At that time my response had never changed, even after all those years, "I believe in my boyfriend. He’ll be successful and I’ll be even happier in the future.”

My declaration along with a few sarcastic remarks, broke Mark's heart. No matter how much effort he put in, my heart remained cold to him. Frustrated, he lashed out, called me foolish and ungrateful and soon after, he turned away. He chose to leave for his studies abroad. That day, we parted ways, never to see each other again.

Now, even though Sonny had indeed become successful, I was far from happy.

“We’re no longer together,” I admitted honestly. With a steady voice, I added, “Mr. Ruffus, my family’s company is on the brink of collapse. Your help would mean everything to us.”

Mark was happy with my reply. He stretched his tense body and folded his long and slender finger. He looked at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. Although he didn’t want to take advantage of my misfortune, he also wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass just like that.

“I can sign this contract,” he said.

Mark looked at me with expectant eyes and since I was an adult, I knew perfectly well what that look meant. Yet, I did not have the slightest hesitation.

“What’s your condition, Mr. Ruffus?” I asked directly.

“You’ve always known what it is, haven’t you?” he asked back.

I studied the man in front of me. Once upon a time, he had liked me for pure, selfless reasons, without ulterior motives. However now, given my situation, I couldn’t afford to indulge in wishful thinking.

“Please be explicit,” I said. “I don’t want to misunderstand.”

“You haven’t misunderstood,” he replied.

I nodded, a sign that I agreed.

Then I informed him, "In three months, I’ll be moving to Lagado City. I have been transferred there."

“That’s fine,” Mark said. My decisiveness caught him off guard, but afraid I would change my mind, he hurriedly signed the contract.

“Our branch office is also in Lagado City. I’ll send you the address later,” he added.

With Mark’s resources, my family’s furniture business soon received the necessary materials and resumed operations.

Not long after, Sonny got wind of my arrangement with Mark from a mutual acquaintance. For the first time in a month, he called me.

“Why didn’t you come to me when your parents’ company ran into trouble?” His tone was accusatory, devoid of any guilt for his long absence.

“Why would I contact you?” I replied. I was genuinely puzzled by his sudden display of concern. “It’s my parents’ company, not yours.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he demanded.

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” I said coldly. “You should stay by your dear little sister’s side at the hospital.”

The words came out with no trace of bitterness or sarcasm, just a simple statement of fact. A month was more than enough time for a clear-headed woman to mend her emotional wounds.

“Bella, I know you’re angry because I’ve neglected you,” Sonny said. He softened his voice, trying to sound gentle. “Nicole’s condition is improving. Once she’s out of the hospital, we can start planning our wedding again. Then ….”

“There’s no need,” I cut him off with a calm icy voice, “I forgot to tell you that I had decided not to marry you. I’ve already informed my family that the wedding is off. Make sure you let your relatives and friends know as well.”

Before he could erupt in fury, I ended the call and immediately blocked his number.