Part 3Thirty Two Secrets Seven Thousand Goodbyes

That evening, I saw him the moment I walked into the private room at the bistro.

Jordan.

He wasn't as handsome as his photos, but he had a clean, effortless charm.

When he saw Cassidy walk in holding my hand, his smile faltered for a split second.

A colleague started chanting, “Okay, Cassidy! You told us you had a boyfriend, but we all thought he was a ‘fake boyfriend’ to keep the interns away. We didn't realize he was actually a model!”

Cassidy leaned into me, smiling naturally.

“I just didn't want you guys getting jealous. We’ve been together for seven years. Long-distance. He’s been working back home in the public sector.”

There were whistles and claps.

I watched Jordan out of the corner of my eye. He picked up his glass and took a long, heavy swallow.

“Seven years?”

He finally spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but the table went quiet.

“You guys must be really solid.”

He looked at me with an innocent, curious expression.

“So why wouldn't you move here for her? Are you... just keeping her as a backup plan?”

The air froze for a couple of seconds.

A coworker laughed awkwardly, trying to break the tension. “Jordan’s had a few too many. He’s just joking.”

I didn't get angry. I didn't mention that I’d already quit my job to be with her.

“I think it’s important to take care of yourself first,” I said, offering a tight smile. “I put my own career first. I don't think there’s anything wrong with that.”

He opened his mouth but couldn't find a comeback.

Cassidy’s grip on my hand tightened, her face stiffening.

“It was a mutual decision,” she said. “I wanted to build my career first. Once I’m settled, I’m going home to marry him.”

Jordan went pale. He looked down and reached for the bottle again.

Later, I slipped away to the restroom.

On my way back, I heard voices around the corner.

“...what’s the deal with Cassidy’s boyfriend? He just appears out of thin air?”

“No idea. I totally thought she and Jordan were a thing. They’re always together—dinners, late nights at the office. She’s so protective of him.”

“Me too. I thought they were just keeping it low-key because of HR.”

“Now that the ‘real’ guy is here, look at Jordan’s face. Yikes.”

“I mean, they’re inseparable, and suddenly this ‘fiancé’ type shows up. Who wouldn't be gutted?”

There was a pause, then a sigh.

“Honestly? I think Jordan is a better fit. They’re both in the city, both grinding. What does the small-town guy bring to the table besides seven years of history?”

“Isn't seven years enough?”

“Since when is history enough to pay the bills? You think Cassidy is actually going to give up her VP track to move back to the middle of nowhere?”

I stood there, my nails digging into my palms.

Back in the room, I sat down and just... watched.

Cassidy was talking to the person next to her about project deadlines, but every few minutes, her eyes would drift.

To Jordan.

He was slumped over his drink, his face flushed, looking like a kicked puppy.

Every time she looked at him, her brow furrowed with a tiny, pained crease.

The atmosphere was thick with a tension I was done with.

“I’m tired,” I said. “I’m heading back.”

Cassidy immediately stood up. “I’ll take you.”

Before she could grab her coat, Jordan looked up and let out a sharp, bitter laugh.

“Come on, Cassidy. Seriously?”

His voice was airy, somewhere between drunk and mocking.

“He’s a grown man. Is he going to get lost on the way to the Uber?”

The table went silent. People looked at their phones or suddenly found their salads very interesting.

Cassidy’s frown deepened.

I stood up and grabbed my bag. “Don't worry about it. Stay with your friends. I’ll find my own way.”

I didn't look at anyone as I walked out.

Cassidy didn't follow me.