The first week back after the New Year's break, we flew to the Chicago headquarters for the annual meeting. The Chairman laughed loudly as he looked over last year’s financial statements. “Sarah has been out at the London branch for three years now. Profits doubled last year—she takes top honors for that.” He turned to look at the man sitting next to him. “Mark, you and Sarah have been together for seven years. It’s about time you bring her back to headquarters and get married.” The other executives started teasing and egging him on. “That's right, Mr. Sterling. A seven-year marathon? You can’t make a girl wait forever.” I subconsciously gripped my pen tightly. I thought the thousand-plus days and nights in London had finally come to an end. But upon hearing this, Mark Sterling pressed his finger down on the already printed transfer order on the table. “Chloe Bennett is being transferred to headquarters. Sarah Jenkins will remain in her current position.” His voice was cold, strictly business. “Chloe has less experience. Coming back to headquarters to learn is best for everyone.” He looked at me, his gaze dismissive. “Sarah, you wouldn't want me to get a reputation for nepotism just over a personal matter, would you?” The raucous teasing in the conference room stopped instantly. Chloe bit her lip, the joy in her eyes impossible to hide. “Mr. Sterling, this doesn't seem right. Sarah has been waiting for three years...” Mark turned his head to look at me. His tone was gentle, but every word felt like a knife. “Sarah, you always see the bigger picture. You understand my decision, right?” “Be good. London isn’t that far. I’ll fly out to see you every weekend from now on and bring you those croissants you love from that bakery on 5th.” I looked at Mark, then at the transfer order in Chloe’s hand that was supposed to be mine, and nodded at him. “Mr. Sterling is right. The workplace should indeed follow rules.” Mark Sterling, the road between New York and London is long. I’m not waiting for that return journey you promised anymore. … When the meeting adjourned, the New York sky was threatening rain. Everyone discreetly left first, but Chloe held her folder and trotted over to stand in front of Mark. Her eyes were red, and she was biting her lip hard. “Mr. Sterling, thank you for this opportunity. It’s just... I’m afraid Sarah will misunderstand...” Mark didn't even look up; he was already busy pulling his hand away from where it had been resting near mine on the table. “This is a company decision. It has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Sarah.” “Sarah is manager level; she has a better grasp of reality. She won’t lose her head over nothing like you do.” Mark’s tone was distant, holding her at arm's length. Chloe shot me a quick look, then immediately bowed her head to thank him. “Yes, I will work hard. Sarah... then I’ll have to trouble you to keep handling things in London.” I didn't speak. I just quietly picked up my things. Only after Chloe disappeared did Mark slowly stand up. He took off his suit jacket and placed it over my shoulders. “Are you angry?” “Chloe is fresh out of college, she hasn’t seen much of the world. She needs systematic learning at headquarters to grow.” “She’ll go back to the London branch sooner or later. I’m thinking about you, too—I’m training a top-tier assistant to send to you later.” I didn't argue. I picked up my bag and stood up. He moved to my side, quickly grabbing my briefcase from me. “Come on, I’ll take you to your hotel.” In the parking garage, I had just settled into the passenger seat when Mark took out a bakery box. “I had someone wait in line specifically to buy these for you.” He broke off a piece of a pastry and held it to my lips. But I didn't open my mouth like I usually would. “I don't have an appetite.” His hand paused awkwardly, then he moved to help me adjust my seatbelt. When he leaned in close, the woody cologne he was wearing was still the one I bought him last year. But as he pulled the shoulder strap, a pink, fluffy keychain hanging near the retractor immediately caught my attention. He froze for a second, then casually ripped it off. “That girl Chloe. She took the car to pick up files yesterday and insisted this seatbelt dug into her neck, so she put this cover on it.” He carelessly threw the pink fluffy thing into the center console storage bin, looking completely exasperated. “Seriously, she’s such a handful. Little girls just love this useless, fancy stuff.” In that storage bin, I used to keep my allergy medication. But now, that small bottle had been squeezed into a corner. The bin was filled with open packs of breath mints, artisanal chocolates, and miniature designer toys... If I remembered correctly, those were all things Chloe liked. I thought about the thousand-plus days and nights in London. Just to see him for a moment, I would work through lunch on Thursday and handle a whole day's worth of files on Friday. Only then could I make the 6:00 PM last flight to New York. Sometimes due to thunderstorms and delays, I would have to sit in the airport until dawn. He always said, “Sarah, the distance between us is so great; you really don't need to run back and forth so often.” Back then, I thought he was worried about me being tired. Only now did I understand that Mark Sterling was probably afraid I would walk in on the cozy nest he was preparing for someone else. Mark didn't notice my inner turmoil. He started the car, his expression normal. “Is your flight booked? I won’t be able to take you to the airport tomorrow.” “Chloe needs to get familiar with the processes; I have to take her around to the different departments.” He spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Only then did I realize that he had long considered me going to the airport alone as the most normal thing. I turned my head and spoke softly. “Mark, I’ve bought 157 round-trip tickets between London and New York. The destination of every single one was you.” “But before she passed, my mom told me that if you knock on a door for seven years and it doesn't open, it’s time to find a new path.” Mark slammed on the brakes, then reached out to pinch my cheek. “Your mother was just worried about you; she was talking out of frustration.” “I’ll reimburse you for the plane tickets. I promised at the meeting, didn't I? From now on, I’ll fly to see you. I won’t make you tire yourself out, okay?” He took out a piece of chocolate and stuffed it into my mouth. A sweetness that didn't belong to me spread through my mouth. “Be good. Don't throw a temper tantrum right now. When the London project ends, I promise I’ll bring you home.” The car stopped in front of the hotel. Mark didn't even kill the engine. He looked at his watch, then back at me. “Sarah, I’m really busy this afternoon. Go up and get some rest yourself.” He leaned in a bit, intending to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I leaned back almost like a reflex. “Mark Sterling, seven years is the limit. If you can’t make it happen, I’m not waiting for you anymore.” Mark let out a short laugh, his expression cool. “Stop talking nonsense, Sarah. It’s damp in London; remember to take your medication on time.” The next morning, I appeared punctually at the head office. When Human Resources saw the vacation request form I submitted, they were taken aback, then immediately understood and smiled. “Congratulations, Sarah. I’ve approved these ten days of wedding leave.” “I knew it. Mr. Sterling was just being emotional yesterday. After a night of you straightening him out, he must have rushed to propose to you.” Colleagues passing by heard her ambiguous teasing, and within half an hour, the news spread throughout the entire company. When I walked to the breakroom, several high-level executives I knew nodded at me in congratulation. “Sarah, you two have finally made it. Don't forget to invite us to the wedding.” I just smiled politely, neither confirming nor denying. “I still have to hand over some work; let's talk later.” I went to deliver the final report, not having yet entered the Chairman’s office. Through the crack in the door, I saw a sight that made my breath catch. In the Vice President’s office across the hall, Chloe was standing in front of the desk wearing a tight, professional skirt. Mark was leaning forward, his fingers reaching around her waist. It seemed the zipper was stuck, and he was patiently working on it. “This skirt isn't appropriate. Don't wear it next time.” Though his words were scolding, the tenderness in his eyes was something I had never seen before. Chloe giggled and snuggled closer into his arms, their posture intimate. “But I wanted to wear it for you, Mark.” Mark looked helpless and tapped her nose. “I failed to train a top-tier assistant, but I certainly raised a little troublemaker.” I curled my lips in a self-mocking smile and raised my hand to knock on the open door frame. The two inside quickly separated. When Mark saw it was me, the smile on his face vanished instantly. “Sarah, why are you still here? Weren't you supposed to fly to London today?” He looked at the papers in my hand and let out a long sigh of relief. “Is there a report that wasn't delivered? For a small thing like that, just have Chloe come pick it up.” Mark reached out to take them. Before his fingertips could touch mine, Chloe stepped ahead and grabbed them. “Sarah, I can handle this kind of grunt work. Mr. Sterling just praised me for being a fast learner and doing good work.” Mark nodded. “Chloe is right, Sarah. She is indeed a promising young professional.” At that moment, they truly looked like a great office mentor and mentee. Just then, the Chairman pushed open the door and walked in. As soon as he entered, he laughed heartily. “Mark, you rascal! Sarah’s wedding leave request has already made it to my desk.” “Do you two plan to have the wedding in London or here in New York?” “We have to make sure this wedding is done right for our company’s golden couple.” Mark’s hand froze violently. He looked up at me, first shocked, then anger flared in his eyes. “Chairman, our private matters aren't settled yet. Don't believe everything you hear, ha-ha.” The Chairman awkwardly rubbed his nose. Seeming to sense something was wrong, he made an excuse to leave. The door closed. Mark stood up and approached me. “Sarah Jenkins, you’ve really outdone yourself. You submitted a request for wedding leave!” “Acting like this—are you trying to force a marriage?” “What happened to the 'modern, independent woman' you always claim to be? Why are you suddenly rushing me and forcing my hand!” He lectured me without hiding his agitation. Chloe stood on the side, chiming in with a timely gasp. “Sarah, you actually submitted wedding leave...” “But Mark still has to take me to site inspections this afternoon. He... he won’t have time to help you prepare for a wedding.” Mark shot me a look of disgust and carelessly swiped a coffee mug off his desk. That mug was one I had custom-made and given to him. “Chloe, sorry you had to see this joke. The afternoon itinerary is unchanged. Go get busy first.” Chloe raised her eyebrows and gave me a meaningful, smug smile. “Okay, Mark. See you at our spot.” With that, she disappeared from my sight. Mark tugged at his tie, softening his voice. “Sarah, drop these little schemes.” “I am currently in a rising phase of my career. I will not let these private matters disrupt my plans.” “Either you use that approved time off to go on a vacation and get some rest—I'll cover all expenses.” “Or, if you are hell-bent on getting married right now, then you can find the groom yourself.” I didn't compromise as I usually did. I raised my head, meeting his gaze. “Fine. You said it.” After a busy week, I had almost forgotten Mark Sterling existed. He hadn't contacted me for days. He was waiting for me to bow my head, waiting for me to send a fearful, apologetic message to coax him like I used to. But I enjoyed the peace. During my free time, I even went to feel the long-absent ocean breeze. I preferred New York. The breeze here was gentle and lingering. Not like London—the air there was damp and carried a sense of brokenness. During those three years in London, I was always a stranger in a strange land. Countless times I woke up in the middle of the night, the only thing on my mind being the promises Mark had made to me by the sea. Until Friday afternoon, he proactively sent a text: [7:00 PM, a restaurant on the Upper East Side. Happy 7th Anniversary.] Looking at those words, my heart wavered slightly. New York's skyline, with its neon lights flickering bright and dim, reflected on Mark’s affectionate face. He pushed a jewelry box toward me. “Sarah, Happy 7th Anniversary.” My fingertips had just touched the box when his phone vibrated. On the screen, the name 'Chloe' was exceptionally jarring. Mark answered the phone. Chloe’s tearful voice immediately came through. “Mark, the power went out at my place. I’m so scared of the dark. I was cutting fruit just now and cut my hand. There’s so much blood...” Mark’s expression changed instantly. He gripped the phone, his voice filled with anxiety. “You’re bleeding? Is it serious? Do you have band-aids?” “Don't move around!” What a thoughtful three-question response. I withdrew my hand. Whatever was inside that box didn't matter anymore. He seemed to completely forget that I was sitting across from him, until Chloe cried out again on the other end. Mark looked up. Though his tone was gentle, he had clearly already made a decision. “Sarah, it’s not easy for Chloe being alone in New York. She must be terrified.” “She can handle it. I have to go over there right now.” “Can you wait for me for a bit?” He didn't wait for my answer. He had already stood up, grabbed his coat, and rushed out of the restaurant. I lived in London alone. I learned to change lightbulbs alone. I suffered alone... from initially only knowing how to cry, to later even being able to fix leaky pipes and carry heavy groceries upstairs... During that entire time, he never appeared by my side. Actually, I had long learned not to need him. Half an hour later, Chloe, with a band-aid wrapped around her finger, appeared at the table. She looked like a child who had done something wrong, shyly hiding behind Mark. “Sarah, I’m so sorry. I’m really too clumsy. I ruined your anniversary celebration.” Mark gentlemanly pulled out a chair for her, sitting down right beside her. “Sarah, Chloe worked with you, after all. Don't make her feel too uncomfortable.” The waiter began serving the food. Mark raised his hand to stop the plate of escargots. “Take it back. Replace it with fish soup.” That was a dish he used to order for me every single time we dated. “Sarah, your stomach isn't great. Don't eat anything too heavy tonight. Just have something light with Chloe.” I didn't even know who it was exactly that had the weak stomach. He ordered a black truffle steak, cut off a piece himself, and placed it on my plate. “Sarah, you need to nourish yourself. You work too hard in London.” I stared at that piece of meat, my throat aching with bitterness. Mark had forgotten—I was allergic to it. Before going to London, I accidentally ate black truffle and was sent to the ICU. He swore at my hospital bedside that he would never let this food appear in front of me again. Meanwhile, he was lowering his head, patiently picking the side dishes out for Chloe. “Chloe, your digestion is weak. If you can’t handle it, don't force yourself to eat it.” I picked up my fork and expressionlessly put the steak into my mouth. With my other hand under the table, I found my allergy medication and swallowed it down with the beef. Chloe’s hand slipped, spilling the soup in her bowl. “My skirt...” Her nostrils flared, and she was about to start crying again. Mark reacted quickly, directly grabbing the pocket square lying next to my hand, still in its bag. That was my 7th-anniversary gift to him. I had spent several nights in London embroidering it. He pulled out the square and wiped her skirt. “Why are you being so careless? Isn't this skirt your favorite?” Chloe mumbled softly, “Thank you, Mark. I like this skirt precisely because the person who gave it to me is so wonderful.” After Mark finished wiping, he casually threw the stained handkerchief onto the table. He looked up at me, seeing me looking at that crumpled mass, and looked a bit impatient. “I’m sorry. It’s just a handkerchief. Chloe would have cried her eyes out if her skirt was ruined.” “You always see the bigger picture. Don't throw a temper tantrum with me over such a small thing, okay?” I curled my lips into a self-mocking smile. “It’s fine. It served its purpose.” I stood up, walked straight to the front desk, and paid the bill. Mark chased out after me, wanting to take my hand. “Sarah, I’ll compensate you with a better one tomorrow.” I stepped aside, looking at the city lights. “Mark Sterling, there is no tomorrow for us.” He let out a short laugh, not taking these words seriously at all. “Stop it. Go back early and get some rest.” I turned around and didn't look back at him. The next morning, when Mark called me, I was in the middle of a wedding dress fitting. “Sarah, I have a wedding reception to attend tonight, so I need to get ready. I won’t accompany you shopping today.” I looked at the white gown in the mirror, my tone calm. “Okay.” He paused, seemingly feeling guilty, and added, “Chloe hasn’t seen much of these big events. I want to take her to learn a bit.” “You’ve long grown tired of this kind of event. Going would just be networking for you, so you might as well get some rest.” “Be good. I’ll make it up to you tonight and bring you back some late-night takeout.” I gripped the phone, looking at myself in the mirror—bright and stunning. “I know.” Hanging up the phone, I turned to look at the bridesmaid next to me. “Move the veil back a bit. I don't want to cover my face.” The Miller wedding reception was set at the most exclusive hotel in New York. When Mark arrived on the arm of Chloe, they indeed stunned quite a few people. Chloe smiled shyly, standing next to Mark—a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Someone went over to tease him. “Vice President Sterling, is this the lady who has been with you for seven years?” Mark didn't explain, just smiled ambiguously. Chloe generously tightened her grip on his arm, nodding politely to everyone. Mark scanned the room. For some reason, he felt empty inside. He subconsciously touched his pocket; it was empty. Normally, during his networking events, Sarah would have ordered food delivery for him beforehand and prepared hangover medication. The ceremony began, the lights dimmed, and everyone’s attention focused on the entrance. “Now, let us welcome our bride.” The doors opened. Mark was casually drifting off in thought. But when he saw that figure clearly, the wine glass in his hand actually fell to the floor.
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