The man was Michael Smith. The years had been kind to him. He had changed since Sarah had last seen him—gone was the carefree, boyish charm from their university days. Now, he looked every bit the corporate powerhouse he had always wanted to be.
The confidence in his stride spoke volumes—this was a man who had climbed the ranks and knew he belonged in high-powered rooms like this one.
But there was something else—something almost desperate in his eyes, as though the success he had sought after graduation hadn't brought him the fulfillment he had hoped for.
As he moved through the room, there was a certain gravitas about him, the kind that comes with not only wealth but influence. It was clear that Michael had made a name for himself. His conversations were punctuated with references to high-profile deals, mergers, and the kinds of connections that could make or break a company.
His watch—a sleek, expensive piece that subtly peeked out from under his cuff—glimmered as he adjusted his sleeve, an understated reminder of his status. There was no doubt he had thrived in the corporate world. The man who had once been driven by ambition now stood as someone who had achieved it.
But beneath the polished surface, Sarah could still see traces of the former Michael. The ambition that had pulled them apart had shaped him into the man standing before her. But was there something missing? A vulnerability hidden beneath the expensive suit and composed demeanor?
His posture was relaxed yet commanding, shoulders squared as if he was used to being in control. His presence filled the room effortlessly, and the executives who greeted him seemed to respect him instantly. He shook hands with the precision of someone who had mastered the art of corporate networking—a firm grip, steady eye contact, and a calculated smile.
As their eyes met, she saw a flicker of recognition, but it quickly disappeared behind the mask of professionalism. Michael Smith was no longer just a man; he was a brand, a symbol of everything Sarah had vowed to surpass. And now, she had the chance to confront him, to challenge the very image he had built.
Michael faltered, clearly surprised to see her sitting at the head of the table. But he quickly regained his composure, walking forward to greet her.
"Sarah," he said, a smile forming on his lips. "Long time no see."
Sarah stood up, her heart pounding, but her face cool and controlled. She extended her hand. "Mr Smith," she replied smoothly and politely, her tone professional. "Nice to meet you again. It has been quite a while."
As their hands touched, she saw a flicker of something in his eyes—recognition, even regret. But Sarah had no intention of letting him see the effect his presence had on her. She had spent years building walls around her heart, and she was not about to let him break through.
The meeting proceeded, and Sarah was sharp, focused, and completely in control. Michael, on the other hand, seemed distracted, his gaze frequently drifting toward her. When the meeting ended, he lingered behind as the others filed out.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Michael said, once they were alone. His voice was softer now, more personal.
Sarah leaned back in her chair, studying him. "A lot's changed since university," she said, a hint of coldness in her tone.
Michael hesitated, then sat down across from her. "I've heard about your success," he admitted. "You've done well for yourself."
"And you?" Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow. "Still with Davenport Group, I see."
He nodded, but there was a trace of something in his expression—something like frustration. "Yeah. It has been good, but… not exactly what I thought it would be."
Sarah tilted her head, pretending to care. "Oh? Not what you expected?"
Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I thought wealth and success would bring happiness. But it has been more complicated than that."
Sarah's smile was sharp. Perfect.
"Well, life rarely turns out the way we imagine it," she said, her voice smooth. "But we make the best of it, don't we?"
Michael looked at her, something softening in his gaze. "I have missed you, Sarah. I know I messed things up back then, but… seeing you now, I realize what I lost."
Sarah's heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. This was exactly what she wanted. Michael was falling into her trap, just as she had planned.
"You hurt me, Michael," she said, her voice cool but with a hint of vulnerability. "You made it clear that I wasn't enough for you."
Michael looked down, guilt flashing across his face. "I was young and stupid. I thought I needed more, but I was wrong. I have realized that now."
Sarah paused, allowing the silence to hang between them. Then she leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Maybe people can change."
Michael's eyes brightened with hope. "Do you think so? Could we—"
Sarah cut him off with a smile that was both seductive and calculating. "Why don't we find out?"
Over the next few weeks, Sarah played her role perfectly. She was kind but distant, slowly reeling Michael in. She let him believe that she was reconsidering, that she could forgive him, and they could have a future together.
Michael, blinded by his old feelings and the image of the powerful woman Sarah had become, fell deeper and deeper into her web. He started pursuing her relentlessly, sending flowers, calling her late at night to talk, and doing everything he could to win back her affection.
What he did not know was that Sarah had no intention of letting him back into her heart. Every step of the way, she was planning her final move—the moment she would break him the way he had broken her.
And when the time came, she would walk away from him, leaving him in ruins.
The revenge she had been waiting for all these years was within her grasp.