He Left Her for His First Love, Only to Regret It When a CEO Spoiled Her
Chapter 8
One year after the wedding, Emily and Alexander returned to the bookstore where they had first met professionally.
She smiled.
“It feels like a lifetime ago.”
“It was.”
She looked at him.
“Do you ever think about my ex?”
Alexander smiled.
“Sometimes.”
“Does it bother you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because he gave me the opportunity to meet you.”
She laughed.
“That is generous.”
“I’ve had time to think.”
They walked through the shelves.
Emily stopped at one section.
There was a book she had bought years earlier.
The same edition.
The same worn cover.
Alexander noticed.
“You kept it?”
“Yes.”
“What does it mean?”
She smiled.
“It reminds me that I survived.”
He touched her hand.
“You did more than survive.”
“What?”
“You built a life.”
She looked at him.
“So did you.”
They walked outside.
Rain had begun falling.
Emily laughed.
“Same weather.”
“Same city.”
“Different life.”
He nodded.
“Better life.”
She kissed him.
Then they drove home.
That evening, Emily received news.
Her mother had accepted an invitation to speak at a charity event.
Alexander would attend.
Daniel would also be there.
Not as her husband.
Not as her ex.
As a successful entrepreneur sponsoring the event.
Emily hesitated.
Alexander asked:
“Do you want me there?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll be there.”
They arrived together.
Daniel saw them.
He smiled.
No anger.
No jealousy.
Just peace.
He walked over.
“Congratulations.”
Emily smiled.
“Thank you.”
Alexander extended his hand.
“Good to see you.”
Daniel shook it.
“You take care of her.”
Alexander looked at Emily.
“She takes care of me too.”
Daniel smiled.
“That sounds right.”
Then he stepped away.
Emily watched him go.
“He changed.”
Alexander nodded.
“So did you.”
She leaned against him.
“I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
For the first time, her past and present stood in the same room without fighting.
And that was when Emily realized she was completely free.
