Page 113 of Billion Dollar Dispute

My throat constricts, but I push through the pain, my voice sharp. “No buts. I don’t want to hear it. You had plenty of opportunities to tell me any of this, and instead, I found it all out now.”

Despite the tightness in my chest, I manage to keep my voice steady, though my hands tremble at my sides. The control I’m holding on to is slipping, but I refuse to let him see it.

He paid Danny ten thousand dollars.

Danny was doing drugs.

Danny was stealing from the company.

Danny was buying from my ex.

I can’t deal with the double betrayal. I just want to go home and hug Chad, the one person I can trust with my heart.

He doesn't move, but the tears welling in my eyes make it clear I need to get out of here before my body betrays my determination.

“Lock up when you leave and have your driver drop the keys to Molly. Don’t call me again.”

“I’m sorry, Jemima.” His face falls, and for a brief moment, his eyes flicker with regret, but he doesn’t argue. As if my words are finally sinking in, his shoulders sag. He opens his mouth, as if to say something, then closes it, the words trapped.

I’m sorry too. So sorry I trusted you with my heart. And ultimately, you let me down.

I storm out, heading home, my body trembling as tears stream down my face as I reach my car. Inside, I grip the steering wheel as sobs wrack my body.

Picking up my phone, I call my mom. I need to hear her soothing voice and advice right now.

“Jemima. Hi.”

“Mom,” I choke out.

I hear her gasp through the phone, her voice rising. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”

“The guy I was seeing was dishonest with me. He said it was to protect me, but it still hurts…”

She inhales sharply. “Dishonest? To protect you? Darling, listen to me,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “If you’re this upset, you might need some time to yourself. Focus on you for a while. Meditate, take long walks, maybe get a new shade of lipstick! If it’s still bothering you, he’s obviously not the one. But if it’s just a misunderstanding or bad communication, well, maybe that’s something you can work through.”

“I don’t know what I want,” I admit, sniffling.

“That’s okay, sweetheart,” she says softly. “Take your time. Make lists. Write it all down. Pros, cons, things you can forgive.But the most important thing is this… relationships should make you feel adored, not stressed. Remember that.”

He never made me doubt his feelings, but honesty is important to me. He knew that.

“Go home, cuddle that beautiful grandson of mine, and I’ll call you tomorrow,” she says.

I don’t feel better, but I definitely feel okay to pick Chad up now. I just couldn’t face him before. I don’t want Chad to be affected in any of this.

“Thanks, Mom.”

I hang up and wipe my eyes, take a deep breath, and force myself to think of Chad. I know what moms do best. They put on a brave face for their children. I’ll greet Chad with a smile, pretending like nothing’s wrong.

My eyes feel like they’re hanging out of my head as I enter the office. I barely slept. Sometime in the middle of the night, I texted Danny, telling him he was no longer welcome in my life or the company. He tried calling, but I didn’t answer and blocked his number. There’s no reason for us to ever speak again.

“Molly, coffee break,” I call out as I walk in.

She looks up, taking one glance at me before standing and coming around her desk. “You okay, boss lady?”

I shake my head, walking slowly to her. The stupid dam wants to open up again, but I fight the urge to cry. “No.”

She gestures for me to sit, and I sink into the chair slowly, trying to steady myself. Sitting across from me, her calm presence keeps me grounded.

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