He Left Her for His First Love, Only to Regret It When a CEO Spoiled Her
Chapter 11
At Emily’s thirtieth birthday, Alexander rented the entire restaurant where they had had their first real date.
There were no reporters.
No executives.
Only family.
Friends.
Employees.
And Daniel.
Emily hadn’t expected him.
She looked surprised.
“You invited him?”
Alexander nodded.
“He’s part of your story.”
Emily smiled.
Daniel approached.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
He handed her a small box.
She opened it.
Inside was the old wedding photograph.
She looked at him.
“I thought you kept this.”
“I did.”
“Why give it to me now?”
“Because I finally understand it.”
She stared at him.
“What?”
“You don’t need to hide the woman you were to celebrate the woman you became.”
Emily smiled through tears.
“That was beautiful.”
“I’ve had practice.”
She laughed.
Alexander smiled.
The night continued.
Emily’s mother gave a speech.
Sophie made everyone cry.
Daniel stayed quiet.
At the end of the evening, Emily found him outside.
“You didn’t have to come.”
“I wanted to.”
“Why?”
He looked toward the restaurant.
“Because I’m happy for you.”
She nodded.
“Do you ever regret losing me?”
He smiled sadly.
“Every day.”
She raised an eyebrow.
He continued:
“But I don’t regret letting you go.”
She looked at him.
“That makes sense.”
“It took me a long time.”
She smiled.
“I’m glad you got there.”
They stood together under the lights.
Then she returned inside.
Alexander was waiting.
He pulled her into his arms.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
She looked at him.
“I think everyone eventually gets the ending they earn.”
He smiled.
“What did we earn?”
She kissed him.
“This.”
