Chapter 18 - Shadows Disappearing
The aftermath of the charity gala incident sent ripples through Julian’s family circle, but thankfully, Victoria learned her lesson and kept her distance. Meanwhile, my marketing agency was formally awarded a three-year exclusive contract with the Metropolitan Arts Foundation, cementing my professional reputation across the city as a force to be reckoned with.
One afternoon, while reviewing a stack of campaign contracts at my desk, my phone rang. Expecting Julian, I glanced down at the screen, only to see an unfamiliar local number.
I swiped to answer. "Hello, this is Sandy Miller."
"Sandy? It’s Michael."
The name hit me like a jarring note in a symphony. I hadn't heard his voice in months. My immediate instinct was to hang up, but curiosity and a strange sense of final closure made me pause.
"What do you want, Michael?" I asked, my voice flat and devoid of emotion.
"I heard about your new contract with the foundation," he said, his voice sounding hollow, tired, and defeated. "You're everywhere in the business news. Everyone's talking about your agency."
"If you called to offer career advice, you're about six months too late," I replied dryly.
"No, no... that's not why I'm calling," Michael sighed heavily on the other end of the line. "I just... I wanted to apologize. Really apologize. Without excuses. I threw away the best thing that ever happened to me because of pure stupidity and cowardice. I watched your interview in the art magazine yesterday, and you looked... you looked happier and more successful than you ever did when we were together."
"Because I am, Michael," I said honestly. "Breaking off that wedding was the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to find out who I actually am, instead of playing a role to please everyone else."
There was a long silence on the line. Then, very quietly, Michael spoke his final words: "I hope you find everything you're looking for, Sandy. You deserved better from day one."
May you like
"Goodbye, Michael," I said softly, and hung up the phone for the very last time.
I didn't block him this time. I didn't feel anger, bitterness, or resentment. I simply felt empty of the past, leaving my heart wide open for the present.
