Chapter 48

Olivia's cutting words immediately silenced the room. My face, devoid of emotion, remained impassive as I sat clutching my phone tightly. A cold sneer played across Olivia's features as she glanced at me before leaving the room. Once she was gone, hushed whispers resumed.

"She really knows how to bluff!" "Indeed. Ever since Emily left, some people seem to have developed an inflated sense of self-importance in the department!" "I wonder when Director Hopkins will be back. We better watch our words until he returns. You never know who might be listening!"

I remained stoic, mindlessly doodling on the design draft. I was well aware that no matter who you are, someone will talk behind your back. However, they spoke of Director Hopkins, whom I was curious to meet. He was said to be the Head of Design and a highly capable individual. Alas, he was on a business trip.

Third-Person POV

On the top floor, in Mr. Strakovski's office, Lukas's phone buzzed, displaying "Emily Scholl." He hesitated before answering.

"What do you mean by all this, Lukas?" Emily began, her tone accusatory. Lukas's impatience flickered in his eyes. "What's the matter?" "You've never defended me like this before," Emily's voice grew teary. "Are you really interested in her?"

Learning about the situation in the United States from Olivia's call had sent her into a whirlwind of emotions. She hadn't anticipated such drastic changes since leaving.

"The internet media wasn't as advanced back then," Lukas responded, frowning.

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet

"But can she even compare to me? I was your girlfriend for six years, while she's just a woman with a marriage certificate!" Emily's voice rose defiantly.

Lukas's expression turned cold. "At least she has that marriage certificate. Unlike you!"

Tears filled Emily's eyes. "I loved you so much. How could you treat me like this?"

"You were the one who wanted to get married, but you also stood me up and wanted to leave. Nobody forced you, Emily," Lukas said sternly.

"I did it because I felt like you didn't love me! I wanted to show you that you cared!" Emily cried. "Don't you feel it?"

Lukas's voice remained cold. "So, you think by standing me up repeatedly, you can prove whether I love you or not? Your behavior is childish."

Panicking, Emily sensed she was losing him. Her career and proving his love suddenly seemed inconsequential. All she wanted was to be with him again. "Listen, I'm coming back to the United States. Can you please get a divorce? No one in our families knows about your marriage. If you do this, we can act like none of this ever happened. Is that okay?"

"That's wishful thinking," he stated firmly.

Only Emily and the Lopez family knew about his marriage to Sophia. Each time Emily stood him up, she had someone secretly monitor him outside the Civil Affairs Bureau, a fact Lukas was aware of. The rest of his family and the Scholl family believed Emily had gone abroad; they were oblivious to his marriage.

Emily felt herself on the brink of a breakdown. "Lukas, have you truly fallen for that woman?" she cried hysterically.

His expression darkened, and he abruptly hung up. His phone rang again immediately. Exasperated, Lukas answered without checking the caller ID. "Are you done yet?"

Unspoken Farewell at 10,000 Feet

The person on the phone paused. "What's got you all worked up? You seem irritable!"

Lukas glanced at his phone and recognized Elias Schmidt. Lukas and Elias were close friends, having formed a strong bond while studying abroad.

Rubbing his forehead, Lukas mumbled, "Nothing's wrong!"

Respecting his friend's privacy, Elias suggested, "We haven't seen each other for days. How about meeting at our usual place tonight for a drink?"

Lukas agreed, "See you tonight!"

Hanging up, Lukas stared at his computer screen, fixated on Emily's question about whether he had fallen for Sophia. What does it mean to truly like someone? He never let others easily discern his preferences. He'd been a smoker, but quit. He knew he had the strength to let go of anything. His marriage to Sophia was simply going with the flow.

Lost in thought, Martins knocked and entered. "Mr. Strakovski, Miss Elena Schmidt is here. She's accompanied by Gerald and says she's here to apologize."