Maryanne raised an eyebrow slightly, barely holding back a barb, but remained silent. And Gabriel, unknowingly, exacerbated her inner pain. After all, she knew no business ethics stopped her husband from bringing his mistress here, while respecting his wife wasn’t deemed necessary.
Soon, the official part of the evening was announced. The host—a charismatic young man hired specifically for the gala—stepped onto the stage and invited everyone to their tables. Solemn speeches from «Velara’s» top executives followed, awards for contributions to the project, several compliments to Maryanne as the company’s new face. She accepted congratulations with a grateful smile, while Robert sat with Melissa and pondered that all his life he had seen himself as the master of fate, but now realized how much he had missed.
«When did all this happen?» he asked himself, listening as opponents and partners vied to express hopes for fruitful collaboration with Mrs. Hayes. He contained his irritation, watching Gabriel and other influential colleagues surround Maryanne with attention, ask questions, suggest meetings, talk about prospects. All that he was used to considering his prerogative.
At one point, Melissa leaned toward him quietly and asked:
- Are you unwell? You look pale.
- No, just tired from the day, — Robert lied. — Everything’s fine.
She sympathetically squeezed his hand, but worry slid into her eyes. Even she, as a mistress not claiming insight into his inner life, understood a storm raged inside Robert. But she didn’t grasp its true scale.
As the formal dinner neared its end, guests began dispersing in small groups. Some headed to the bar, others danced to the music, others exchanged business cards and discussed tomorrow’s negotiation continuation. Robert stepped out onto the terrace for fresh air and saw Maryanne already there. She leaned against a pristine white column, gazing at the night lights. In her hands was an untouched glass of champagne.
- Aren’t you afraid of freezing? — he asked softly to draw her attention.
She glanced at him over her shoulder and sighed:
- And you care?
He found the courage to approach closer. A light breeze tousled her dark hair.
- What do you want from me, Maryanne? — he asked in a half-whisper. — We can continue this cold war or find a compromise.
- What do I want? — she gripped the glass and smirked bitterly. — For you to recognize me as your equal. To understand I’m worthy of more than the role of a forgotten wife locked in a golden cage. To stop humiliating me or considering my presence something shameful.
- I admit it, — he muttered embarrassedly. — I really behaved poorly. But we all make mistakes.
- Yes, we do. I made them too, years trying to earn your approval. But now I don’t seek your consent for what I do. I just take my place. And if you truly value our marriage, you must accept it. If not, we can exist as business partners and strangers to each other. Your choice.
Robert clenched his fists in his pants pockets. His wife’s words stung worse than opponents’ jabs. He couldn’t admit that for years he had undervalued her and deep down feared she wouldn’t fit into his «big world.» And now, when she not only fit but became a leader, he felt like a fool.
- Give me time to adjust, — he said. — I sincerely want peace between us. At least we have a common cause. Maybe that will help mend things?
She averted her gaze, but from the tremor of her eyelashes, he knew she was touched, though trying to hold firm. Then she nodded briefly:
- We have another stage of negotiations tomorrow. Let’s focus on showing partners a united front. — And, forcing the words out with difficulty, added: — It would be better if your assistant didn’t interfere.
- Understood, — Robert exhaled grimly. — I’ll ask her to stay aside during business meetings.
Maryanne closed her eyes for a moment, as if exhaling in relief. Then she slowly took a sip from the glass and, without another word, passed by, leaving a faint trail of her perfume on the wind. Robert stood for some time, gazing at the lights of the night city, feeling a new weight on his shoulders—the realization that his relationship with his wife would never be the same. But perhaps they had a chance for a fresh breath if he overcame pride and shame.
The next morning, everyone gathered in the hotel’s conference room around an oval table. Cell phones rang, assistants discussed details in hushed tones, interpreters seated themselves next to foreign partners. Robert arrived alone, leaving Melissa in the room and asking her to occupy herself with other matters. He tried to appear confident and friendly, though resentment toward the circumstances still smoldered inside. Yet he noticed how partners—and even Maryanne—appreciated this step: the absence of his mistress added professionalism to the situation.
The day passed in intense discussions: budgets, share distribution, contractor selection, implementation timelines. Maryanne brilliantly presented on the project’s social impact, insisting on environmental standards and creating jobs for local communities. Robert joined from his side, detailing potential risks and minimization methods. Surprisingly, when they discussed work without personal digs, they formed a highly productive duo.
The investors noticed.
- See, this is what I call true team spirit, — Gabriel smiled, extending documents for signature. — If we seal the agreement, we’ll start the first construction phase in the coming months.
- Agreed, — Maryanne nodded. — And I think Robert will too.
Hayes glanced at her and concluded:
- Of course, I’m all for it. I’d like to express gratitude to «Velara» and personally to our international director, — he inclined his head slightly toward Maryanne, — for the excellent organization and openness in negotiations.
A light stir swept through the room—everyone understood this was Hayes’ first public acknowledgment of her merits. Maryanne responded with a nod, and her eyes warmed. Thus, bit by bit, some mutual understanding was built.
When the official part ended and people began dispersing, Robert approached his wife and said quietly:
- Maybe discuss some details over dinner? Alone, if you’re okay with it.
She pondered but seemed to decide:
- Alright. Tomorrow we have a free evening before heading back. We can dine at the hotel restaurant. Just, — she looked at him sternly, — without assistants.
- I promise, — Robert replied with relief.
He suddenly wanted to thank her for this small concession but couldn’t find the words. Maryanne turned and left, leaving him tormented by mixed feelings.
The entire next day was dedicated to finalizing documentation. Robert and Maryanne crossed paths several times in small-group meetings, but communication stayed within business phrases. Robert caught himself watching his wife more attentively than before. He enjoyed observing how she masterfully managed discussions, answered tricky questions, juggled numbers and arguments. She seemed to glow with inner confidence—the kind she once tried to draw from him but never received.