Chapter 3 Need More Explanation

Andrea stood frozen, as if her entire body had turned to stone. She tried to speak, but no words came out. Her mind was racing, filled with desperate scenarios in response to what Henry had just said.

He had to marry the daughter of L Corp.

L Corp, the most powerful corporation in the neighboring country. Of course it made sense. A merger between the Allen Group and L Corp would create an empire, one that could dominate globally. And Andrea? She was just ordinary. Not a billionaire's daughter. Not someone whose name moved empires.

Deep down, Andrea had always feared this moment would come. Their love, though genuine, always felt like something borrowed, something temporary. Maybe that was why Henry had hidden their relationship for five years. Because deep down, he knew it couldn't last. They came from two different worlds.

"Andrea, say something," Henry said softly, rising from his chair. He took a few steps toward her, pulling her from her thoughts.

Her voice trembled, eyes brimming with tears. "I-I don't even know what to say. You're marrying someone else. Do I get a say in this? I mean... how can I even ask that?" Her voice cracked. "And you-do you want to marry her?"

She turned away as the tears spilled over, her heart breaking with every breath. Henry looked equally lost, torn between duty and love. He loved Andrea, he had never questioned that, but his father's expectations loomed large. The alliance with L Corp was monumental. Backing out could spell disaster for the Allen Group. And as the only heir, Henry knew what was at stake.

"I love you, Andrea. But the Allen Group is my responsibility. I need you to understand that," he said, his voice firm-not pleading, not apologetic. It was as if he expected her to simply accept this.

Andrea's heart sank. "Why are you even telling me this, Henry? Are you asking for my blessing? Or are you just... ending things?"

Before he could respond, she stepped back. "Look, I really have to go. I'm late for a meeting."

Without another word, she turned and left. Minutes later, Henry heard the sound of her car disappearing down the gravel road, away from the cottage.

He stood still for a moment, then slammed his fist onto the dining table. Plates clattered to the floor, the once beautiful arrangement of flowers, candles, and cake for their anniversary now ruined, like everything else.

He pulled out his phone and pressed a button. "Tom, cancel my meetings this afternoon. And arrange lunch with Ava Lawrence. Today."

"In Sunfield, sir?" Tom asked, double-checking.

"Yes. I'll meet you at the airport in two hours. Prepare the jet."

Ending the call, Henry stormed out, jumping into his car. He had to fix this, had to find a way. He couldn't lose Andrea. Not like this.

Twelve hours had passed. The bright morning had faded into a bleak night. Andrea stood in front of her apartment building, pressing the elevator button. Her body felt heavy, her thoughts even heavier. Henry hadn't called. Not a single message. After everything, he still hadn't explained what he planned to do. Did he truly love her, or was that just a chapter he was ready to close?

Inside the elevator, her fingers trembled. She had looked up Ava Lawrence. The internet had plenty to say about the heiress of L Corp. Ava was breathtakingly beautiful, and more than that, a philanthropist, a woman with influence and heart. She owned foundations, funded shelters, saved lives. She was the kind of woman people adored.

Andrea couldn't even bring herself to hate her.

The elevator doors opened. She walked slowly to her apartment, unlocked the door with her fingerprint, and let it close behind her with a soft click. Kicking off her heels, she dropped her bag somewhere on the floor. All she wanted was a long, hot bath. The day had taken everything out of her. The fight with Henry. The impossible clients. And a sleepless night before all of that.

She checked her phone before heading to the bathroom. No new messages. Still nothing from Henry.

With a sigh, she stepped into the bathtub, the warm water wrapping around her like a blanket. She leaned back, closing her eyes, her mind drifting again to the man who broke her heart and still hadn't called to explain why.

Could someone like Henry really choose her over a future empress of the corporate world?

Andrea's father, Johnny Evans, owned a furniture factory. She had grown up in comfort, yes, but it was nothing compared to Henry's world. She had chosen not to follow in her father's footsteps. Instead, she studied interior design and built her career from the ground up. She wanted to be more than a rich man's daughter. She wanted to be someone in her own right.

But none of that seemed to matter now.

An hour passed, the bathwater growing cold. Andrea wrapped herself in a white robe, a towel twisted around her wet hair. As she stepped out of the bathroom, her phone buzzed.

It was Henry.

Her heart skipped. Relief surged through her, but so did fear. What did he want? What would he say?

With shaking fingers, she answered.

"Andrea..." His voice was deep, warm, tinged with a husky tenderness that still made her shiver.