It was obvious what people would say. Cynthia Rivera would get labeled as desperate, shameless, the kind of woman who'd go so far as to force a man into marriage. And the worst part? After everything, the guy just walked away, not even pretending to care about saving her pride. The gossip would be brutal. Cynthia would end up with all sorts of ugly labels, her reputation trashed in a single night.

For any girl, that would have been too much. So, to save face for Cynthia and her family, both sides decided to keep quiet and let the engagement party fade into the background, like it never happened.

Of course, that only made things more confusing for everyone else. From the outside, it just looked like Tristan Davis and Cynthia Rivera might still have

something going on.

Emily Blair had heard Tristan promise her more than once that he'd handle it. This was what he meant by handling it. That post on his social media was a clear announcement to everyone. He had a girlfriend, and it wasn't Cynthia Rivera. Anyone paying attention would get the message.

Emily couldn't help but smile a little.

Their real three-month anniversary wasn't even today. It was a few days away. Tristan just posted early, probably to shut down all the rumors.

Elizabeth Wilson noticed and grinned. "What's going on, Emily? You look way too happy over there."

Emily quickly liked Tristan's post, then straightened up and put on a calm face. "Nothing, just heading out. Time to clock off."

Elizabeth nodded, clearly satisfied after catching the whole drama. "Same here. I have to take my grandma to the doctor tonight anyway."

They said goodbye in the parking garage, and Elizabeth left.

Emily got into her car. As the driver pulled onto the street, the neon lights from the city outside painted colorful patterns across the window, lighting up her face in flashes.

She glanced down at her phone and sent Tristan a message. Still busy?

He replied almost right away. Not busy. Miss me?

Emily smiled to herself. Want to video chat?

Normally, Tristan was the one

asking seeing

a video call But after

his post she figured sh

I be the one to reach out.

To her surprise, he said no.

Not right now.

Emily paused. Why not?

She watched as the typing bubble

appeared and disappeared. Foranet

while nothing came through Then finally, another message

Still busy...

Emily frowned. You just said you weren't busy. What's going on?

Over in his office, Tristan sat back in his chair, legs crossed, a frown on his face as he typed.

Something just came up. An employee needed me. I should get back to work. Talk later.

Think of me.

Emily didn't dwell on it.

Alright, go do your thing.

On the other end, Tristan let out a long breath. He glanced around his

office. The place was empty, just The

him alone. Every file was already taken care of all his work for the day

was done He was actual he day

just

about to leave.