Chapter 575 Heartbroken Patricia
Feeling the weight of the moment, Alan sensed this was a time for Patricia and James to be alone. With a heavy heart, he threw a sympathetic look James' way, then quietly exited the office, gently closing the door behind him.
James watched as the color seemed to leach out of Patricia's face, his own heart feeling like it was under siege.
He couldn't bear to meet her eyes, worried his resolve would shatter. "We had an understanding," he started, his voice steady but strained, "that I'd move on after the Nexus Holdings deal was done. And now, that time has come."
That had been the plan, after all. Patricia had roped him into staying for the negotiations with Nexus Holdings, which extended his time here. But in the joy of their success, she had put that agreement to the back of her mind.
It took a moment for Patricia to respond, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you have to go?"
James nodded, the gesture heavy with reluctance.
A sudden cough caught him off guard, prompting Patricia's eyes to brim with tears.
"Why? Can't you stay? The company needs you… and I need you too," she said, the last part slipping out, irretrievable.
James stiffened at her words, a storm of emotions passing through his eyes.
"You're underestimating yourself. You're capable, and so is Alan. Together, you're unstoppable."
Patricia's gaze was pleading. "But..."
'But it's not the same without you.'
She bit back the rest of her thoughts, fearing the change it might bring.
James almost reached out to comfort her in their old, familiar way but stopped himself, settling for a brief, awkward pat on the shoulder instead. "Take care, okay? If things get tough and you're in over your head, Alan knows how to reach me."
Patricia's response was immediate and desperate. "Why can't I just contact you directly? Why through Alan?"
A shadow of sorrow crossed James' face, hidden from Patricia.
"That wouldn't be appropriate."
The pain in Patricia's voice was palpable. "Why?"
James seemed choked up, struggling to find the words, then sighed heavily. "I have to go. Look after yourself."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Patricia feeling as if her world was darkening once more.
The light that had flickered back to life with his presence was fading fast, leaving her in tears as his silhouette blurred, threatening to vanish from her life entirely.
A silent cry tore through Patricia's heart, an internal plea full of desperation.
Her mind was a whirlwind, dominated by a single, compelling urge. She couldn't let him walk away.
Propelled by this thought, Patricia rushed forward and clasped his hand tightly.
"Please, don't leave. Stay," she implored.
James halted, turning in surprise to face their intertwined hands.
Patricia bowed her head, hiding her tear-streaked face. Her voice trembled, yet it carried an uncharacteristic determination. "Stay, please."
For a fleeting moment, James wavered, tempted to yield to her plea.
The words hovered on the brink of escape, but he forcefully repressed them.
He reminded himself, sternly, not to give in to the moment, to think of Patricia's well-being. Staying would only cause her more pain in the long run, a burden he knew she couldn't shoulder.
The resolution to cut ties now, while their bond was still nascent, took hold, sparing them both deeper anguish down the line.
With a heart heavy with regret, James gently released Patricia's hand, his voice laden with apology. "I'm sorry."
Those were his parting words before he pushed open the door and exited, not daring to glance back.
The door closed softly behind him, leaving Patricia isolated in the echoing silence of the office.
A profound emptiness engulfed her, plunging her into despair. Her mind felt like it was under siege, each throb a hammer blow, the pain so intense she instinctively cradled her head, sinking to the floor for some semblance of relief.
Tears streamed down unchecked, her resolve not to cry out loud crumbling as muffled sobs broke through her clenched teeth.
The pain was overwhelming, her head throbbing mercilessly.
Why did it hurt like this?
She had only ever loved Martin, hadn't she? Then why did James' departure hurt so much?
She insisted to herself that she didn't love James, that her heart belonged solely to Martin.
She tried to convince herself that she felt no pain, no grief.
If he was gone, so be it. Life goes on.
After all, her acquaintance with James was brief, barely two months. She hadn't even fully seen his face, so how could he have left such an indelible mark?
She could move on. With Alan's support, the company would still thrive.
Yes, she assured herself, she would manage just fine.
Patricia tried to convince herself that she was okay, but the pain only intensified, her cries becoming more uncontrollable, as if giving voice to her anguish was the only relief.
By the time she got home that night, her eyes were swollen, and her complexion was ashen, moving through the house like a shell of herself.
The kids were startled by her appearance.
Charles, sensing something was amiss, grabbed her hand with concern. "Mommy, what's going on? Is there trouble at work? Whatever it is, I can help."
But Patricia just shook her head, staying silent.
Her silence only made Charles more worried, prompting him to call Alan. "What happened to Mommy? Is the company okay? She looks terrible."
Alan, aware that Patricia's state was due to James' departure, reassured, "The company's fine, Charles. We just wrapped up a big deal, actually."
Charles, still puzzled, pressed, "Then why is Mommy so upset?"
Alan, struggling to keep the truth hidden, replied, "Maybe she's just exhausted."
Realizing he wouldn't get more from Alan, Charles ended the call with a resigned sigh.
Randy and Fannie, each holding one of Patricia's hands, looked up at her with concern.
Fannie's eyes brimmed with tears, while Randy fought back his own, saying, "Mommy, please tell us what's wrong. You're scaring us."
Patricia knew she shouldn't let herself be so affected.
It was just a man leaving, after all. Why should this devastate her?
They weren't in a relationship; he was just her subordinate. She had no right to feel so distraught.
"I'm okay, really. Just tired. You kids go on and have your dinner. I'll go upstairs and rest a bit," she assured them, managing a weak smile as she gently patted their heads before trudging upstairs.
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