Chapter 2
Cynthia had met Zaiden ten years ago, right after she got into a prestigious university.
He was the president of the student council, well–connected, handsome, with an athletic build and strong leadership. Practically every girl on campus had a crush on him.
Because of him, Cynthia joined the student council too. That’s when she found out he already had a girlfriend, Belinda.
They made a perfect couple; even their family backgrounds matched.
Cynthia thought she didn’t stand a chance, so she just admired him from afar.
Everything changed when Belinda ignored Zaiden’s advice and dove headfirst into the entertainment industry. From that point on, they lost contact.
Then one day, Zaiden showed up and asked Cynthia out.
Those were the happiest days of her life. They started to date.
Eventually, it seemed only natural that they’d get married until Belinda reappeared.
Seeing him standing there silently, Cynthia assumed he was giving tacit approval. She walked into the bedroom to start packing.
Zaiden followed her in and grabbed her arm just as she was putting her things into a suitcase.
“What are you doing? We’ve only married for a week. Do you want us to become a laughingstock?”
Cynthia yanked her arm free, her voice cold.“I am already the laughingstock.”
“I had my assistant remove all the online posts. No one will dare post anything about you.”
Cynthia stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking. I won’t be staying here. Please handle the paperwork as soon as possible, Mr. Gwinnett.”
Her phone rang, it was a call from work. Cynthia picked up while zipping up her suitcase and walked out.
Lisa Murray, the maid, started after her, but Zaiden’s cold voice stopped her. “Let her go. She wants to throw a tantrum? Fine. Let’s see how long it takes before she comes crawling back.”
Lisa watched him turn away and shut the door behind him with a sigh.
Cynthia drove herself to the office in her Model X Plaid. It was the car she’d loved at first sight. Zaiden had offered to buy it for her, but she insisted on paying for it herself.
Back in college, she’d started working part–time jobs, saving up to start her own business.
After graduation, instead of joining a company like everyone else, she gathered a group of artists and started a visual effects
studio.
They worked on everything from.commercials to television and film.
In just a few years, they had built an impressive reputation in the industry.
Her assistant, Kendall Mason, saw her pull into the lot and snuck a glance. She knew all about the online rumors but didn’t dare say a word, just got straight to business.
“Ms. Gwinnett, everyone’s already here. Mr. Ferguson came today.”
Cynthia gave a simple nod and walked forward.
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* Chapter2
Kendall snuck another glance at her. As always, Cynthia wore her hair in a low ponytail, dressed in a sleek suit, walking with purpose with classic alpha vibes.
Cynthia was brilliant in every way and fiercely loyal in love. How did she end up being abandoned by the groom at her wedding?
Inside the conference room.
As soon as Cynthia stepped in, she saw a crowd.
She looked around and noticed the seat next to Braiden Ferguson was empty, so she headed that way.
Braiden lounged in his chair, his long legs stretched so far they nearly reached the empty seat.
Cynthia gave him a polite smile. “Mr. Ferguson.”
Braiden slowly pulled his legs back.
She nodded at him with practiced grace.
He smiled faintly, his charming eyes almost electric.
Cynthia sat upright, composed.
Peter Wesley gathered up his papers.
“We’ve called this meeting today to announce our final decision. The anime, St. Bethia“, will be undertaken by the studio under the Ferguson Group.”
Applause broke out, except for Kendall and Cynthia, who both looked stunned.
“If there’s nothing else, we’ll be on our way.”
Peter stood to leave, but Cynthia quickly followed him out.
While others congratulated Braiden, Cynthia pulled Peter aside and lowered her voice.
“Peter, didn’t we already agree that our studio would take the lead on this project?”
“I know, Ms. Gwinnett. But the Ferguson Group made a more competitive offer. I know the quality of your studio’s production, but this wasn’t my call alone.”
Just as Cynthia opened her mouth to argue, Peter lowered his voice further.
“You know as well as I do that a good animation project is never done by just one company. If you can convince Mr. Ferguson. to subcontract a segment to you, that’d still be a win.”
Cynthia sighed and rubbed her forehead.
In recent years, domestic special effects have made a huge progress, and local animated films are getting better. Landing a major project like this could bring huge returns.
There was no way she could let this opportunity–slip away.
Kendall came up beside her to speak, but before she could, Braiden strolled over.
Now that he was standing, his full height, six foot two, made him tower over Cynthia’s five–foot–seven frame, exuding
pressure.
“Ms. Cynthia, good game.”
Cynthia gave a polite, professional smile. Congratulations, Mr. Ferguson.”
*No need to be discouraged. This project’s big, but we’ve got others coming up. We won’t be competing with you for
Chapter
everything.”
Cynthia replied evenly, Thanks, Mr. Ferguson. But that didn’t make me feel any better.”
Braiden laughed. “I know you won’t give up. I wasn’t trying to cheer you up. Anyway, I’ve got other things to handle.”
As he turned to leave, Kendall looked furious.
“He’s really a smug bastard. Snatched the deal and still had to rub it in. Wait, Ms. Cynthia, where are you going?”
Cynthia was already walking toward Braiden.
He stopped mid–step, the same amused smirk still on his lips.
“Ms. Cynthia, something else you need?”
“Mr. Ferguson, do you have time for lunch? It’s on me.”
“Lunch, huh? Let’s see… Braiden turned to his assistant.
Jack Hudson looked completely baffled. Hadn’t Braiden told him earlier that he was free?
“I am afraid that Mr. Ferguson can’t make it. He’s got a client from Britain for a face–to–face meeting”
Braiden gave Cynthia an apologetic smile. I would love to but still sorry.”
“What about dinner?
Dinner might not be appropriate.”
“Tomorrow, then? Cynthia clearly wasn’t giving up.
Braiden looked to Jack again.
Jack replied respectfully, Mr. Ferguson will be out of town on business tomorrow. Likely he won’t have time.”
Braiden gave Cynthia one last apologetic look, then walked away with long strides.
Kendall hurried up to Cynthia. “Ms. Cynthia, are you seriously trying to get a piece of this project from him?”
“I’ve read the script for “St. Bethia“. It has real potential to break global records. I want to be a part of it. If our company’s name
in the credits, it’ll do wonders for our future.”
ends up
“So what now?”
Let’s head back to the office. I’ll think of something.”
The next morning.
Kendall, the first one to arrive, froze when she saw Cynthia, freshly washed and standing in the middle of the room.
Normally, Cynthia wore light makeup. This was Kendall’s first time seeing her without it, and honestly, she looked better than most actresses. Better than Belinda, by a mile.
“Ms. Cynthia… you spent the night here?”
Tve been staying at the office lately. Once I find a place, I’ll move out.”
Kendall didn’t ask further.
They got busy, and a few days passed.
Cynthia heard from a friend that Braiden would be out of town for a few more days.
Peter was about to start making the anime. Just as she was debating whether to fly to meet him in person, her phone rang. It was
a call from Zaiden.
