Chapter 14
640words
Sylvia stood like a beautiful statue. Light cast subtle shadows across her face, making her emotions impossible to read. Was it hatred? Resentment? Or perhaps a flicker of uncertainty?
Garrett held the documents that seemed to weigh a thousand pounds, arms trembling slightly, bloodshot eyes fixed on her unblinkingly, awaiting final judgment.
Each second of silence felt like a knife twisting in his heart.
Finally, Sylvia moved.
She slowly raised her hand, but reached for neither document.
Instead, her hand gently but firmly pushed down both his trembling hand and the microphone.
Garrett's heart plummeted. Was she refusing even to choose? Denying him any chance whatsoever?
A collective gasp rippled through the audience.
Then Sylvia spoke. Her voice, carried through the still-active microphone, was slightly hoarse yet remarkably clear and composed, as if his earth-shattering confession had nothing to do with her.
"Garrett Grayson," she used his full name—not the distant "Mr. Grayson"—making his heart skip a beat.
Looking directly into his tear-filled eyes, she spoke with deliberate clarity:
"First, I don't want your company, and I certainly don't want your assets. My seven years of dedication, my youth, my abilities—they were never meant as currency for this kind of transaction."
Her gaze swept over both documents, showing no greed—only a faint, almost pitying detachment.
"Second," she refocused on his face, her tone calm yet carrying undeniable weight, "our problem was never about a job title or a marriage certificate."
"The problem is that for seven years, you never loved me as an equal with an independent soul. You loved 'Secretary Sterling'—the perfect extension of your needs who never inconvenienced you."
Garrett wanted to object, to deny it, but as he opened his mouth, no words came. Because what she said was undeniably true.
Sylvia looked at him with a faint smile filled with infinite sadness.
"So, Garrett Grayson, it's premature to discuss forgiveness or second chances."
She paused, her gaze sharpening, as if seeing through to his core.
"First, end this 'CEO and secretary' dynamic completely. Dismantle that superiority complex entirely."
"Then…"
She stopped, her gaze seeming to travel through time to see herself seven years ago—fresh from college, heart full of love and hope.
"…then ask that twenty-two-year-old Sylvia," her voice carried a barely perceptible tremor before steadying, "if she's willing to start over with a Garrett Grayson who has learned to love and respect his partner."
With that, she turned without waiting for his reaction or acknowledging the audience. She walked off the stage with measured steps, the crowd parting automatically as she headed for the exit.
She had accepted neither document.
She'd given him something more difficult yet infinitely more precious than acceptance or rejection—
A chance to pursue her anew. A chance to build something based on equality, respect, and mutual recognition.
Not a return to the past, but a journey toward an uncertain future that would demand his complete transformation.
Garrett stood frozen, still clutching the now-meaningless documents, watching Sylvia's resolute figure disappear into the elevator.
Beyond his initial disappointment, a complex emotion—blending hope, shame, and fierce determination—slowly rose within him.
He understood.
Sylvia didn't want his company, his money, or even—for now—his repentance and love.
What she wanted was for him to transform completely—to become worthy.
The elevator doors closed, shutting out the commotion.
Inside, Sylvia leaned against the cold wall as tears finally slid silently down her cheeks. Yet the corners of her lips curved into a faint but genuine smile.
Seven years of secret marriage. A thirty-day resignation countdown.
She had finally, for herself, reclaimed the power to choose her own path.
As for the future…
Who knows?
At least she was no longer the one being chosen.
