Episode 18

"Why do I only feel this now? Is it pity for everything she endured here or did I actually like her and not realize it?" He pondered mentally as he struggled to stop thinking about Lucy.

As his mind was flooded with a deluge of confused thoughts, Daniel found himself reflecting on how his marriage had occurred so abruptly, and with that, he had developed resentment toward Lucy and never wanted to know anything about her. It's pathetic—after all, he's an influential man, well-known, not only in New York but also abroad, a millionaire with an unblemished reputation. But who is Lucy, and how did she exit Daniel's life as suddenly as she entered? Just as abruptly.

This left Daniel feeling disoriented. He got out of bed, grabbed his phone, and sat on the balcony.

The cool night air brushed his face, turning Daniel's fair skin a light shade of red, but he didn't mind. He stayed there, gazing at the stars, attempting to soothe some strange disturbance that seemed intent on taking control.

After a long while of reflection, Daniel thought that, even as an ex-husband, he deserved to truly know who his wife was. With this in mind, he decided to call Mateus, his assistant.

Being past midnight, the man answered the call quite startled, thinking it was a health emergency for his boss. Daniel requested the service and was about to end the call when Mateus spoke up abruptly:

"But why now? Did something happen?" he asked curiously.

"No, but it could happen. I could fire you to cure your curiosity," Daniel said sternly and then ended the call. Only at that moment did he realize he was not alone. Juliana was staring at him intently, seemingly trying to understand Daniel's behavior.

Wearing only a blanket over her body, Juliana cleared her throat and said:

"Isn't it easier just to say you're not interested? Do you really need to run away from me like that?" she asked, a touch of disappointment in her voice. Daniel didn't seem to have a headache or be sleepy.

Apparently, Juliana hadn't heard the substance of the conversation with Mateus, which relieved Daniel—if she asked why he was doing this, he would have no plausible answer.

"It's not that, I just can't think about these things now. Let's go to sleep," the man said with a forced smile and vacant stare, then took her hand and they returned to the bed.

"I love you so much," Juliana blurted out. She didn't hear an 'I love you too,' and was about to have a fit, but she calmed herself when she realized Daniel was already asleep and hadn't heard her words.

...

Daniel woke up early and headed straight to the bathroom for his morning routine and a quick shower.

"Wake up, Juliana, we have to go now; work calls," Daniel said as he dashed out of the guest room, then he quickly got dressed in his own room.

"Is she alright?" Daniel quietly wondered, looking sadly at the wedding dress.

After dressing, he left the room and called for Juliana again. She continued to sleep, so Daniel gave up, ran downstairs, gave some instructions to Ana, grabbed his black briefcase from the office, and disappeared.

He drove like a madman, his security detail unable to keep pace. About an hour later he arrived at Lacoste Group headquarters and, without any pleasantries, headed straight to his office. As the vice president of the Group, he sometimes got caught up in his status—something Lucy couldn't stand.

"Good morning, Mr. Daniel, I am very sorry for your loss," Mateus said, trying to be kind, but Daniel might as well have added vinegar to his coffee—an observation the assistant made while offering a forced smile.

"Update me," Daniel demanded, then sat in his swivel chair, twirling a pen, and stared intently at Mateus, making him squirm. Clearing his throat, Mateus finally said:

"Business as usual, sir. You have some online meetings in the morning, some documents to sign, and an in-person meeting with the president and some collaborators in the afternoon."

"That's not what I'm asking about. I'm well aware of my role in the company. I want to know who she is—the one who lived at my side for two years."

Daniel was always eloquent and fearless in public speaking, but now he felt a pang of reality—he had shared his home with Lucy for two years, so he should know the kind of woman he had married. Yet, he didn't even know her full name.

"I've given the hackers our instructions; I believe we'll have the full report by the end of the day. Is there anything else you need?" Mateus asked, praying inwardly for an escape from the unbearable atmosphere.

"Bring it to me as soon as you have access to it and please, no comments about my life," Daniel instructed before pointing toward the door, signaling for Mateus to leave.

Trying to stay focused, Daniel began working, needing something to occupy his mind, but finding concentration elusive, he decided to message Lucy, without truly understanding why.

"Good morning, Lucy. Just checking in—how are you? My mind has been so full of troubles I forgot to ask if you need anything. If you're in a tough spot, just call me. We're exes, not enemies."

After typing out the message, Daniel exhaled deeply. The message was seen, but Lucy didn't reply. Suddenly, he remembered all the times Lucy had messaged him and he never responded.

"Looks like it's harvest time," he murmured under his breath, a bitter smile crossing his face.

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