The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 205

Chapter 143. Return… and move forward. -2

Chapter 143: Return… and move forward.-2

He raises an eyebrow.

“Now more than ever.”

I don’t deny it.

“Now more than ever.”

+25 Points

I say goodbye with a short kiss on his lips, with a smile and I get out of the car, close the door and walk towards the building. Everything feels the same, but I don’t.

I walk into the office, some eyes lifting. Greetings, smiles. I answer naturally.

I walk to my office, I leave my things… And before I sit down, I hear his voice.

“It’s good to see you here again.”

I turn, Alexander. He’s standing in the doorway, watching me.

For a second… the past sneaks in. The discussion, the words, the tension, but I don’t stop

there.

I look at him. And I don’t feel resentment.

That… surprises me more than it should.

“Hello,” I reply.

“How do you feel?” he asks.

There is something in his tone, I can’t quite identify it. But I do not stop to analyze it.

“Very well,” I say. “I feel much better now.”

He nods slowly. As if he were evaluating my answer.

“I suppose you already feel calmer at home, don’t you?”

I frown slightly.

“When did you return to your apartment?”

There it is, the direct question. I look at him and I don’t hesitate.

< Chapter 143: Return… and move forward.-2

“I didn’t go back. Well, I only went back the day I got my things.”

There’s a brief silence.

“I’m going to live with Ethan.”

The reaction is immediate, not exaggerated. But real.

His eyes barely change, his expression tightens… Just a second.

Then he hides it.

“Living together… as a couple?”

I nod.

“Yes.”

I hold it, without fear.

“We’re back, Alexander.”

That phrase… That phrase falls harder than I expected.

I see him processing it, but he’s fast. It’s always fast.

“Ah,” he says finally. “I guess that’s good for you, isn’t it?”

His smile is slight. Measure.

“I’m very happy for you.”

I don’t know why… But something in that sentence doesn’t quite feel sincere.

But I don’t question it either.

“Thank you.”

“What are you going to do in your apartment now?”

“Rent it out,” I reply.

The silence lasts barely a second.

“I understand… hey, will you stop by my office, if you have a moment?” he adds.

Immediate change of subject.

“We need to talk about the expansion project.”

+25 Points

Chapter 143 Return and move forward -2

That’s the work. I nod.

“Of course.”

+25 Points

I leave my things in my office and walk to his. The atmosphere changes as soon as I enter.

More formal, more tense.

I close the door behind me, sit in front of him. Alexander opens a folder.

“The partners are already aware of your situation,” he begins.

I look up.

“They understood that you needed time.”

I nod slightly.

“But it’s time to catch up.”

There is no reproach in his voice. But yes… pressure.

It’s fair.

“Okay.”

Turn a few pages.

“There’s a meeting outside the city.”

I barely frown.

“Where?”

“In Boston,” he replies. “Business Convention.”

I nod slowly.

“The main partners are going to be there,” he continues. “The same ones who are leading the expansion.”

He leans slightly forward.

“It is a key opportunity.”

I listen to him carefully.

“We need to close certain points,” he adds. “Final adjustments before defining whether there is a contract or not.”

Chapter 143 Return and move forward -2

I fold my hands lightly on the table.

“How long?”

“At least two nights.”

I exhale gently. My mind begins to organize everything.

“It’s an important convention,” he says. “And also…”

He pauses slightly.

“It is an event focused on female leadership.”

That makes me look up.

“You represent the company.”

Silence… I nod.

“Okay.”

There is not much to think about. It’s work.

“I’ll coordinate everything,” he adds. “Travel, lodging, agenda.”

“Perfect.”

For a second… everything is normal. Professional, as before. But there’s something

underneath.

+25 Points

Something that is not said… I feel it in the way he looks at me. In how he measures each

word.

“Anything else?” I ask.

He gently denies.

“Not for now.”

I get up.

“Then I’ll catch up on what’s pending.”

He nods.

“Clara…”

I stop. I look at him.

Chapter 143 Return and move forward -2

“I’m glad you’re here… that you’re okay.”

+25 Points

The way he says it… I don’t know, I don’t know what it is. But it doesn’t sound completely

neutral.

I smile barely.

“I am.”

And this time… It is not an automatic response. It’s true.

I walk out of his office, close the door behind me. And as I walk back to mine… deep breath. Because everything is returning to its place.

Work, routine, life. But I… I’m no longer the same one who left here a few days ago.

I am someone who decided, who chose. Who stopped being afraid.

I sit down in my chair, open my laptop. But before I start… I pause for a second, thinking about Ethan, about the house. About what we’re building. And about what’s to come.

Because yes… I’m fine, but something tells me… that this… it is just beginning.

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