Melissa, sensing changes in his attitude, tried to attract attention: bringing him coffee, flashing her dazzling smile from the doorway. But each time she noticed Robert was distracted and unresponsive. As if he was already mentally far from their light, once alluring romance. And it infuriated her. She was used to being the center of male attention, and now she saw Robert slipping away.
When negotiations ended and participants headed to rooms to rest before dinner, Melissa ambushed Robert near the elevator.
- Rob, — she approached, wrapping her arms around his neck, — why have you been avoiding me all day? I feel like you’re pushing me away.
He carefully removed her arms from his neck:
- Sorry, I had important meetings. Besides, I asked you not to interfere, remember?
- Yes, I remember, — she bit her lip discontentedly. — But now we can spend time together. Or do you have other plans?
Robert noticed the fire of jealousy in her eyes and realized he was in a tricky spot. He was indeed planning dinner with his wife to discuss the future. On the other hand, Melissa expected attention and could cause a scene. He decided not to delve into details and said briefly:
- Forgive me, I have a work dinner tonight. Can’t cancel it. I’ll be back later.
Melissa narrowed her eyes:
- With whom? Not your wife, surely?
Robert didn’t answer, but from his look, she understood everything. Her face twisted in a grimace of rage and hurt:
- Are you kidding? You dragged me on this trip, and now you’re ditching me for the woman you were ashamed of? For the one you said doesn’t fit into your circle?
- It’s not what you think, — he ran a hand through his hair wearily. — I need to talk to Maryanne about business. Our companies are linked now, and…
- Come on, Rob! — she interrupted. — You always said your marriage was formal and everything was bad. And now, when she’s climbed the career ladder, you’ve decided to suck up to her?
- That’s low, — he saw tears glistening in her eyes, but anger drowned the pain.
Melissa wasn’t just a mistress but in some sense a friend, support in moments of boredom and desire for distraction. But he realized there had never been deep understanding between them. She sought his money and status, he her beauty and admiration. And now all those wrappers scattered in the wind.
- If you want, you can leave today, — he suggested, trying to find a peaceful way. — I’ll pay you compensation, buy a business-class ticket. Sorry.
- Oh, is that how it is? — she pierced him with a look. — Buying me off with money? Think I’ll perish without it? Maybe I’ll take your money, but know this: you’ll regret your choice. Someday. Because your wife will never truly forgive your betrayals. If she’s become so influential, one day she’ll toss you out of her life. And then, humiliated, you’ll come to me, but I won’t pick up the phone.
Her angry words cut Robert painfully, but he endured. He understood this scene was inevitable and that his relationship with Melissa was over, as he reevaluated life with Maryanne.
- Sorry, — he repeated, — but this is better for both of us.
He stepped into the opening elevator and, as the doors closed, saw Melissa turn away and walk quickly in the other direction, hunching and clenching her fists.
That evening in the cozy hotel restaurant, where soft live music played, Robert sat at the table waiting for Maryanne. He felt strange, as if on a date with his own wife after years of estrangement. He recalled how in their youth, as newlyweds, they visited cheap cafes, saved on everything, but were happy. Then he started gaining momentum in business, they moved to a luxurious home, new acquaintances appeared, but the sense of warmth somehow faded.
When Maryanne entered, he rose and made a polite gesture, offering her a chair. She sat opposite, adjusting her jacket lapel. She wore an understated beige dress with a jacket over it. She looked slightly tired, but her eyes still burned with determination.
- Hi, — he said, catching that for them this was already an unusual greeting. — Thanks for coming.
- Hi, — she replied without much enthusiasm. — Any news about the document you wanted to discuss?
- No, we’ve settled everything. I wanted to talk not just about the project, — he paused, choosing words.
The waiter offered menus, and they ordered something light, without excesses. As the waiter departed, Robert continued:
- I know I’ve deeply offended you. And you’re still angry. But I want to understand if we have a chance to restore our relationship.
Maryanne looked him in the eyes. Pain flashed in them.
- Is this really important to you? When I was nobody in your eyes, you didn’t want to restore anything. And now, when I’ve taken a leadership role in a partner company, you’ve remembered we’re married.
- I know it sounds like I’m doing it for gain. But no. I admit I was a terrible husband. Ashamed of your background, afraid you’d look less impressive than my partners’ wives. And yes, I was a fool not realizing you’re a strong personality who can achieve much.
She gazed at him attentively, as if trying to see if he was lying.
- Years can’t be returned, — she said quietly. — I cried a lot, Robert. You can’t imagine how many times I woke up alone and realized your nights were spent who knows where. I felt like a toy that wasn’t needed. Then I decided I wouldn’t depend on you anymore—neither morally nor financially. I started learning, seeking work. That’s how I got to where I am now.
- And you’re right, — he sighed. — I even envy your resilience. I had everything—money, connections, fame. But I wasn’t happy deep down. I craved recognition so everyone knew how great I was. Now I understand true value isn’t in that.
The waiter brought drinks, and they paused. They tasted the wine, ate light salad, unsure what to say next. Finally, Robert dared:
- Maybe we can try starting over? I’m ready to do everything so you feel worthy and independent beside me. I promise to change.
Maryanne slowly twirled her glass in her hand.
- On one hand, I want to believe. On the other—too many hurts. I can’t just snap my fingers and say everything’s fine. Besides, I’ve grown over these years, I have my own life, my career. I don’t want you intruding with the old attitude.
- I understand, — he lowered his eyes. — If you need time, I’m ready to give it. Or if you want a divorce, I’ll let you go if that’s better.
Maryanne closed her eyes. How many times she had dreamed he’d offer her freedom when he showed indifference and vanished at night. But now, hearing it aloud, a lump rose in her throat, and a sharp pity surged for what he had become. She recalled their youth, laughter, embraces, all the hopes. Could they reclaim even a shadow of that?
- I’m not ready for divorce yet, — she admitted, — but we can’t be the same as before. Let’s leave it as is: business partners, officially husband and wife, each living their life. And over time, we’ll see if anything can be fixed.
Her proposal sounded like a cold compromise. But for Robert, it was better than an immediate break. He nodded gratefully, feeling inside that only now he began to understand how much he had lost. And how hard it is to regain trust.
- Thank you, — was all he could say.
The rest of the dinner passed in neutral talks about the project, «Velara» partners, future plans. When they parted at her room door, Robert wanted to hug her and kiss her cheek goodbye, but Maryanne stepped back half a pace, signaling she wasn’t ready for physical closeness yet. He understood and went to his own, feeling both drained and hopeful.
The next morning, everyone prepared for flights and trains to return home. Gabriel solemnly shook hands, thanked for efficient work, promised to soon invite Robert and Maryanne for another round of meetings at the central office. Maryanne flew earlier on a separate flight, as she had another meeting with the European branch. Robert planned to return with Melissa if she hadn’t flown independently as threatened, and the team of employees. However, at the airport, he didn’t see Melissa among the others. One secretary reported she had left on a night flight without saying goodbye. Likely, anger and hurt had prevailed.
Robert sighed wearily. He watched his wife as she passed registration and disappeared into the boarding area without turning back once. He realized: everything was in her hands. And he didn’t know if she’d give him a chance. But now he had another concern—preserve the business partnership, not ruin the project that could bring millions, and try to become a person worthy of respect.
Two months passed. This period saw the start of major construction in one of the US cities included in the project. Maryanne regularly flew there, coordinated work, held briefings. «Velara» partners and other investors were pleased with her activity. Reports showed steady growth and precise plan execution. Robert also engaged his resources—construction crews, engineers, lawyers. They communicated in business terms and even sometimes lunched together during trips, but intimacy didn’t restore.
In their shared home in the home city, she appeared sporadically. Anyway, she had her own apartment she bought, unwilling to fully depend on her husband. Robert rarely visited there and didn’t know how she furnished it. He tried to bring her back to the family mansion, but she said there were too many unpleasant memories. And she didn’t feel anything there truly belonged to her, since initially everything—from purchases to decor—was chosen by him, disregarding her tastes.
It was hard for Robert, but he didn’t rush events. They met at major events, presenting the company as spouses—beautifully, with smiles, but formally. Sometimes colleagues joked: «What a harmonious couple,» unaware that behind the facade hid a fragile truce.
Yet Robert tried. He sent Maryanne messages with congratulations on her successes, offered financial support where needed. But she always politely kept distance. He understood: he’d have to win her favor step by step, without guarantee.
One day, Gabriel Monten called him. His voice was cheerful, affable:
- Robert, soon in Los Angeles there’s a big charity gala where all key market players will be. I’d like to see you and Maryanne as honored guests. We want to present you as a symbol of successful collaboration and attract a few more major investors to the project.
- Charity gala? — Robert echoed. — Sounds very formal. Do you think it’s necessary?
- Very, my friend. Trust me, I know how to attract money and attention. It’s an excellent platform. So take your wife, fly in for a week. We’ll communicate, negotiate.