The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 87

But tonight I understood something important, he didn’t come to see me out of nostalgia, it wasn’t on

impulse.

It was because he knows me. Because he knew I was going to lock me up, because he wanted to make

sure I ate.

And that… that weighs more than any promise.

I walk to the room, I don’t have that emptiness in my stomach anymore. Not even that unbearable weight

on the chest.

I get into bed and turn off the light, and for the first time since I returned, I don’t feel alone in this city.

Not because he’s here. But because I know that, even if he doesn’t say it, he’s thinking of me. And that…

that changes everything. It changes my perception of him.

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<Chapter 65 The inauguration.

Chapter 65: The Inauguration.

Ethan

I’d already eaten dinner; the house was quiet, tidy, perfect. As always. Too tidy.

I put the glass of water down on the counter and looked at the clock. Eight and twenty.

I thought of her without intending to, New York, her apartment.

The long day I knew she was going to have. And the question came by itself:

Has she had dinner?

+25 Points

I stood still for a few seconds, leaning against the bar. Clara, when she is emotionally exhausted, does not cook. She does not ask for food. She doesn’t improvise… She locks herself in, goes to bed early.

She pretends she doesn’t need anything. Just like when she was at her mother’s house.

I closed my eyes for a second.

Will she be okay?

I didn’t hesitate too much, I took the keys and left. On the way to the Italian restaurant I repeated to myself

that I was not exaggerating. That it was just food. It meant nothing more than making sure she ate

something.

But the truth was different, I couldn’t sleep peacefully imagining her alone, without wanting to prepare

anything.

I bought fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. Meat lasagna. Tiramisu.

Her favorite, I never forgot. Only I didn’t say it before.

Days passed after that, days filled with meetings, calls, reports, negotiations.

I tried to concentrate, I tried to convince myself that I had done the right thing by telling Vanessa the truth.

That I was going to try things with Clara, Vanessa did not react as I expected.

She didn’t make a scene, she didn’t scream. She only became more serious, more distant.

One afternoon, while we were reviewing some contracts, she looked up and asked:

“Were you with her all these days that she was out of town?”

The question was direct, not embellished.

I looked at her for a second.

“Yes.”

< Chapter 65 The inauguration

+25 Points

I didn’t add anything else, there was nothing else to explain. It was not a guilt–laden yes, it was a firm yes.

Vanessa nodded slowly.

“I understand.”

But her expression barely changed, as if confirming something she already suspected.

We didn’t talk about it again, and I didn’t insist either.

Because it was no longer divided.

The days continued to pass, under my nose I saw a thousand things and I never thought I would see this

one…

The invitation came a week later, when the official inauguration was made. Phase two. Expansion in New

York.

Her company name printed in fancy letters, my name on the guest list.

I was surprised.

I never thought I would receive a formal invitation from a company that now competed directly with mine. I looked at it for a few seconds before confirming attendance, of course I was going to go.

Not as a competitor, as someone who respects her.

As someone who wants to see her succeed.

There was a little time left for that event, I felt anxious, nervous. I hadn’t seen Clara since then, so that

event excited me.

On the day of the event I prepared myself with more care than usual, jet black suit, impeccable cut.

White shirt, dark tie. Perfectly polished shoes.

It wasn’t vanity, it was presence.

When I arrived at the place, the space was spotless. Warm lights, modern decor, important guests, newspapers. And then I saw her.

All the noise died down for a second, she was on the other side of the room.

Long dress, gala dress, in a deep tone that highlighted her skin. The fabric fell elegantly, fitting her waist and gently descending to the floor. The back partially uncovered. Hair pulled back in a polished yet natural hairstyle. Delicate makeup, highlighting her eyes… Imposing, as always. But safer, more hers.

I felt something squeeze in my chest, it wasn’t jealousy. It was recognition.

She had built all that, so… I approached when I saw her free for a moment.

“Clara.”

< Chapter 65 The inauguration

She turned.

Our eyes met, a brief spark.

Surprised, but not uncomfortable.

Greeting her now was more comfortable, it was more emotional. Like she sees a friend, not an

ex–husband she hates.

“Ethan.”

I took her hand naturally.

I brought her to my lips and left a kiss on her cheek. It was strange to greet her like that.

When I knew the exact curve of her mouth, when I had kissed her lips hundreds of times.

but now… That distance was necessary.

“You’re beautiful,” I said quietly.

A slight smile.

“Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.”

The event progressed, I heard her give her speech.

Clara in front of a full auditorium, speaking clearly, firmly, with that serene intelligence that I always

admired. She spoke of growth. Vision. Responsibility.

+25 Points

And as I watched it, I understood something with brutal honesty… I was stupid. Because she was always

like that.

She was always great, I just didn’t know how to see her. Or worse, I didn’t know how to sustain it.

Alexander appeared at her side when she finished the impeccable speech, for sure.

He put his hand on Clara’s waist with an almost automatic gesture. Too comfortable, too close.

My jaw tightened without me being able to help it, a part of me wanted to cross the room and push it

away.

But I had no right, not now, not after I had let her go.

I held back the momentum, breathed.

I had a glass of champagne when the waiters started circulating, I waited for the right moment. And when

I saw it, I went over.

“Congratulations,” I said, handing her the glass.

She took another.

3.5

Chapter 65 The inauguration

Our fingers barely brushed.

“Thank you.”

We clinked glasses gently.

“It’s impressive what you did here,” I added. “Really.”

Her eyes sought mine. We walk away from the noise a little, towards a more open area, a garden

illuminated with soft lights. The air was fresher, more intimate.

“You deserve everything,” I said finally. “You always did.”

She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and caution.

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