Chapter 417
For the first time, a sense of impending loss washed over Ben, threatening to shatter his hold on her.
Cassie's resigned chuckle echoed over the phone, her words laced with a hint of resignation. "Well, it seems you ran into Ben," she said. "He was searching for me yesterday. I believe it's time for you two to have a conversation."
Laura Miller's reply was a simple, "Okay." Her composure gradually returned, and she lifted her gaze to meet her ex-lover's. The look in her eyes was one he hadn't seen in a long time.
"Why didn't you inform me that you were coming to New York for work, Laura?" Ben asked, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "You've blocked my number, my WhatsApp... We've been stuck in this dance for quite some time, haven't you moved on yet?"
"Moved on?" Laura's heart chilled at his words. Did he genuinely believe that she was still in the throes of a childish tantrum, one that could be easily quelled with a few soothing words?
"Alright, I confess, I was in the wrong before. I've taken time to reflect on my actions. It's been a while; let's not harbor any more resentment. Let's return to New York. I'll apologize to your parents, and we can get married," Ben proposed, reaching out to take her hand.
Life without Laura had been a foreign landscape, a challenge he struggled to navigate. He had always found relationships to be a burden, a constant struggle to find time for her amidst his hectic schedule. But since her departure, the moments of solitude had become more hollow, an unsettling emptiness that he couldn't quite comprehend.
He realized he had taken her for granted, always assuming she'd be there, and in doing so, had neglected her. He vowed to change.
"I won't go back," Laura stated firmly, her resolve unyielding. "I'm working at Ocean Blue now, and the future looks promising."
"But didn't you have a promising career at Madison too?" Ben questioned, taken aback.
A sudden surge of emotion threatened to overwhelm Laura. How little attention had he paid to her life? "Ben, I stayed at Madison for you. I've come to realize that I'm young and attractive, and I want to explore what life has to offer. I don't want to get married. Why would I willingly walk into that graveyard so soon?"
"Stop joking around, you know getting married to me was what you always wanted..."
"Not anymore, Ben," Laura interrupted him sharply. "I made it clear when we broke up last year, we're done. It wasn't a joke. Please, stop trying to find me."
With those final words, she turned and walked away. Benjamin stood still for a moment, then rushed after her, grabbing her hand. "Laura, I can't believe this. We've been together for so long, on and off again and again. How can we just end it like that? I swear, I don't have feelings for Julia anymore..."
"Then can you promise me you'll never talk to her again? Unless she's dead, and you're going to her funeral. Call her now, I'm giving you one last chance." Laura Miller fixed her gaze on his eyes, unwavering.
Incredulous, Benjamin replied, "Do you really have to be this unreasonable? At most, I can promise to lessen my contact with her and encourage her to find a new boyfriend soon..."
"Enough, you always say that. I don’t want to hear any more of your nonsense."
Laura Miller was growing increasingly impatient.
"Why are you pushing me to the edge?"
Gripping her hand tightly in his frustration, Benjamin refused to let go. "Laura, enough is enough. Do you have any idea how much company business I've missed, just waiting for you these past few days outside the Peace Group building?"
"If you can't say anything useful, just shut up." Laura's patience had worn thin, igniting a fire in her belly.
Is this any way to win back an ex-girlfriend? It felt like charity.
"You weren't like this before. Has Cassie been influencing you? Why do you always have to listen to her? She moves to New York, and you follow. She's married now. Do you plan on following her for life?" Benjamin's frustration bubbled over into his words.
Laura Miller nearly burst with anger.
If it weren't for the public setting, she would have loved to take off her high heels and hit him with them.
Michael, having just concluded a deal, stepped out of the building and caught this scene.
He clicked his tongue.
He had always found this woman to be full of lies and harsh in speech. Now, she was causing a scene on the street with another man, who was clearly her boyfriend.
Recalling how she had insulted him the last time, Michael saw his chance for revenge.
A sly smile curled on his lips as he approached confidently, "Hey sweetie, who's this guy?"
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