stumbled a bit, trying to resist, but he was stronger than he looked.
"Come on na, konting tiwala lang," he added, chuckling. "Baka mamaya ikaw pa 'yung pinaka-enjoy mamaya. Wag ka nang maarte diyan."
It was already 8 PM when we arrived at the venue—a high-ceilinged ballroom tucked inside one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Marble floors, gold accents, and a ridiculous number of chandeliers that looked like they were designed to blind people into forgetting how boring this event actually was.
The air smelled like expensive perfume and old money.
There were so many people, and most of them seemed international.
I heard a mix of accents—British, French, maybe even some Russian—and the occasional awkward Taglish chatter from the waitstaff.
Everyone was dressed to impress.
Suits tailored within an inch of their lives, evening gowns that screamed custom, and eyes that darted around the room like everyone was silently judging everyone else.
Theo leaned in slightly as we stepped inside, lowering his voice to a silky whisper. “Excited ka ba? Kasi ako, oo.”
I glanced at him.
He looked like he had just walked out of a luxury fashion campaign.
Black suit, with tie, collar slightly open to reveal a subtle gold chain.
His hair was styled to look effortless—which obviously meant he spent an hour on it—and his cologne?
It smelled like wealth.
Like the kind of man who owned a vineyard in Italy but didn’t drink wine unless it was older than his younger brother.
“I’m trying very hard not to fall asleep while standing,” I muttered, adjusting the strap of my dress. “But sure. Let’s call it excitement.”
We were escorted to our table—Table 17—tucked near one of the large arched windows.
The table was elegantly arranged, with silver cutlery, fine china, and a centerpiece that involved far too many orchids.
The napkins were folded like miniature sculptures, the kind that probably required a PhD in origami to understand.
Theo pulled out my chair with dramatic flair. “Madam,” he said in a fake British accent.
“Stop,” I said, barely containing my smile. “You’re going to get us kicked out.”
“Please,” he smirked, sitting down beside me. “They should be paying me to stay here.”
I scanned the crowd. Everyone looked painfully serious. Some were already networking—handshakes, polite laughter, business cards being passed around like currency.
A man onstage was delivering a welcome speech in a thick accent. He sounded passionate, but I couldn’t focus. The music playing in the background was some slow jazz mixed with light classical—polished, sophisticated, and painfully dull.
Dinner was served shortly after. A perfectly plated roasted chicken breast with a wine reduction sauce, heirloom vegetables stacked like art, and mashed potatoes that looked too pretty to eat.
I raised an eyebrow. “This is the kind of food that looks amazing and tastes like disappointment.”
Theo took a single bite, chewed slowly, and nodded like a Michelin critic. “Hmm. It tastes like the chef cried in French while making it.”
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.”
“Correction,” he said, lifting his wine glass like we were in a movie. “I’m expensive.”
“You’re dramatic.”
“Dramatic and expensive. A rare breed.”
I took a small sip of wine, barely listening to the second speaker now taking the stage. He was talking about “global sustainability metrics” and “interdisciplinary initiatives” and something about innovation. I couldn’t even pretend to care.
“This feels like an audition for who can talk the longest without saying anything,” I muttered.
The people around us started clapping. Apparently, someone important had just finished a long and painful monologue. A polite applause rippled across the room. I joined in half-heartedly.
Theo glanced at his phone under the table. “It’s only been twenty-seven minutes.”
“I feel like I’ve aged five years.”
"Oo nga, pero worth it 'to. Dapat excited ka. Pero bakit ang tagal naman magpakita ng CEO na 'yun," he said.
"It's boring. Can I just go home?" I said, irritated.
Theo gave me a look. “No. Trust me, this will be worth it.
I sighed, "Whatever."
I groaned and slumped back in my chair, crossing my arms. My dress was starting to feel suffocating, my heels already pinching. I glanced around again, hoping—praying—for anything remotely interesting to happen.
People were starting to shift in their seats now.
There was a subtle buzz moving through the crowd, like static crawling up my skin.
Waitstaff began moving faster.
One of the assistants on stage adjusted the mic.
Someone whispered near the corner of the ballroom, and a woman in a navy gown gasped softly.
And then…
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host announced, voice smooth and rehearsed, “it is now our honor to introduce the visionary behind tonight’s celebration. A woman of brilliance, determination, and innovation. The CEO of Solina Company…”
Theo leaned toward me again. “Finally."
I wasn’t really listening.
My glass was halfway to my lips when the next words sliced clean through the noise.
“No one other than. . . Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez!”
My hand froze mid-air.
The wine trembled in my glass.
No. That—no, it couldn’t be—
Applause exploded across the room. Everyone stood up. Chairs scraped back, hands clapped in rhythmic precision like this was the arrival of royalty. Phones were subtly pulled out. Eyes fixated on the stage.
But all I could see was her.
Sylvia.
My Sylvia.
No.
Not mine.
Not anymore.
She walked out from behind the curtain, calm, poised, radiant under the soft glow of a dozen spotlights. Her dress was a sculpted black satin that hugged her waist like it had been sewn onto her skin. Her hair was swept up, sharp and elegant, and her eyes—God, her eyes—were exactly the same.
She looked powerful. She looked like she belonged there. Like every ounce of applause was hers by birthright.
And she didn’t even flinch.
Didn’t hesitate.
Didn’t falter.
Meanwhile, I was choking on silence.
I sat frozen, every sound muffled around me. My vision tunneled as if the room had narrowed down to just her. My heart beat violently in my chest—too loud, too erratic—like it was trying to punch its way out.
Because that wasn’t just any CEO standing on stage.
That was my girl.
The one I couldn’t forget.
The one who I left.
The one whose name I hadn’t spoken in years but whose memory lived rent-free in every version of heartbreak I ever imagined.
Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez. My baby.
She looked straight ahead, calm and composed, smiling slightly as she approached the podium.
And then—
Her gaze flicked toward the crowd.
Her eyes swept across the ballroom like she was searching for something.
And for a terrifying second, I thought she was looking for me.
I ducked my head, heart hammering against my ribs.
Not now. Not here.
But it was too late.
Because the one person I wasn’t ready to see—
Was already on stage, owning the room.
And maybe still owning a part of me I never managed to take back.