Chapter 7
After hearing my story with Jeremy, Gavin hesitated before asking, “So… do you still love
him?”
I smiled, answering without a hint of doubt, “No, I don’t. I stopped loving him a long time.
ago.
Saying those words left me feeling unexpectedly lighter. Gavin also seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Then, he began sharing his own
stories. As I listened, I couldn’t help but marvel–we really were people from two different worlds. His childhood was filled with sunshine, his life smooth and easy, his tales lighthearted and full of novelty. The contrast between us was stark. His life was met with applause and admiration, while Jeremy and I had only known a path filled with thorns. Just when we were about to find our home together, we diverged.
Without realizing it, we talked until dawn and finally fell into a deep sleep.
After our wedding, Gavin was assigned to work and learn within his company. They couldn’t let him continue managing a failing business indefinitely; it was time for him to start learning to take on part of the Campbell family’s enterprises.
Life settled back into a calm rhythm, and I even changed the phone number I’d had for over a decade. When Jeremy tried every method but couldn’t reach me, I suddenly heard he was getting married–to Georgia, with the wedding set for a week later. But after the previous incident, the Campbell family decided not to attend their wedding. I also heard that Georgia had been kicked out of her family for insisting on marrying him. I don’t know if Jeremy was seeking revenge or something else, but he sent me an invitation. I tossed it in the trash as soon as I got it.
In the days that followed, Gavin, who had been busy for a while, took time off to take me on a honeymoon. The trip just happened to fall on the day of Jeremy and Georgia’s wedding.
Soon, our travel day arrived. A family driver dropped us off at the airport. Just as we were about to go through security, someone’s large hand suddenly grabbed mine. I turned to see Jeremy, dressed in a groom’s suit, out of breath and blocking my way. He looked as thought he’d just run away from his wedding.
I pulled my hand away forcefully and asked him what he wanted. He took a moment to compose himself, then looked at me earnestly. I have something I need to tell you.
Seeing my impatient expression, he seemed to anticipate my response and quickly added, i can only say it to you alone, so I’ll need Mr. Campbell to step aside.” He shot a wary glance
at Gavin.
Gavin looked at me, waiting for my decision. I frowned and said, “We have nothing to do with each other anymore, and there’s no need for you to tell me anything.” Jeremy, seeming to know I’d refuse, pleaded hurriedly, “Amanda, if you hear me out and still decide to leave, I’ll never bother you again.”
His words gave me pause, though I truly didn’t want any more entanglements with him. I glanced at Gavin, uncertain, and he just smiled, ruffling my hair lightly. “You two talk. I’m a bit thirsty anyway; I’ll go grab a drink.”
After Gavin walked away, Jeremy pulled me to a quieter spot. He hesitated before speaking, a hint of sadness in his voice. “Amanda, I really didn’t betray our relationship. Do you remember the incident with Georgia… when she was nearly assaulted?”
“I remember. Why?”
He pulled out a video and handed it to me. In the footage, two men, visibly afraid, were kneeling and pleading, “Please don’t call the police. We were put up to it. It was… it was Amanda who told us to harass the girl.”
In the background, I could hear Georgia’s soft crying.
“Recognize it?” he asked, his eyes fixed on me.
