The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 51

Chapter 33: Isn’t It Jealousy?

Ethan

The day of the signing came with an almost ironic punctuality. Days of negotiation reduced to a living room, a long table and a couple of perfectly aligned folders.

Clara entered with Alexander…

She came back, that’s what I thought… She entered not behind, not in front. At the same time, and I noticed that before anything else.

She wore a light, sober suit. The hair up. The serene, professional, impeccable expression… But different.

There was something softer about her movements. Somewhat less tense in the shoulders, Alexander adjusted the chair so that she could take a seat first. A minimal gesture, almost invisible, but I saw it… I see everything. I always see those things.

The meeting went smoothly. Final numbers. Minor adjustments. Signatures.

When the time came, Clara took up the pen. She did not hesitate, she never doubts when she decides.

She signed, I signed later. And so, officially, our companies were united.

What an irony. Separated personally. Professional associates.

As the assistants collected documents and the lawyers exchanged copies, I approached her.

“I called you unintentionally that day,” I said, keeping my tone light. It was marked by mistake.

Clara looked at me.

Direct.

“I know.”

There was no reproach in his voice. That was worse.

I nodded.

J

I could have left the conversation there. I should have… But the truth is that that night was not a mistake.

I remember the office in semi-darkness. The glass is half finished. The silence is too great.

I had looked at her name on the screen for several minutes before pressing call.

It was not a slip, it was necessity.

I wanted to know how her father was, I wanted to know how she was. But when I heard the tone… I hung

up before she could answer.

Pride, cowardice or both.

< Chapter 33 & Jetty?

“Is he better?” I asked now, bluntly.

“Yes. Stable.”

A slight nod.

Nothing more.

Alexander appeared beside her as if he had measured the exact moment.

“The car is ready,” he said quietly.

It was not necessary. Clara could walk alone. She could solve it on her own… But he was there.

Present, attentive… The way he looked at her wasn’t possessive. She was protective… And I understood everything in that instant.

It’s not just business strategy, it’s not just coincidence. It is choice.

Clara picked up her folder.

“See you at the next quarterly review,” she said formally.

“Of course.”

Alexander reached out to me. I squeezed it, firm, measured.

Two men evaluating each other without saying anything explicit.

“Congratulations on the agreement,” he said.

“Equally.”

We held our gaze for a second longer than necessary.

He didn’t take his eyes off, and neither did I.

When Clara took a step towards the exit, he placed his hand on her lower back.

Subtle, natural guide. As if he already knew the space he occupies next to her.

And that’s when I felt it, not jealousy, not exactly. It was understanding… I took one last step.

“Clara.”

She turned.

Alexander stopped, but did not intervene.

“You two make a lovely couple.”

I said it in a serious tone, without a smile, without irony. Just one statement.

Her eyes barely opened, she didn’t expect that. Neither did Alexander.

There was a brief silence.

5 Chapter 33 hrana?

“Ethan…” she began.

But I shook my head.

“It’s good to see your accompanied.”

That was true.

Even if it wasn’t with me, Clara held my gaze for a second longer. There was something in her eyes… something I recognized.

Gratitude and farewell.

Alexander led her to the exit. This time I didn’t look at his watch, I didn’t look at his suit. I didn’t measure anything.

I stood in the empty room, listening to the echo of the door closing.

I know her. I know when something isn’t right, and I also know when I’m no longer the man next to her.

Today I didn’t lose a negotiation, I lost something much quieter. The possibility.

2

I left the building with a calm I didn’t feel, the afternoon air was cold. Sharp. Appropriate.

I got into the car without looking back.

During the journey I did not turn on the radio. I didn’t check the phone. I didn’t need distractions.

“A lovely couple.” Why

Maybe because it

I

did I say that?

was better to say it first. Name it. Accept it. Shape it before it hit me afterwards.

The way he looked at her, the way she didn’t turn away.

It wasn’t theatrical, it was natural. And that’s what hurts.

I arrived at the company and went straight up to my office. As soon as I crossed the executive area, i

heard her footsteps.

Vanessa.

It always detects when something changes.

“Ethan,” she said, coming closer. “How did the signature come out?”

“Good.”

I tried to keep walking.

She gently took my arm.

“Hey.”

I wanted to step away, but in that second I remembered Clara leaving the room with Alexander. The hand on her back. Synchrony.

Chapte 33-way)

Move on. That’s what people do when they’ve already chosen.

Vanessa stood in front of me.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded.

“Yes.”

Simple lie.

She barely frowned.

“I feel that something is not right… I see it in your eyes.”

She always looks too much.

“Did something happen at the signing of the contract?”

I shook my head.

Nothing happened.

That’s what happened.

Vanessa moved a little closer. Her hand went up to my face, her fingers brushing my jaw.

“You don’t have to carry everything alone,” she murmured.

How ironic, that phrase again.

Its perfume was familiar. Warm. Nearby… I thought of Clara, I thought of Alexander occupying the space

that was once mine.

Vanessa shortened the distance. This time I didn’t move away.

Not because I wanted her at that moment, not because I needed it. But because I needed not to feel that I

was left behind.

Her lips touched mine. And for the first time… I didn’t reject her… I kissed her back. As if by doing so I could confirm that I am also moving forward.

That I’m not the kind of man who stands by and watches others take what was once his.

Vanessa deepened the kiss, her hands sliding down my neck.

I closed my eyes, but it wasn’t her image that appeared. It was Clara’s image. And the way she no longer

belongs to me.

When the kiss was over, Vanessa leaned her forehead against mine.

“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out,” she whispered.

I nodded.

© Chapter 344 Jealousy

Of course, I will solve it. I always do. But as she held my hand and led me into my office… I couldn’t help but wonder if had just made up my mind… Or I just reacted to the fear of definitively losing something that was no longer mine.

Comments

LUCK DRAW

Vote

56