Chapter 2 – Chasing What Was Lost
Chapter 2 – Chasing What Was Lost
The next morning, every business newspaper carried the same headline.
BLACKWOOD GLOBAL ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION.
Beneath the article was Adrian's photograph.
Calm.
Confident.
Untouchable.
Vanessa read every line.
She barely recognized the man she thought she knew.
Within weeks, her father's company began losing clients.
Investors pulled away.
Banks stopped returning calls.
Rumors spread that competitors had secured partnerships with Blackwood Global.
Her family panicked.
"Go talk to Adrian."
"Explain everything."
"He loved you."
Vanessa boarded the first flight she could find.
Three countries later, she finally reached Blackwood Global's headquarters.
The receptionist smiled politely.
"Mr. Blackwood is unavailable."
"I'll wait."
She waited all day.
Nothing.
She returned the next morning.
Then the next.
On the fourth day, Adrian finally stepped into the lobby.
He looked exactly the same.
Only colder.
"Adrian..."
"I have a meeting."
"Please."
He stopped.
"I only need five minutes."
He checked his watch.
"You have three."
Vanessa lowered her eyes.
"I was arrogant."
"I judged you."
"I cared too much about money and status."
"I hurt you."
"I know I don't deserve another chance."
Adrian remained silent.
She wiped away tears.
"But the apology is real."
For the first time, Adrian spoke softly.
"I believe you."
Hope filled her face.
Then he continued.
"Forgiveness and trust are not the same thing."
The hope vanished.
"You broke something that cannot simply be rebuilt."
He walked away.
Vanessa made no attempt to stop him.
May you like
Because deep inside...
She knew he was right.
