Chapter 50

Dylan

Two weeks had gone by since she left. I left the penthouse and all the things that hold memories of her. I went back to using public transportation. I’d rather not use the car. It only reminds me of the time in the parking lot. Everything happened in front of that car.

Within those fourteen days, I realized that my life sucked without her. I’m more miserable, lonely and hurt. I couldn’t concentrate on work. I was surprised that Hudson never pointed out my slacking off as he usually did, while he’s still like that to others.

I decided to take my time off. I’m sure that Hudson wouldn't allow a long ass leave so here I am submitting my resignation letter to him.

Hudson took his eyes off from the letter and raised his head to look at me. I was sitting in front of him, waiting for his reaction. I was amazed at how he was so calm about it.

“I guess she didn’t tell you.”

I frown. “Excuse me?”

“I thought you were being modest when you’re still acting like yourself despite owning almost half of the company.”

“What?" I cluelessly asked. "Sir , I don’t understand what you’re talking about. What do you mean by owning half of the company?” I asked almost frantically. I don’t have any idea what he’s talking about and it’s making me fucking nervous because I know in the back of my mind, that she is Cara.

“I’ll explain to you then. Miss Angelo said not to tell you because she will tell you herself.” I inhale sharply, remembering the time she came here. “But it seems she hasn’t told you at all.” He looks at the resignation letter weirdly before looking back at me.

“I don’t know why she hasn’t but I will tell you myself since you want to quit and I don’t have any power on this to accept your resignation. In fact, you have that power for everyone in this company.”

“What agreement?” Although my heart was beating loudly, I tried to be calm in order to register any of this in my mind.

“I assume you have a relationship with Miss Angelo considering she seemed to have done this for you.” He said with a curious frown. “Did you not know that she bought almost half of the shares of the company under your name?”

I was frozen in my seat, shocked at what I was hearing. My eyes were wide in disbelief.

“No. That's not possible.” I said, shaking my head, refusing to believe him. “She won’t do that.”

“Except she did.” He opens his drawer and grabs a folder. He places it on his desk, sliding it towards me. “Read it. I understand that you’re in awe and in doubt. That’s why I’m not going to say no more and just let you read the contract.”

—

“I can’t believe you’re quitting.” Aiden said across from me.

The three of us decided to have a Korean barbecue one last time before I left the city. I’ll be going back home tomorrow. I had already packed my bags last night. Despite my heartbreak, I was actually excited to finally be with my family.

I refused to believe what Cara did for me. It was surreal. I have a hard time sinking it in. Hudson surprisingly gave me some advice. He told me that if I want to take a break, I can. I was always free to come and go. After all, I was now one of the shareholders.

I was silent the whole time, frozen in shock. Things just happen one after another. Instead of furthering the discussion, I gave the contract back to him and just nodded. He told me to keep it but I only shook my head. Although Hudson is an asshole, he can be trusted. He just loves to steal people’s credit but other than that, he can be trusted. Sort of. I don’t really care right now. The company is just too much for me. And besides, Cara surely had threatened him if he did anything funny.

Until now, I still could not fathom so I just let it be. It's’ not like I can call her to take it back. I couldn’t even ring her anymore. I tried the first few days since she left. I think she blocked me.

I shrugged, gulping down the soju before answering him. “It’s high time I take a break.”

“Dude, you don’t have to resign if you want to take a break. I thought the three of us were going to have a getaway.” Miles said.

“Yeah, we can do that in the future. I just want this break for my family, you know. I haven’t been there for them for a long time. The last time I visited, I realized that they needed a man in the house.” The two nodded in agreement. They knew my situation so it was easier for them to understand.

“And besides… Hudson said I could come back anytime.” I grinned.

They both watched me in awe. “Wow, he said that? But he always threatens you about getting fired.” Miles remarked.

I nodded. “I mean, come on. The guy loves to pester me. It’s only reasonable he would want me back.” We laughed at how true it was.

“But seriously, man. We will miss you. I mean the trio’s not complete without you.” Aiden said.

“We’ll visit you for sure.” Miles added.

I nodded with a smile. “I’m going to expect that alright.”

—

I had a huge hangover yesterday so I decided to postpone my trip. I woke up at dawn the next day and left really early. I didn’t want to reach there with the sun already down.

Thankfully, the sun was still up when I arrived. I was in front of our house when I saw an unfamiliar man playing with Ollie. He looks to be in his late forties. He was dark, bulky and very tall.

Ollie was still on his leash which meant he just had his walk with the man. Ollie has always been friendly but the way they interacted, it seemed he had been staying here for a long time. I don’t remember having a neighbor like him. He seemed to be out of place here.

My attention shifted to the door when it was opened by mom and she emerged right after. “Leandro-” My mom’s eyes widened as soon as she saw me.

“Lincoln!” Mom ran towards me, arms opened wide for a hug. I chuckled at my mom’s childish actions. Ollie came running after, jumping on our legs up and down. I patted his head as I hugged my mom tightly with my free arm.

Lincoln. The name brings out memories of my father. Mom used to call me little Linc because I looked exactly like dad when he was young.

“Hey, mom.” I greeted lovingly.

“Oh, darling, how have I missed you.” She returned my sentiment.

I then noticed the man again, watching us with warmth. I slowly withdraw, hesitating. My mom noticed it and turned around to look at the man.

“Let’s go in.” I could see in my mother’s eyes the urge to talk.