- 1 hour ago
He Didn't Say He Loved Me Until I Left New Ep,30 RS
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Harper, will you marry me?
00:01I covered my mouth, tears about to spill over.
00:04I will.
00:05When Nate dropped to one knee and opened the black velvet ring box,
00:07I thought my love story was finally about to get its happy ending.
00:11Until Maddie stepped out from the side, phone raised.
00:13Got it, got it!
00:14Harper, you said yes way too fast. God, that's pathetic.
00:16Her laugh was sharp, like nails every word Celeste died right through me.
00:19Dude, I told you she wouldn't last five seconds. You owe me a hundred bucks.
00:22A hundred bucks?
00:22What I thought was a lifelong commitment was nothing but a hundred dollar prank to them.
00:26I looked at Nate.
00:27He stood up, brushed the dust off his pants like it was nothing,
00:29and didn't even glance my way.
00:30Let's put the wedding on hold.
00:31We'll talk about it when you're not so desperate to get married.
00:34Maddie slid her arm through his, chin tilted up, smug.
00:36Seriously, Harper?
00:37His knee hadn't even touched the ground and you already said yes.
00:38How scared are you of ending up alone?
00:39In that moment, whatever hope I'd had for this man just shattered.
00:42I glanced at the ring box on the ground and let out a hollow laugh.
00:45No need to put it on hold.
00:46I'm not marrying you.
00:47No tears.
00:48No scene.
00:49I turned and walked away.
00:50Behind me, Nate's stunned voice cut through the air.
00:52What the hell is wrong with you now?
00:54Harper, stop acting.
00:55The dramatic exit is so overdone.
00:56Come on, it was just a joke.
00:58Do you have to take everything so seriously?
00:59Ignore her.
01:00Let her cool off for a few days.
01:01Within three days, she'll come running back, begging me to take her back.
01:03When they thought I was just playing hard to get, let them think whatever they wanted.
01:06They'd know.
01:06There's a price to pay for turning someone's dignity into a ba-
01:09My footsteps paused for a second.
01:11I didn't look back.
01:12The wind off the lake cut through my trench coat collar.
01:14I looked down and fumbled with my phone to call a ride,
01:17my fingers too numb to tap the screen properly.
01:20The car arrived.
01:21I pulled open the back door and got in.
01:24My phone lit up.
01:25An eye message from Nate.
01:27All right, stop it.
01:28Come home and we'll talk it out.
01:30I glanced at it and hit the lock button.
01:33I got to the apartment.
01:35The IKEA welcome mat by the door had home printed on it.
01:40I stared at that word and felt the irony hit me like a punch to the gut.
01:45I opened the door and turned on the lights.
01:47The whole place was filled with five years worth of our life together.
01:49Over those five years, when his cash flow dried up, I covered his bills.
01:52When he got so wasted at business dinners he couldn't walk straight, I drove out to haul him home.
01:57When he couldn't get his tie right before meeting investors, I fixed it for him one knot at a time.
02:01Back then, he'd gripped my shoulders and said,
02:04Harper, the day my company rings the bell, I'll give you a wedding worthy of you.
02:08My phone screen suddenly lit up.
02:10A confirmation text rummaged a text from the Vera Wang boutique popped up.
02:14Please arrive on time.
02:18I stared at those words and a memory flashed through my mind.
02:21Maddie was at the bridal shop that day too.
02:23She touched the white tood skirt and turned to me with a smile.
02:27Wouldn't this be a little much on Harper?
02:29I said nothing.
02:30I just tightened my grip on the cold latte in my hand,
02:32the one she'd taken two sips of, said it was too sweet, and casually handed off to me.
02:37And Nate, he sat on the couch, head down, answering emails.
02:40From start to finish, he never once looked up at me.
02:43I sat on the living room couch.
02:45My phone lit up again.
02:49A few seconds later, another message popped up.
02:53Don't make things awkward.
02:55Then I put the phone down and went to work.
02:57A co-worker asked why my eyes were a little puffy.
03:00I said I stayed up to Nate binge-watching a show last night.
03:03During my lunch break, I scrolled past an Instagram story Tyler had posted.
03:07In the photo, Nate sat by the window at some trendy steakhouse.
03:10Maddie sat next to him, holding up a martini, throwing up a peace point at the camera.
03:13The caption read, celebrating someone's newfound freedom.
03:16Dodged a bullet.
03:16I casually tapped the like button.
03:18Three minutes later, Nate called.
03:20I walked into the break room and answered.
03:25His first words were,
03:26What the hell does that like mean?
03:28I was flipping through a draft of an SLA service agreement, my voice flat.
03:34It means what it means.
03:36Hope you enjoyed your meal.
03:37Can you stop being so passive-aggressive?
03:39I'm not.
03:40You know how mad he is.
03:42She never thinks before she speaks.
03:43How long have you known her?
03:44Is it really worth all this?
03:46It's not like this is the first time.
03:47My finger stopped on a contract clause number.
03:50What's that supposed to mean?
03:52He let out an impatient scoff.
03:54You do this every single time.
03:56The second something upsets you, you play the victim.
03:59Last night, in front of my friends, you said you wouldn't marry me.
04:02Did you even stop to think how that made me feel?
04:05I closed the folder.
04:07Nate, we're already broken up.
04:09Silence on the other end for two seconds.
04:12Then he let out a cold laugh.
04:13There you go again.
04:14You threatened to break up over every little thing.
04:16Is this fun for you?
04:17The speakerphone on my desk blared his accusations.
04:19My response was cold and final.
04:21Fine. Keep acting like this.
04:22He was furious and hung up on me.
04:24He hung up.
04:25I stared at the dark phone screen and my knuckles slowly relaxed.
04:29After work, I went to Home Depot and bought a stack of cardboard boxes and a few rolls of wide
04:34packing tape.
04:35I got back to the apartment and unfolded the boxes, laying them out flat in the living room.
04:40I pulled open the closet.
04:42Nate's custom tailored suit still hung shoulder to shoulder with my dresses.
04:45Five years.
04:46I'd ironed his shirts, picked out his ties, and used Google Calendar to track every single business dinner and round
04:52of golf.
04:52Tucked inside a drawer was an old scarf, the first birthday gift Nate ever gave me.
04:57He'd just started his startup that year and bought it at Target.
05:00The material was rough, scratchy against the neck, and he hadn't even cleaned the tag off properly.
05:05But back then, he'd clutched that scarf, his ears turning red, and said,
05:09Harper, when I have money, I'll replace this with Hermes for you.
05:15After I got together with Nate, the word someday became the thing I heard the most and the one that
05:20meant the least.
05:22He was short on cash, said he'd pay me back with interest someday.
05:26He stood me up on my birthday, said he'd take me to Cam Goon to make up for it someday.
05:31Even on the day he proposed, when I was humiliated in front of everyone,
05:34all he said was, don't take it personally, I'll make it up to you with something better someday.
05:39But a person can't live their whole life clinging to someday.
05:43I have a future I want to make real too.
05:46I pulled that scarf out and threw it straight into the trash bag.
05:50Everything that belonged to me, I wasn't leaving a single piece behind.
05:54At three in the morning, the living room was filled with sealed cardboard boxes.
05:58The sound of tape ripping echoed, sharp and clear, through the empty space.
06:03By dawn, I'd taped up the very last box.
06:07My phone buzzed.
06:08Another confirmation text from the Vera Wong boutique.
06:11Mr. Foster and Ms. Hayes, your custom wedding dress fitting scheduled tomorrow at 3pm has been confirmed.
06:16Please arrive on time.
06:17I stared at the words, Mr. Foster and Ms. Hayes.
06:20Then I opened my chat history with Nate.
06:23I scrolled back.
06:25That day, I'd sent him the link to Vera Wong's new collection catalog.
06:28What do you think of this flishtail silhouette?
06:30He replied two hours later.
06:32In a meeting, we'll talk later.
06:34Then I opened Snapchat.
06:36Maddie had posted a story that same day.
06:39Nate leaned against the high-end fitting mirror, holding her Balenciaga hourglass bag for her.
06:43The caption read,
06:44Borrowing someone else's man as a style consultant for half a day.
06:47Turns out haste isn't half bad.
06:50I turned off my phone, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door.
06:53When I stepped out of the apartment building, that familiar black sedan pulled up right in front of me.
06:58The window rolled down.
07:00Nate sat in the driver's seat, his expression dark.
07:02He pushed the door open and stepped out, a take-out paper bag in his hand.
07:06Let's go upstairs first.
07:07Put everything back the way it was.
07:09We'll eat, then we'll talk.
07:10I looked down at my phone, checking the bridal shop's refund policy.
07:13Harper, are you done yet?
07:15He frowned and pushed the paper bag a little closer toward me.
07:18I didn't take it.
07:20What are you looking at?
07:21Look at me when I'm talking to you!
07:23His voice rose.
07:24A friend needs me for something.
07:25I put my phone away.
07:27His brow furrin slightly.
07:28What thing?
07:29Before I could open my mouth, the passenger window rolled down.
07:32Maddie poked her head out, her smile sickeningly sweet.
07:35Harper, don't read into this, okay?
07:36My mini's in the shop.
07:37Nate just gave me a ride to work on his way.
07:39She shook the iced latte in her hand from Starbucks.
07:41This bagel?
07:42I was gonna eat it, but I'm cutting carbs this morning, so I figured I'd let you have it.
07:45Don't go making a big deal out of this, too.
07:47I looked up at Nate.
07:48This is your idea of letting things go?
07:50Harper, what the hell do you want?
07:51Nate's frown deepened.
07:53Fine, don't eat.
07:54He pulled the paper bag back and turned to hand it to Maddie.
07:56Maddie bit her straw and reached over to pinch Nate's cheek.
07:57It was over my Cali budget anyway, and you still wanted to bring her one?
08:00Nate swat her hand away, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
08:03Nate, you play favorites!
08:04She has a stomach ulcer.
08:05A few carbs won't hurt her.
08:06I didn't say another word.
08:07I walked around him, heading straight for the taxi that had just pulled up at the curb.
08:11By the time Nate realized what was happening, I was already opening the car door.
08:14He didn't get the chance to stop me.
08:15The moment the door shut, I saw him through the rearview mirror, standing there looking
08:18absolutely furious.
08:20Once I was in the car, I called my real estate agent.
08:22That condo in Lincoln Park, put it on the market today.
08:25The faster it sells, the better.
08:26I thought you said you were keeping it as your marital home.
08:29The wedding is off.
08:30Sell it.
08:32My phone buzzed again.
08:33A message from Nate.
08:35Are you coming to brunch this afternoon?
08:36I was a little heated earlier.
08:37Don't take it seriously.
08:38I glanced at it.
08:40No reply.
08:41At the Vera Wang boutique, the sales associate greeted me with a beaming smile.
08:45Miss Hayes, you're here.
08:47Is Mr. Farler not joining you today?
08:49I sat down on the velvet sofa and looked up at her.
08:52The wedding is off.
08:53The associate froze completely, and the champagne she was told nearly sloshed out of the glass.
08:57I'm sorry, what did you say?
08:59I pulled out my ID and the order contract from my bag and placed them on the marble coffee
09:02table.
09:03Cancel the order.
09:04Detract whatever penalty the system plays from the deposit.
09:06No need to contact Nate.
09:07The associate flipped through the contract, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
09:11Mrs. Hayes, are you sure?
09:12Mr. Foster came in personally to pick this dress.
09:14He said he wanted to surprise you.
09:15I stared at my signature on the contract.
09:17Surprise?
09:17The associate opened her mouth, but no words came out.
09:19I stood up, my heels clicking against the marble floor, each step crisp and distinct.
09:23The moment I pushed open the glass door, my phone started buzzing in my hand.
09:26One word on the screen.
09:28Nate.
09:28I looked at it.
09:29I flipped the phone over, screen facing down, and slid it into my trench coat pocket.
09:32Once something is canceled, there's no need to look back.
09:34Once the cancellation was processed, I stood on Michigan Avenue waiting for my ride.
09:38HR from the company called.
09:40Harper, our Austin, Texas Blanche urgently needs a regional sales director.
09:43You've mentioned before that you'd be interested in a cross-state transfer.
09:45Are you still considering it?
09:46I am.
09:47I'll take it.
09:48A pause on the other end.
09:49That fast?
09:50You don't need some time to think it over?
09:51I don't.
09:52The sooner the better.
09:54In the afternoon, I stopped by the organic deli I always went to.
09:57The manager saw me and greeted me with a smile.
09:59Harper, the usual?
10:00Has Nate's acid reflash gotten any better?
10:02I wouldn't know.
10:02I handed over my pickup slip.
10:04The manager paused for a second and didn't ask anything else.
10:07I picked up my insulated container and headed out.
10:09As I passed the booth seats in the hallway, I heard Tyler's voice coming from behind the defyation.
10:13Seriously, Nate, aren't you worried she's actually going to dump you for good this time?
10:16She's even called off the wedding.
10:17My steps stopped for just a moment.
10:19Nate's voice, lazy and unconcerned.
10:21Where's she going to go?
10:22She'll be mad for a few days and then come crawling back on her own.
10:25Tyler's laugh got louder.
10:26You're that confident?
10:27She can't live without me.
10:28Nate, no offense, but honestly, you've spoiled her way too much.
10:30Maddie's syrupy voice cut in.
10:31She's been so spoiled, she actually believes she's some kind of queen in this relationship.
10:34Maddie, that mouth of yours, absolutely no filter.
10:36Tyler let out a whistle.
10:37I'm just telling it like it.
10:38Maddie laughed.
10:38She used to be so good at playing housekeeper for Nate.
10:40Laundry, cook, edgling appointments, the whole package.
10:42You really think she's capable of letting all that go?
10:44A glass clinked against the marble tabletop with a crisp sound.
10:46Nate didn't argue.
10:47I stood on the other side of the division, insulated container in hand.
10:51I stopped for five seconds.
10:52Then I shoved the container into the nearest trash can.
10:54I turned and walked into the subway station.
10:56When I came out of the station, the cold wind hit my face.
10:59I pulled out my phone.
11:00I blocked Nate's number, his iMessage, his Instagram, his LinkedIn.
11:03All of it.
11:04Back at the apartment, the movers were already waiting downstairs.
11:07I led them up.
11:08In the living room, boxes labeled and sealed were stacked in neat, orderly rows.
11:13Ma'am, do all of these go on the truck?
11:15Anything with yellow tape on it.
11:16Take it all.
11:17The workers started hauling things out.
11:19The apartment emptied, piece by piece.
11:20On the entryway cabinet, the matching couple keychains still sat there.
11:24Two key-shaped metal charms that fit together, engraved with our initials.
11:27We'd ordered it the day we signed the lease for this apartment.
11:29I pulled the spare key from my bag and set it down on the entryway tray.
11:33Metal hit ceramic with a soft clink.
11:35I draped my last tretch coat over my forearm and turned to leave.
11:38The front door lock turned.
11:40Nate pushed the door open and walked in.
11:42He was drenched in the smell of whiskey and cigars.
11:44In his hand, he carried a takeout bag from a high-end Italian restaurant.
11:47He looked up, his gaze sweeping across the mostly empty living room.
11:51His face went dark in an instant.
11:53What the hell are you doing?
11:54Before the words were fully out of his mouth, he hurled the takeout bag at me.
11:58The bag hit my shoulder and burst open.
11:59Truffle cream pasta sauce splattered everywhere, soaking my clothes.
12:03I didn't dodge.
12:05Nate lunged forward and snatched the trench coat right off my arm.
12:08Rip.
12:09The fabric tore wide open.
12:12Leave?
12:13Did I say you could leave?
12:16He flung the ruined coat to the floor and glared at me, his eyes bloodshut.
12:20Are you out of your mind?
12:22Look at this place.
12:24Did you move out or did we get robbed?
12:27I said nothing.
12:28It made him even angrier.
12:30I went out of my damn way to pick up your favorite truffle pasta and this is what I get?
12:35I looked at him, my voice quiet.
12:38Nate, I'm tired.
12:39He froze for a second.
12:41His eyes dropped, taking in the pasta sauce all over my clothes.
12:43I used to care so much about keeping my outfit spotless.
12:46Even a single coffee stain on a cuff and I'd deal with it immediately.
12:48But now, I couldn't even be bothered to grab a napkin and wipe it off.
12:51Something flickered in his eyes, but it was gone just as fast.
12:53He pointed at the empty living room and shouted,
12:54Fine, leave!
12:55Get the hell out of Chicago right now!
12:57The second you walk out that door today, even if you crawl back begging on your knees,
13:00I won't spare you a single glance.
13:01I didn't argue.
13:02I crouched down and silently picked up the torn trench coat from the floor.
13:05The living room was so quiet it was suffocating.
13:07Nate went rotted.
13:07He looked like it was finally starting to sink in that this time was different from all the others.
13:11He seemed to calm down.
13:12After a long silence, he crouched down too, reaching out as if to help me pick it up.
13:15The second his hand touched the fabric, I pulled the boat away from him.
13:17Harper.
13:18His movement froze midair.
13:19I didn't respond.
13:20He stared at my face and his voice suddenly dropped.
13:23Are you crying?
13:24I reached up and touched my cheek.
13:27Tears were actually falling.
13:28I hadn't even noticed.
13:31I used to rarely cry in front of him.
13:34He once said he couldn't stand emotional women.
13:38Back then, I actually believed him.
13:40Not anymore.
13:41I picked up the carry-on suitcase at my feet.
13:44Nate stretched an arm across the doorway, blocking my path.
13:47You're really leaving?
13:48I met his eyes, level and steady.
13:52Game over.
13:53His lips moved, but not a single word came out.
13:57The room was dead silent.
14:00I pulled the door open.
14:01He didn't try to stop me again.
14:03Behind me came the sound of something porcelain shattering against the floor.
14:06Shards of glass sprayed across the wooden floorboards of the entryway.
14:09I didn't look back.
14:10I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the lobby.
14:13Outside, it was pouring rain.
14:15I opened my umbrella and climbed into the uber black waiting at the curb.
14:21The moment the door shut, the driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror.
14:25His eyes upon the stains covering my clothes for a second.
14:29He looked like he wanted to say something, but thought better of it.
14:33The Hilton Hotel, please.
14:35The car pulled out of the apartment complex.
14:37I opened my phone's photo album.
14:39Five years.
14:41Thousands of photos.
14:44The picture I took the day Nate secured his first seed round.
14:48Select all.
14:49Delete.
14:50The iOS confirmation box popped up.
14:52Are you sure you want to delete these photos?
14:54This action cannot be untuned.
14:56I tapped confirm.
14:58Rain hammered against the car window outside, blurring the entire Chicago nightscape.
15:01Those photos went into the trash bin.
15:04He and I, we were done.
15:05A week went by.
15:07Neither of us contacted the other.
15:09Nate cracked first.
15:10He opened iMessage, his finger hovering over the screen for a few seconds before he typed
15:13out a line.
15:14Are you about done now?
15:15Still putting on a show?
15:16Send.
15:16A notification popped up on the screen.
15:18Not delivered.
15:19The bubble turned green.
15:20His face fell instantly.
15:21He stared at the screen for a long time like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
15:24And then that expression on his face, that look of always having everything under
15:26control, finally shattered.
15:28The next second, his iPhone slammed hard against his office desk.
15:30He yanked at his shirt collar in irritation and dialed the bridal boutique directly.
15:34He probably figured that since I dared to pull a stunt like this, he'd dare to cancel
15:38the fitting.
15:39See who blinked first.
15:40The call connected.
15:41Nate held back his fury, his voice cold and hard.
15:44This is Nate Foster.
15:45Cancel the fitting this weekend.
15:46Silence on the other end for a beat.
15:48The sales associate hesitated before speaking.
15:50Mr. Foster, Ms. Haisley already canceled the order three days ago.
15:53The penalty fee has already been paid.
15:55The plane touched down at Austin-Bergram International Airport at three in the afternoon.
15:58David Miller, the regional director for the Texas branch, was waiting for me in person
16:01at the arrivals hall.
16:02He glanced at the single tuxie carry-on in my hand, his expression mildly surprised.
16:05Harper, is that all the luggage you have?
16:07I pulled open the door of the Chevrolet Suburto and got in.
16:11I don't need extra baggage.
16:12I can start working immediately.
16:14David smiled and handed me a thick folder.
16:17This is the pile of messes this branch has accumulated over the last six months.
16:20The biggest landmine is the annual contract renewal with Apex Global.
16:24I flipped open the folder and quickly scanned the dense data and charts.
16:26They're extremely dissatisfied with our supply chain response times from last quarter
16:29and are already running a public tenor to switch suppliers.
16:32Apex Procurement Director had a reputation in the industry for being notoriously difficult.
16:35Back in Chicago, I chewed up and spit out more than a few of these hard-to-crack B2B clients
16:39for Nate's company.
16:39I knew the pain points of these Silicon Valley-styles executives inside and out.
16:44Take me directly to Apex Headquarters.
16:46I closed the file and looked up at the driver.
16:49David froze.
16:50Right now?
16:51You don't want to go to the hotel first, shake off the jet lags, take a shower?
16:54I looked out the window at the blazing, harsh, hesh Texas sun.
16:57Winning clients doesn't wait for anyone.
16:58Half an hour later, I stood in the office of Apex Global's Procurement Director.
17:02The guy's name was Rick Henderson, mid-50s, wearing the signature Patagononia fleas vest,
17:06the classic middle-aged tech exec.
17:08He leaned back in his Herman Miller ergonomic chair and didn't even give me a proper look.
17:11Your company's got a sense of humor.
17:13Sending a girl who's not even as old as my daughter to negotiate an eight-figure contract?
17:17I didn't let his age or gender pressure phase me.
17:19I slapped the restructured proposal directly onto his mahogany desk.
17:21Mr. Henderson, age has no direct correlation with professional competence.
17:24This quote is three percentage points lower than your current alternative suppliers,
17:27and we're committing to cutting the after-sales SLA response time in half.
17:31Rick sat up straight immediately and picked up the proposal.
17:33That dismissive look on his face visibly retracted.
17:36What makes you so confident you can deliver on these promises?
17:39I met his scrutiny without flinching.
17:41Five years at Chicago headquarters with a zero-failure project delivery record.
17:45If we don't hit the committed KPIs, you can deduct the penalty directly from my annual bonus.
17:49Rick stared at me for a solid minute.
17:51Then, he suddenly threw his head back and laughed.
17:56Bold. Got a bit of that Texas spirit. You've got the deal.
18:00Walking out of Apex's glass tower, David looked at me with a completely changed expression.
18:04Harper, you're incredible.
18:06I rubbed my neck, sore from staring at documents for too long.
18:09David, this is just the beginning.
18:12At ten at night, I got back to the extended stay suite the company had arranged.
18:17After a shower, I sat on the bed and stared at the spare phone for a few seconds.
18:22Then I picked it up and turned it on.
18:24The screen flooded with over a Doven voice message from my former colleague, Sarah.
18:29I tapped the first one.
18:30Sarah's voice was barely containing the excitement of someone loving the drama.
18:34Oh my god, Harper, your exit was way too cool!
18:38Nate stormed into our office this afternoon like a maniac looking for you.
18:42His eyes completely bloodshot.
18:44He grabbed the HR director by the collar and demanded Anna to know where you went.
18:49I listened expressionlessly while towel drying my hair.
18:53Sarah sent another one.
18:55HR told him you transfer to Austin.
18:57And he flipped the receptionist's iMac off the desk on the spot.
19:01Then Maddie ran over to pull him back.
19:03Using that deliberately high-pitched voice going,
19:07Nate.
19:08And guess what?
19:09Nate turned around and slapped her right across the face!
19:12My hand paused mid-motion with the towel.
19:14Nate hit Maddie.
19:15That was new.
19:17Sarah immediately followed up with a secretly recorded video.
19:21I tapped play.
19:22In the footage, Nate's eyes were blood red as he pointed at Maddie and tore into her.
19:26Are you satisfied now?
19:28You had to use those low, dirty tactics to push her away?
19:31Is that what it took for you to be happy?
19:33Maddie clutched her face, sobbing.
19:35Her eyeliner completely smeared and one of her false lashes hanging half off her eyelid.
19:38Nate, you were the one who said she was just throwing a fit!
19:40Why are you yelling at me?!
19:42Nate kicked over a stainless steel recycling vis beside him.
19:44Get the hell out!
19:45The video ended there.
19:46I casually tossed the phone onto the bed and kept drying my hair.
19:49His regret now was way too late.
19:51It was worth less than week-old takeout.
19:52He was losing his mind now purely because he'd realized he was missing someone who worked
19:56365 days a year always on call.
19:58Someone who took care of everything for him.
20:00It was absolutely not because he loved me.
20:02I knew men like him way too well.
20:04The phone suddenly vibrated violently.
20:06An unfamiliar Chicago area code flashed on the screen.
20:08My gut told me it was him.
20:09I hit decline without hesitation.
20:11The caller didn't let up.
20:12After a dozen calls in a row, I finally picked up.
20:15Harper, you finally answered!
20:17Nate's voice was russie, rough, thick with exhaustion and the steel residue of a hangover.
20:20How long are you going to keep this up?
20:22The bridal shop said you canceled the order completely.
20:24Do you have any idea how I felt when I got that message?
20:27I let out a cold laugh.
20:29The penalty fee was charged to my own credit card.
20:31What does it have to do with you?
20:33Nate's breath caught.
20:34It's not about the money.
20:36You ran off to Texas without a word.
20:39You cleared out the entire apartment.
20:40What the hell are you trying to do?
20:42Do I have to buy a plane ticket right now and fly down there to apologize in person?
20:47Is that what it'll take for you to be satisfied?
20:49I looked at my calm reflection in the bathroom mirror.
20:52Nate, do you not understand plain English?
20:55I told you.
20:56We're done.
20:57Don't call again.
20:59Call one more time and I'll file for a restraining order.
21:01I hung up directly and blocked that number too.
21:04I also turned on the silence unknown caller setting.
21:07I flipped the phone face down on the bed.
21:10Silence.
21:11My first month in Austin, I was so busy I barely had time to breathe.
21:14I single-handedly pulled the branch's Q3 performance up by 5 percentage points.
21:19The New York headquarters sent out a company-wide internal email commending me.
21:22Friday night, the department insisted we had to celebrate.
21:25I chose a top-tier steak and seafood restaurant on Congress Avenue
21:28and paid out of pocket to treat the whole team to dry-aged tomahawk steaks.
21:32The mood was at its peak when I excused myself to go to the restroom.
21:35Just as I stepped out of the private dining corridor,
21:37a figure lunged out from around the corner.
21:39A hand seized my wrist.
21:41The grip was so tight it felt like it could crush bone.
21:44Harper, I finally found you.
21:47I looked up and met a pair of bloodshot eyes.
21:49It was Nate.
21:50He had lost a significant amount of weight.
21:52His eyes were sunken, his jaw covered in messy, patchy stubble.
21:55The custom shirt I used to iron wrinkle feet for him every morning
21:57was now a crumpled mess sticking to his body,
21:59reeking of long-haul flights and sour whiskey.
22:00I wrenched my hand free with force.
22:02Let go.
22:02Nate didn't let go.
22:03He tightened his grip instead.
22:05I won't!
22:06Harler, come back to Chicago with me!
22:08His eyes were red-rimmed, his voice trembling,
22:10barely able to stink a full sentence together.
22:12Without you, there's nothing left at home.
22:13I don't even know which dry cleaner to send my clothes to.
22:15My stomach ulcer flared up three times.
22:17I was on the floor in the middle of the night,
22:19rolling around in pain,
22:20and there was no one to drive me to the ER.
22:21I stared at his state,
22:22and a wave of nausea churned in my stomach.
22:25Sir, you've got the wrong person.
22:27Where's your Maddie?
22:28Isn't she the one who cares about you the most?
22:30Why didn't she make you that special soup for your stomach?
22:32The moment Maddie's name left my mouth,
22:34Nate's face twitched violently.
22:36Don't you dare mention that idiot to me again!
22:38She drove every single one of my investors away!
22:40She can't even do a basic pivot table!
22:43She does nothing but cause trouble for me!
22:44I looked at him coldly.
22:46And whose fault is all that?
22:48You're the one who raised that mess.
22:49What did you used to say about her?
22:51Innocent, full of life, fun, unlike me,
22:54rigid, boring, a soulless work machine.
22:56Nate shook his head desperately.
22:58I was wrong, Harper.
22:59I know I was wrong now.
23:00I've already fired her.
23:02I will never have anything to do with her again
23:03for the rest of my life.
23:04Just come back, okay?
23:06We'll get married right away.
23:07Tomorrow.
23:08We'll go to City Hot tomorrow!
23:09Even as he said these words,
23:10his hands were still shaking.
23:12I said nothing.
23:13I looked at him like I was looking at a stranger.
23:16Nate, do you really think that if you just snap your fingers,
23:19I'll come running back like some loyal dog?
23:21His face went white as a sheet.
23:23That's not what I meant.
23:25I just, I really can't...
23:26He couldn't finish the sentence.
23:28I took a step back,
23:30putting distance between us.
23:32You can't live without me?
23:33No.
23:34You just can't live without someone to clean up your messes.
23:37People like you,
23:37the only person you've ever loved is yourself.
23:39Nate stared at me,
23:40his gaze locked on,
23:41that look in his eyes,
23:42like he was the one who'd been abandoned.
23:44I don't believe you.
23:45You loved me for five years.
23:47How can you just drop it like that?
23:48You're just punishing me, aren't you?
23:50He suddenly doubled over,
23:51clutching his stomach,
23:52his whole face crumpling in pain.
23:54Harper, my stomach hurts so bad.
23:56You used to hate seeing me in pain.
23:57Just help me find some medicine, okay?
23:59I looked down at him.
24:00If it hurts, call 911.
24:02I'm not a doctor.
24:03I can't fix your stomach.
24:04From the end of the hallway,
24:05someone heard the commotion.
24:06A few of my male colleagues
24:07stepped out of the private room.
24:09Harper, what's going on?
24:10They spotted Nate,
24:11crowed on the floor,
24:11and immediately positioned themselves in front of me.
24:13Dude, what are you doing?
24:14Call security.
24:15Get this guy out of here.
24:16Two burly restaurant security guards
24:17arrived quickly and hauled Nate up.
24:19He thrashed and struggled,
24:20his gaze locked desperately onto me.
24:22The guards dragged Nate
24:22toward the front entrance
24:23without any ceremony.
24:24His almost deranged shouts
24:25echoed through the corridor.
24:26Harper, you're going to regret this!
24:28I raised the crystal wine glass in my hand.
24:30I didn't look back.
24:31That night,
24:31I had two glasses of Pinot Noir
24:33and went back to the hotel.
24:34I slept more soundly than I had in months.
24:36The next day,
24:37I was in the office
24:38reviewing the Q4 sales forecast.
24:40The front desk called my extension.
24:41Mrs. Hayes,
24:42there's a woman in the lobby
24:43refusing to leave.
24:44She's insisting on seeing you.
24:45I frowned.
24:46Who is it?
24:47She says her name is Maddie.
24:49I let out a cold laugh.
24:50Some things really are impossible
24:52to shake off.
24:53I took the elevator down.
24:54Maddie's hair was a tangled mess.
24:56She sat on one of the leather couches
24:57in the lobby.
24:58Her makeup completely destroyed.
25:00Mascara smeared all over her face.
25:01A small crowd of employees
25:02had gathered around,
25:03watching the spectacle.
25:04The moment she saw me,
25:05she lunged.
25:06Harper, you bitch!
25:07Look what you did to Nate!
25:09Building security
25:09immediately held her back.
25:10She thrashed wildly,
25:12her sharp pink acrylic nails
25:13clawing at the air.
25:14You want to leave?
25:16Fine!
25:16But why did you have to take
25:17all the client accounts with you?
25:19Do you even know Nate's company
25:20is about to file
25:21for bankruptcy protection?
25:22The client chose me
25:24because I'm professional.
25:25What does that have to do
25:26with you and Nate?
25:28I paused, looking at her.
25:30As for the company
25:30going bankrupt,
25:32didn't you cause that yourself?
25:34Getting waste
25:34at the investor gala
25:35and single-handedly
25:37torputing a $50 million
25:39series fee.
25:40I've got to say,
25:41that's a talent
25:41I don't possess.
25:42Someone in the crowd
25:43of watching employees
25:44couldn't hold it in
25:45and laughed out loud.
25:46Instantly.
25:46She fumbled in her
25:47Louis Lachian bag
25:48and pulled out
25:48a half-finished latte,
25:50hurling it at me
25:50with all her strength.
25:51I had seen it coming
25:53and sidestepped.
25:54The coffee splashed
25:55all over the security guard's
25:56uniform behind her.
25:57His face darkened.
25:58He wrestled her straight down
26:00onto the lobby floor tiles.
26:01Let me go!
26:02You useless pieces of trash!
26:03Maddie screamed
26:04like a woman possessed.
26:05I walked over
26:06and stood in front of her,
26:07looking down.
26:08Call 911
26:09and report an assault.
26:10Maddie's whole body
26:11went rigid.
26:12You'd call the cops?
26:14Aren't you afraid
26:15Nate will hate you for this?
26:16I looked down at her
26:17and smiled slightly.
26:18Whether he hates me or not,
26:20what does that have to do
26:21with me?
26:22Patrol officers
26:22from the Austin Police Department
26:24arrived on the scene quickly.
26:26They handcuffed Maddie
26:27on charges of assault
26:28and criminal trespass
26:29and hauled her
26:30into the back of a squad car.
26:31Calm returned to the lobby.
26:33I smoothed out my sleeve
26:34and stepped back
26:35into the elevator,
26:36heading up to my office
26:37to get back to my reports.
26:38After that whole farce
26:39was over,
26:40Tyler called me.
26:41Harper,
26:42you went way too far
26:43with this.
26:44It's Miss Hayes to you.
26:45Or Harper,
26:46since we're not exactly
26:47friends anymore.
26:49Tyler let out
26:49an awkward laugh.
26:51Fine, Harper.
26:52Nate is completely
26:52finished this time.
26:53The company's bank accounts
26:54are frozen.
26:55All his partners bail.
26:56To cover the gaps
26:56in his taxes,
26:57he sold that condo
26:58in Lincoln Hall.
26:58My grip on the pen
26:59didn't falter.
27:00The nib didn't pause
27:00on the paper
27:01for even a second.
27:02That property
27:02was under his name.
27:03Whether he sells it or not
27:04has nothing to do with me.
27:06Tyler was silent
27:07for a moment.
27:09Maddie got locked up
27:10in county jail.
27:11You were the one
27:12who called the cops?
27:13It was me.
27:14Nate went to the station.
27:16I raised an eyebrow.
27:17To post bail for her?
27:19No.
27:20There was an unmistakable
27:21note of sarcasm
27:22in Tyler's voice.
27:23He went to the station
27:24and right in front
27:25of the cops
27:26nearly strangled
27:27Maddie to death.
27:28My hand stopped
27:29for a second.
27:30Has he lost his mind?
27:32Pretty much.
27:33He found out
27:33Maddie not only
27:34torched the funding round
27:35but also secretly
27:36leaked the company's
27:36core pricing model
27:37to a competitor.
27:38They paid her
27:3950 grand in kickbacks.
27:41Nate is now
27:41completely and utterly broke.
27:43I leaned back
27:44in my chair
27:44and looked out the window
27:45at the clear
27:45boundless Texas sky.
27:47He brought this
27:48all on himself.
27:49Tyler tested
27:49the waters cautiously.
27:50Harper,
27:51we were all friends once.
27:53Nate's at the point
27:53where he can barely
27:54make rent.
27:55Do you think
27:55you could maybe...
27:56No.
27:57I cut him off flatly.
27:58Tyler,
27:59didn't you used to say
27:59in your little bro group chats
28:01that I wasn't good enough
28:01for Nate?
28:02That I was just a gold digger
28:04trying to climb
28:04the social ladder?
28:05And now you're coming
28:06to beg me on his behalf?
28:08Silence on Tyler's end.
28:09I hung up the phone.
28:11The months that followed,
28:12I threw every ounce
28:13of my energy into work.
28:14The Texas branch's performance
28:16left every other branch
28:17in the Southwest region
28:18in the dust.
28:19I used one solid earnings report
28:21after another
28:22to shut up every single one
28:23of the old men
28:24at headquarters
28:24who had doubted me.
28:25By the end of the year,
28:26David was called back
28:27to New York HQ
28:28and promoted to VP.
28:30I officially took over
28:31as general manager
28:31for the Texas region.
28:33The night of the annual
28:34awards gala,
28:35I drank quite a bit
28:36of champagne.
28:37When I stepped out
28:38of the hotel entrance,
28:39the night breeze hit me
28:40and I sobered up a lot.
28:41Parked on the curb
28:42was a beat-up white
28:43Ford Transys cargo van,
28:44its body covered in scratches
28:45and splattered mud.
28:46A man was crouched beside it,
28:47struggling to unload
28:48a case of Evian water.
28:49He wore a filthy work jacket
28:50with the faded logo
28:51of some local water delivery company
28:53printed on the back.
28:54His back was hunched.
28:55One of the cases slipped
28:56and slammed down hard
28:56onto his steel-toed boots.
28:58He cried out in pain
28:59and collapsed onto the ground.
29:00The streetlight perfectly
29:01illuminated his profile.
29:02It was Nate.
29:03The same Silicon Valley CEO
29:05who once wore nothing
29:06but custom suits
29:07and couldn't go five minutes
29:08without mentioning
29:09valuations and exit strategies.
29:11Now he was reduced
29:12to hauling water
29:12for a delivery company,
29:14earning cash paid out
29:14by the day.
29:15I stood on the steps
29:16and watched quietly
29:17for a moment.
29:18He seemed to sense something.
29:19His head whipped around.
29:21The second his eyes met mine,
29:22his whole body
29:23went completely stiff.
29:25He frantically tried
29:26to wipe his face
29:26with a hand covered
29:27in engine grease.
29:28It only made the smotches worse.
29:30He struggled to stand up,
29:31desperate to hide
29:32behind the van.
29:33I walked down the steps
29:34one by one
29:35in my high heels.
29:37I stopped in front of him.
29:39Nate,
29:39his entire body shuddered.
29:41His head dropped so low
29:43it nearly touched his chest.
29:45Miss,
29:45Miss Hayes.
29:46He couldn't even bring himself
29:47to say my first name anymore.
29:49I looked at what he had become.
29:50I felt nothing.
29:52I heard your company went under.
29:54He bit down hard
29:55on his cracked,
29:56dried lips.
29:57Tears fell onto the concrete.
29:59Yes.
30:00And Maddie,
30:02I asked casually.
30:03She took that kickback
30:04and ran off to Los Angeles.
30:06Then some crypto scammer
30:07conned her out of every last cent.
30:09Now she's washing dishes
30:11in the back kitchen
30:11of a strip club
30:12on Hollywood Boulevard.
30:13His voice was rough
30:14as sandpaper.
30:15I nodded once.
30:17Suits her perfectly.
30:18Nate suddenly lifted his head.
30:20His blood-washed eyes
30:21fixed on me.
30:21Harper,
30:22I deserved all of this.
30:23I dream about you
30:23every single night.
30:24You're in the kitchen
30:25frying eggs,
30:25helping me tie my tie.
30:27I regret everything.
30:27He suddenly dropped
30:28to his knees on the ground
30:29and reached out
30:29as if to grab the hem
30:30of my trench coat.
30:31Just give me one more chance,
30:32okay?
30:33I'll work for you.
30:34I'll do whatever you say.
30:35I stepped back,
30:36dodging his filthy hands.
30:37Nate,
30:38the way you look right now
30:38is just pathetic.
30:40He froze completely.
30:41No more struggling.
30:42No more excuses.
30:42He just looked at me
30:43like the life
30:44had been drained out of him.
30:45You weren't like this before.
30:46You used to feel bad
30:47whenever you saw me
30:47working late.
30:48Yeah.
30:49I used to be blind.
30:50But you took everything I did
30:51and treated it like
30:52it was just your due.
30:53Just so you could protect
30:54that pathetic little ego of yours
30:55in front of your so-called friends
30:56in front of Maddie.
30:57You trampled my dignity
30:58into the ground.
30:59And now,
31:00now that you have
31:01absolutely nothing left,
31:02you finally remember me.
31:03Don't you find this whole act
31:05just disgusting?
31:06He buried his face
31:07in his hands in agony.
31:09A low,
31:09animal-like sound of anguish
31:11tore from his throat.
31:12I turned and walked
31:13toward the uber black
31:14waiting at the curb.
31:15The driver in white gloves
31:16opened the car door for me.
31:17I got in.
31:19I didn't look back.
31:20Not once.
31:23The car pulled away,
31:25leaving the figure
31:26kneeling on the roadside
31:27far,
31:27far behind
31:28in the rearview mirror.
31:31Two years later,
31:32I represented the Southwest region
31:34at the National Supply Chain Summit
31:35back in Chicago.
31:37After the conference,
31:38our business partners
31:38invited me to dinner
31:39at a newly opened
31:40rooftop restaurant downtown.
31:42The restaurant's location
31:43was close to the lakefront spot
31:45where Nate had proposed
31:46all those years ago.
31:47The same place where he,
31:48surrounded by Maddie and Tyler,
31:50had mocked me to my face.
31:52I walked into the restaurant
31:53in a sharply tailored
31:54Tom Brownie professional suit,
31:56my stilettos clicking
31:57against the floor.
31:59The merida led us
32:00into the VIP private room.
32:03Midway through the meal,
32:04one of the partners
32:05accidentally knocked over
32:07a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
32:08I pressed the service bell.
32:10The door to the private room
32:12opened gently.
32:13A man in a server's vest
32:14walked in quickly,
32:15head down,
32:16carrying a cleaning cloth.
32:17He crouched to the floor
32:18and started wiping up
32:19the spilled red wine.
32:20The partner slid a contract
32:21renewable across the table to me.
32:23Miss Hayes,
32:24please review the terms again.
32:25If everything looks good,
32:26we can sign right now.
32:27I took the Monbonic fountain pen
32:29and signed my name
32:30on the signature line.
32:31Pleasure doing business with you.
32:34The server scrubbing
32:35the wine stain on the floor
32:37suddenly froze mid-motion.
32:38He slowly lifted his head.
32:42The cloth dropped
32:43from his hand onto the carpet.
32:45It was Tyler.
32:46He had bloated up significantly
32:48compared to two years ago.
32:49His face was greasy and slick,
32:50his eyes darting away.
32:51I was mildly surprised
32:52but regained my composure quickly.
32:53Do you know him, Miss Hayes?
32:55The business partner
32:55followed my gaze
32:56and frowned slightly.
32:57I picked up my sparkling water
32:58and took a sip.
32:59I don't.
33:00Tyler's face instantly flushed
33:01a deep red.
33:01He snatched the cloth off the floor
33:02and bolted out of the private room
33:03without looking back.
33:04Later, I heard from old contacts
33:05in Chicago that the Tyler family trust
33:06had run into major problems.
33:08All the assets under his father's name
33:09had been frozen.
33:10All those friends who used to club hop
33:11and race sports cars with him
33:12disappeared overnight.
33:12He found a minimum wage job
33:13at a restaurant on Indeed,
33:14barely scraping by
33:15to make the minimum payments
33:16on his credit cards.
33:17The day my business trip ended,
33:18it rained in Chicago.
33:19On the way to O'Hale International Airport,
33:21we passed through
33:21the old Lincoln Park neighborhood.
33:23The driver asked if I wanted to pull over
33:24for a moment to grab a coffee.
33:26I shook my head.
33:27No thanks.
33:27Straight to the airport.
33:28That apartment was someone else's home now.
33:30Everything inside it,
33:32along with all those sealed cardboard boxes,
33:34had been thrown away by me long ago.
33:36A push notification
33:36from a Chicago local news app
33:37popped up on my phone.
33:39Former tech founder Nate F.
33:40arrested on aggravated assault charges
33:41following street brawl
33:42with Amazon Flex driver
33:43over delivery route dispute.
33:44The attached photo was a shot of Nate from behind,
33:46his hands uncooked,
33:47being pressed face down
33:47against the hood of a police cruiser.
33:49I swiped the notification away,
33:51closed my eyes,
33:52and leaned back into my seat.
33:53The plane climbed through thick clouds
33:55and broke through to 10,000 meters.
33:57Blinding sunlight filled the windows.
33:59After returning to Austin,
34:01I went straight to the title transfer center.
34:03Using the performance bonuses
34:04and stock options
34:05I'd accumulated over the past two years,
34:07I bought a sprawling penthouse
34:09in the city center
34:10overlooking Lady Baird Lake.
34:12The day I got the keys,
34:13I invited the entire office over
34:15for a housewarming party.
34:16Everyone filled the spacious living room,
34:18drinking local craft beer
34:19with country music playing.
34:21The balcony was lined
34:22with my favorite white roses.
34:24I stood by the Florida Cleese windows
34:26with a glass of Cabernet,
34:27gazing out at the light
34:28stretching across the city below.
34:30The night breeze drifted in,
34:32carrying the scent of the lake.
34:34I once believed I couldn't survive
34:35without all those some days.
34:37I found out later that I could.
34:40Because what every person
34:41can truly rely on
34:42has never been someone else's promises.
34:44It's the money I earn myself.
34:46It's what's inside my head
34:47that no one can ever take away.
34:49I raised my glass,
34:51gently clinking it
34:52against my own reflection in the window.
34:54Harper, here's to the future.
34:57Outside,
34:57the lights of Lady Bear Lake
34:59shimmered like a sea of stars.
35:01The red wine went down.
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