Chapter 16: Happiness Feels Unattainable Right Now
Cynthia froze, her breath hitching for a split second. The words stung, but she refused to give Megan the satisfaction of a reaction. Without a word, she continued walking, her heels clicking with a resolve that echoed through the empty hallway.
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Moments Later...
The expansive driveway of the Manhattan estate glistened under the morning sun, the polished surface reflecting the meticulously landscaped garden and towering estate. Cynthia stepped outside, the cool breeze tugging gently at the hem of her tailored navy dress. She adjusted her leather handbag over her shoulder, her heels clicking softly against the stone pathway as she approached her car.
One of Carlos’s men stood at attention near the black Chevrolet SUV, his crisp suit contrasting with the morning’s warmth. He stepped forward, opening the backseat door for her with a nod of greeting.
“Morning, ma’am,” he said, his tone professional but polite.
Cynthia barely glanced at him, her mind already racing through the day ahead. “Morning,” she replied simply, her voice composed as she slipped into the backseat.
The man closed the door with a firm click, then rounded the vehicle and settled into the driver’s seat. The SUV purred to life, its engine a low, steady hum as they pulled away from the estate.
The drive into the city was uneventful but filled with Cynthia’s thoughts. She gazed out the tinted window, watching Manhattan come alive— bustling streets, honking taxis, and towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the clouds. The sun reflected off the AX-Spaceline building in the distance, its sleek glass structure standing tall like a beacon of ambition and power.
Half an hour later, the SUV smoothly navigated into the spacious underground parking lot of the AX-Spaceline building. The driver parked with precision, stepping out quickly to open Cynthia’s door.
“Have a good day, ma’am,” he said as she stepped out.
Cynthia gave him a curt nod before walking briskly toward the elevator, her heels echoing against the concrete. Inside the elevator, she adjusted her hair in the mirrored walls, smoothing out stray strands before pressing the button for the top floor.
The elevator hummed as it ascended, and with each passing floor, Cynthia felt a mix of dread and anticipation building in her chest. When the doors slid open, the familiar corridor stretched before her, lined with glass walls that gave an unobstructed view of the bustling office below.
Her entrance did not go unnoticed. Heads turned, whispers fluttering in her wake. Cynthia felt their stares— some curious, others judgmental. The whispers had started months ago, right after the wedding. Her marriage to Carlos had made headlines, not because of love, but because of scandal. The news of her and Megan marrying the same man had been plastered across every media outlet, turning her life into a public spectacle.
She kept her head high, her gaze fixed forward as she strode confidently to her office door. She reached for the handle, stepping inside and closing it firmly behind her, shutting out the world.
The office was just as she’d left it—minimalistic yet sophisticated. A large mahogany desk dominated the space, flanked by shelves lined with awards and framed photos of moments she once cherished. Cynthia placed her handbag on the desk, sinking into her chair with a sigh of relief. She closed her eyes briefly, letting the familiar atmosphere of her office wash over her. After months away, it felt strange but comforting to be back.
Her moment of solace was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. She glanced up, her annoyance melting into a smile as Brian, her best friend and junior colleague, walked in.
“Look who’s back!” Brian exclaimed, her bright smile lighting up the room.
Cynthia stood, and Brian crossed the room in quick strides, pulling her into a warm hug. She returned the embrace, grateful for her presence.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said, pulling back to look at her. “How are you holding up?”
Cynthia shrugged, her smile fading slightly. “I’m fine, Brian. It’s just... a lot.”
Brian’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, Cynthia. No one should have to go through what you’re dealing with.”
“Thank you,” Cynthia said quietly, motioning for her to sit. She sank back into her chair as Brian settled into the seat opposite her desk.
“So,” she began, her tone shifting to one of gentle concern. “What’s the plan? Are you really just... staying?”
Cynthia sighed, leaning back in her chair. “What choice do I have? If I leave, Carlos will destroy me. He owns most of the lawyers and judges in the state. He’ll make sure I lose everything.”
Brian frowned, her brows knitting together. “But there has to be something you can do. You can’t just let Megan walk all over you like this.”
“I don’t have a choice,” Cynthia admitted, her voice tinged with defeat. “If I misbehave, I risk losing H-Check. And if that happens... I can’t do that to Logan. He’s worked too hard to make our dream a reality.”
Brian leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk. “Speaking of Logan, what's his position? What does he think about all this?”
“I can’t involve him,” Cynthia said firmly. “He’s done so much for me— for the company. I won’t let my personal mess ruin what we’ve built together. If we lose H-Check, it will crush him.”
Brian shook her head, her frustration evident. “You’re always thinking about everyone else, Cynthia. But what about you? Don’t you deserve to be happy?”
She looked away, her gaze falling to the polished surface of her desk. “Happiness feels... unattainable right now.”