Forsaking the Years of Longing

Chapter 29 The sound of running water echoed in the background, and I still hadn't recovered from the moment.

Why bring up him? Why ask that question?

So, he does think I'm tainted after all..

After all, he's always been Jason's archenemy.

That night, Callan slept on the floor while I tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

It seemed Jason had said one thing right -though I might have moved on emotionally, it didn't mean others could change how they saw me.

In the days that followed, Callan and I were absorbed in our respective work. At home, we exchanged polite nods and smiles, occasionally shared a meal, and then retreated to our separate rooms. The entire dynamic felt sterile and mechanical. "What? You got married to Callan?!"

Jasmine's expression, upon hearing the news, went beyond mere shock.

"Who proposed to whom? When did this romance even happen?

Al I remember is Callan defending you online when you were being cyberbullied, but wasn't that just a ruse? Are you telling me he actually confessed to you?"

I stayed silent.

Jasmine's shock deepened.

"Callan, that sly fox! Quietly pulling off something this big! So, when are you guys announcing it? There's not even a ripple of news online yet."

"Soon," I replied. "We're preparing for the wedding, waiting for Callan to make the announcement."

That was the plan, but since that night, Callan and I hadn't spoken. I couldn't understand why he hadn't made the announcement yet.

Surely, he wasn't waiting for me to make the first move?

I was about to call him when a message from him popped up instead.

[Wife, Nightfall Club, Room 1204. Can you bring me some clothes?]

Earlier, Callan had mentioned he had

an evenin

engagement, so I didn't

think much of it. I grabbed the

clothes and headed straight to

Nightfall Club.

But as I approached Room 1204, I heard Jason's voice inside.

Recently, Callan hadn't been involved in any business dealings with Jason, so why was he here?

I was about to leave and call Callan when another voice-young and unfamiliar - came from inside.

"Jason, you're not seriously thinking about getting Caroline back, are you? She's gotten so cocky lately,

acting like she's got you wrapped

around her finger."

"And Callan, that old man, must be out of his mind chasing after a woman you didn't even want. What's he trying to do, provoke you?"

I froze in place, instinctively wanting to hear more.

A moment later, Jason's drunken voice came through the door.

"Him, huh."

"He's been competing with me for half a lifetime, trying to take everything I want. How much could he really like Caroline? Not much, I'd bet. He just wants to beat me."

"Too bad-he might steal my projects, but I'm confident there's no way he'll ever get Caroline."