Ethan and I arrived early at the Eclipse Enterprise. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it, and we both headed to our respective offices to get settled for the day.
"Morning Avery" Rachael greeted me with a warm smile "you've got a meeting with the marketing team in 30 minutes and everything is set for you"
"Thanks Rachael. I'll get started on reviewing the materials and let me know if anything comes up before the meeting"
Ethan poked his head into my office on hearing the meeting "you need help with anything before the meeting?"
I shook my head "no, I'm good. Just going over some last minute details. Thank you though"
He smiled, winked at me and headed back to his office and I settled in to focus on the meeting.
The meeting team and I sat around the conference table. We dove into a lively discussion about the upcoming campaign, tossing around ideas and brainstorming strategies.
"I think we should focus on social media. Everyone is active on at least one of the platforms" Josh suggested
"We also need to consider influencer partnership to reach a broader audience"
I nodded taking notes and offering my own insights "let's combine both approaches. We can create engaging social media content and partner with influencer who align with our brand values"
We enthusiastically discussed the details and began to solidify the plan
"let's showcase an experimental marketing event. We can create an immersive experience that showcases our brands values and aesthetics."
"we could hire models or brand ambassadors to interact with customers or feature real people who embodies the brands values and lifestyles. We can also consider featuring customers testimonials or user-generated content"
The meeting drew to a close and we had a clear direction and actionable steps to move forward. My team exited the room and I was alone in the conference room looking at the discussion from the meeting.
Harrison walked into the conference room and made his way to the large table.
"Babe" he said, with a mischievous smile playing on his lips
"Why are you here Harrison" I asked, with a surprise and resentful expression
"Am here to discuss the future of the company. You know as a stakeholder, I deserve to know the decision taken at every point"
My heart raced at his words "this is not a stake holders meeting. Are you here to discuss business or insert yourself back into my life?"
He raised his eyebrow with a smirk playing on his lips
"can't it be both"
I felt a surge of anger at his audacity "you really think you can just walk back into my life just because you have a stake in this company? You walked away from me, Harrison. You left me at the altar and eloped with my step sister" I said with tears already welling up in my eyes.
"I know I made a mistake, but I've changed and I want to prove that to you. I can divorce Emily and forfeit everything" he said as he stood up trying to walk close to me. I stood up and immediately went backward
"You think some shares in my husband's company can erase the hurt you caused? I've moved on, Harrison and I'm happy with Ethan"
I felt his demeanor darken and his smirk faded.
"Ethan Blackwood? Is he really the one you want? Avery you deserve someone who understands you"
My heart tightened at his words, but I stood my ground "Ethan understands me better than you ever did. He supports and respects me and that Something you never managed to do"
"I no longer have feelings for you Harrison. Just resentment and disappointment. I am focused on my life with Ethan and you need to accept that"
Harrison sighed, running a hand through his hair,
"I am not giving up on you Avery. I don't care about any of these. I want you back, babe" he said trying to touch me
"stay away from me!"
I slapped him and ran out of the conference room leaving him with a mix of shock and disbelief. My feelings for Harrison were a tangled mess of disappointment and lingering hurt. He left me at that altar grappling with betrayal that cut deeper than I had ever anticipated. I was over him, but I still feel a sense of unease having him around.