At the company's annual meeting, I attended as a shareholder.
Elliot stood among the crowd, surrounded by admirers.
By his side, Lauryn was holding onto his arm with a restrained smile, acting like the empress.
A manager nearby glanced at me, lowered his head awkwardly, and didn't dare to speak.
I kept a blank expression.
In the past, Elliot would always bring me along to these events.
We had agreed that we could play around, but we wouldn't go overboard.
This time, he brought Lauryn, probably out of dissatisfaction with my divorce proposal, as a form of revenge.
Unfortunately, I didn't care.
I held 22% of the company's shares, making me the largest shareholder besides him.
I didn't need a man to assert my status.
But Lauryn saw me and walked up to me with a smile,
"Nikki, how could Elliot let you come alone? He shouldn't worry about you coming alone at night, it could be dangerous. Really."
These were words I had said to her before, and I didn't expect her to remember.
She sure held a grudge.
I took a glass of champagne from a waiter.
"I have a driver who drove me here in a luxurious car. There's no danger.
Lauryn is worrying too much."
Lauryn's face flushed red and then turned green, as if she had been rubbed against a palette.
I was about to leave when she suddenly grabbed me.
Lauryn's fade crumbled, and she said disdainfully,
"You're just an old woman without love, pretending to be something you're not?!"
He said he lost interest in you a long time ago, he'll divorce you sooner or later!"
I was a little surprised.
Elliot always seems to be into these types of women, if you want to be polite, you'd say they're innocent and naive, but if you want to be harsh, you might call them superficial.
I watched her.
Hmm, superficial woman it is.
Lauryn was hired by Elliot right after graduation as a secretary. Though officially a secretary, everyone in the company knew the nature of their relationship and gave her some respect.
Over the years, they had pampered her to the point where she had no sense.
I gripped her wrist firmly and smiled,
"First, whether we divorce or not is our private affair, it's none of your business.
Second, you seem to have forgotten that I'm also a shareholder on the board. I can fire you anytime."
"Firing me?"
A hint of disdain appeared in Lauryn's eyes, and she knocked over my wine glass. The liquid spilled on her, and she stepped back with a cry.
"Aah!"
Elliot looked over and quickly walked to her side, frowning,
"What happened?"
Lauryn leaned on him, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Nikki, I don't know what I did wrong to upset you. I apologize. Can you forgive me?
I beg you. I really don't know what I did wrong..."
Lauryn's tears came on command, and in her soiled white dress, she looked pitiful.
This scene drew the attention of everyone present, who began whispering and pointing, their eyes sparkling with the thrill of gossip.
I underestimated her.
I didn't expect Lauryn to create such a scene.
Actually, I was just threatening her earlier, but now that she's forcing my hand, I'm genuinely angry.
"What is going on here?"
"Nicole, Lauryn is young and immature. Don't argue with her."
Elliot also took off his jacket and draped it over her, speaking to me.
I gave him a cold look:
"Lauryn, you really are immature. You spilled the wine on yourself. It has nothing to do with me.
"I'd like to ask what you think this company is, a soap opera? Are you out of your mind?"
Everyone present had been around for years and could see through her act.
Did she really think she was starring in a romance drama?
The amusement on people's faces mixed with ridicule. clearly, they thought she was foolish.
Even Elliot's expression turned sour.
But he still shielded her behind him, speaking softly:
"Nicole, let it go this time."
Even though I've been disappointed for so many years, I still felt hurt at this moment.
Maybe it's because I hurt so much before that even though I've healed, the pain lingers.
He does like Lauryn, I realize.
Even Elliot, who used to tell me how much he hated fools, would protect someone like her.
I suddenly spoke up:
"Elliot, if you fire her, then I won't bring up divorce again."
As soon as the words left my mouth, I couldn't help but curse myself for being so stupid.
So much time has passed, and even though I no longer love him, I'm still unwilling.
Unwilling to be overshadowed like this.
Elliot cares so much about the company and the division of assets.
So, can all these things and I together match up to her in his heart?
The banquet hall fell into a silent pause as everyone waited for Elliot's response.
It seemed like Elliot and I were locked in a silent standoff, both of us staring at each other, waiting for the other to back down first.
After a long while, he raised his chin slightly, his voice as calm as ever:
Sorry, Nicole.
He said, "She stays."
