Chapter 14%
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Heston’s shock became my fuel–I was desperate to prove myself and slap him in the face with my success.
When I first joined the company, I was on shaky ground, handling almost everything myself.
Thanks to the rumors, a lot of people in my department didn’t take me seriously.
In the break room, in the restroom–I could hear my coworkers freely spreading gossip about me.
I didn’t explain myself. Henrik didn’t either.X
After work, when the office was empty, he found me still at my desk.
“You need to balance work and rest. Time to call it a day.”
“Let me just finish reading this-“X
Before I could finish, he shut the file in my hands.
“Listen to me. You’re going home.”
He took me out for Italian food, then for a walk by the river!!
The wind on the bridge was strong, but it blew away the heaviness in my chest.
The sidewalk was full of people.
White–collar workers rushing home after a long day, families of three strolling after dinner.
Everyone was hustling through life in their own way.
“See?” Henrik leaned against the railing. “There’s a lot of good in the world. Life isn’t just about work, Yvonne ”
He turned to me. “I know you haven’t fully moved on. You’re throwing yourself into work, hoping it’ll numb the pain. But it won’t. You have to let yourself go before you can truly move forward.“”
I laughed softly. “I know you’re trying to comfort me, Henrik. Don’t worry, I’m fine.”
“Whether in the past or now. I think I’m just used to working.“X
His eyes sharpened. “Are you sure that’s really just a habit?”
I froze, my mind flashing back to when FitzTech Innovations first started.!
Heston and I built it from the ground up, just the two of us.
I poured my heart and soul into it.it
I didn’t want to work nonstop. I wanted to go out, to travel, to enjoy life with Heston.
But he always held me close and said, “Once the company is stable, I promise we’ll go out and have fun. Just hang in there a little longer, okay?”
Work consumed my life. There was never a moment to breathe.
And when the company finally found its footing? I still kept pushing myself to the limit.
I thought, If I take on more, maybe Heston will finally get some rest.
I convinced myself that I was doing something meaningful.
But in the end, I was the only one moved by my own efforts.
Now, Henrik was telling me that life wasn’t just about work.
That I could have my own life. That I had a choice in how I wanted to live.
His hands rested on my shoulders, steady and warm.
“No one’s life is perfect,” he said. “You have a family that loves you, incredible talent, and, sure, a failed relationship–but that’s all it is. I know you’ll get through this.”
“I will“%
I answered with certainty. The moment I walked away from Heston, I had already made my decision.
“Thank you.”
Henrik’s hands twitched like he’d been burned, and he quickly pulled away.X
“It’s nothing. Sorry, I got a little carried away.”
He meant well–just like my family. They acted like they weren’t worried, but deep down, they were.ll
On the drive home, Henrik waved me off with a casual, “Get some good rest.”
But when I stepped inside, I found my entire family waiting on the couch.!!
Falco pulled me down beside him. “Yvie, where were you last night?”
I lowered my head, a little embarrassed. “1, uh. accidentally got drunk. Hank took me home and took care of me.“ll
Mom chuckled. “Oh, he called last night to let us know. But we didn’t realize Hank is actually Henrik!”
10:36 AM
I lowered my head, a little embarrassed. “I, uh… accidentally got drunk. Hank took me home and took care of me.“”
Mom chuckled. “Oh, he called last night to let us know. But we didn’t realize Hank is actually Henrik“!
Falco’s eyes lit up. “Yvie, Henrik is Hank? He’s amazing!”
So young, yet he had taken over VerdantCore Technologies and made it even stronger.}
Dad sighed in relief. “With him looking after you at work, I can finally stop worrying.”
I crossed my arms, pretending to be upset. “So you’ve been worried about me this whole time? Wow. Do you guys have no faith in my abilities?”
Everyone burst out laughing, teasing and joking. The atmosphere was warm, comforting.
And as I thought about Henrik… my heart softened a little X
He was the kind of man whose name alone was enough to put my parents at ease.
