Page 2 of Tycoon

“Ah, that's tough. It's like choosing between the air you breathe and the water you drink,” Darriun pondered, stroking his chin theatrically. “But I have to said, Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme' has gotten me through some long nights.”

“Correct answer,” I replied with a wink. Laughter danced in his eyes, and as we talked, the world around us seemed to slow its frantic pace. The chatter and laughter of the other customers became a distant murmur, the clinking cups and in that crowded coffee shop my destiny was set. Or so I thought.

The second year we were together I threw myself into my work at, finding excitement in the lives of finding other couples their dream home. The demands of my career provided a convenient distraction from the growing distance between Darriun and me.

Meanwhile, Darriun poured himself into his role as an engineer, constantly cancelling dinner dates and our intimate times together. His passion for his work and the time we made for dating or spending quality time together became less important. I understood his busy schedule because I was busy as well. Both of our minds became consumed with business and making money and the building of our future.

The distance between us only seemed to widen with each passing day. Our once lively conversations became strained and awkward, weighed down by the unspoken tensions that lingered between us. I know I can’t blame the distance in our relationship solely on my ex, but he hurt me. The bottom line is he done me dirty. I would have never considered doing that to him.

How could the man I thought I loved for three years suddenly break up with me nine months ago and then suddenly announces his wedding by sending me an invitation in the mail.

“The waiter walked up placing our meals before us. We thanked her and dug into our plates of steaming pasta topped with marinara sauce.

Fits of doubt and anger plagued my thoughts since Darriun walked out of my life without a backward glance. Was I blinded by love, or was he simply skilled at hiding his true self beneath layers of false promises and half-truths?

Stacy leaned in closer, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “Do you think he was messing around with this woman while you were together?”

Her question caught me off guard, a fleeting pang of sadness mingled with the persistent bitterness in my heart. “I don’t know,” I admitted, my tone tinged with resignation. “And honestly, I’m not sure I care anymore.”

Stacy nodded in understanding, her gaze sympathetic as she reached for her glass, taking a sip of her water before continuing. “Well, whatever he’s done, it’s his loss. You’re better off without him.”

Her words ring true, I've been trying to convince myself of for months. Yet, despite my best efforts to move on, Darriun’s dumping me left open wounds I’m still attempting to heal. Nine months is too soon for him to be marrying someone else unless he had this woman in his life the entire time we were dating.

“Earth to Amara,” Stacy snapped her fingers in front of my face to gain my attention.

“I’m sorry! What did you say,” my head jerked up.

“I said your phone just buzzed. I know how you get messages from your clients even on your days off.”

“Thanks,” I said digging into my handbag to scoop up my cellphone.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of Darriun’s name flashing on the screen.

“What’s wrong?” Stacy asked as I looked up at her with a frown marring my brows. She watched me with a mixture of concern and apprehension as I nibbled on my bottom lip.

“I have a message from Darriun.”

“What the hell does he want? He already hurt you enough by sending you a damn wedding invitation.

“I don’t know what he wants.” I replied taking a steady breath, I swiped to unlock the screen, my pulse accelerating as I read the words across the screen.

“We need to talk. Can we meetup?”

My heart slammed into my chest as I read the message, the words began to blur across the screen.

I met Stacy’s gaze, my own reflecting the storm brewing within me as I whisper, “He wants to meet with me.”

“I can’t believe that bastard has the nerve to invite you to his wedding let alone asking you to meetup with him.”

“Well believe it,” I replied. I laughed but it’s not a laugh of joy. I’m more embarrassed than hurt.

“Are you going to see him?”

“No, I can’t face him right now. I don’t know how I will act seeing he’s all happy after he dumped me and moved on with his life.”

“Hmm.” Stacy’s lips tightened and she seemed deep in thought. “I think you should meetup with him. Tell him you will come to the wedding with your boyfriend. Don’t let him know you aren’t over him.”

“Stacy, I don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m not quite over him yet.”

---