Chapter 19 - The Broken Reunion
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A year after the wedding, I attended a regional business gala hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
I was standing near the grand bar, chatting with two major real estate developers about a prospective commercial financing project, when a familiar voice called out my name from behind.
I turned around. Standing a few feet away was Trevor.
He was wearing a cheap, off-the-rack suit that fit him poorly. The cocky, arrogant posture he had displayed at the wedding was completely gone, replaced by a hollow, defeated look.
“Claire,” Trevor said, taking a cautious step forward. “I thought that was you.”
“Trevor,” I replied, my tone politely neutral.
My business associates excused themselves, sensing a personal interaction.
“I just wanted to say... congratulations on the new firm expansion,” Trevor said nervously, shifting his weight. “I saw the article in the Business Journal.”
“Thank you.”
He cleared his throat, looking down at his scuffed leather shoes. “Look, I... I really regret how things went down. I was completely blind to what your dad and Madison were doing. The annulment went through six months ago, but... my reputation in the restaurant industry took a massive hit.”
He looked up at me with desperate, pleading eyes. “I’m trying to launch a new catering company. Small scale. I was wondering if... if maybe your firm would consider offering a small line of credit?”
I looked at Trevor, seeing the exact same entitlement that had infected my father and sister—the endless search for a shortcut funded by someone else's labor.
“We don't finance high-risk ventures, Trevor,” I said clearly. “I suggest you apply for a standard SBA loan like everyone else.”
May you like
Before he could plead further, I turned on my heel and walked toward a group of corporate executives who were waving me over.
I didn't hate Trevor. I simply didn't care. He was a ghost from a past life that no longer had any access to my world.
