Day Forty-Three…
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Abigail left the EDSJ Five Star Hotel together with Nathan without informing Dave, Ana, and Santra. Dave had been looking for her around the venue but didn't see her.
"Ana, where is your CEO, Mr. Chang? He went out together with Abi a while ago. Until now, they haven't returned yet." Dave felt worried without seeing Abigail. Abigail told him she would return right away after meeting the investor.
"I don't know. Santra and I are also looking for them." Ana replied.
Santra also joined them after checking the other areas. "I saw CEO Chang together with his fiancé, Lady Nadia. It seems that the two are arguing in the hallway. CEO Chang has a serious expression on his face. I immediately looked away and turned around, not disturbing the two."
Ana and Dave exchanged glances with one another. If Richard was with Nadia, then how about Abigail? Where did she go?
"Don't tell me… she is the only one talking with the sponsor? What if that sponsor has an ill motive like Jun Shen?! Abi will be in trouble again." Ana expressed her concern toward Abigail.
When she mentioned those words, Dave's face contorted and his expression darkened. He wouldn't let anyone harm or take advantage of Abigail.
"We have to find her!" Dave declared. He glanced at Santra and said, "Where did you see Richard Chang? Guide me. I will ask him myself about Abigail's whereabouts."
Both Santra and Ana could only bob their heads. This was the first time they saw Dave getting mad. He was surrounded by a chilly aura. Without further ado, Santra guided Dave and Ana to the direction where she last saw Richard and Nadia.
Meanwhile, Nadia was trying to apologize to Richard at the fire exit. Nadia pulled Richard there to avoid getting seen by other guests.
"Richard. I'm sorry. I doubted you. It's just that… I'm jealous. You haven't told me that Abigail was attending tonight's event. You even prepared a special comeback performance for her. Why did you do that? This made me think that Abigail Scarlett is so special to you."
Richard frowned upon hearing her words. He thought she would apologize to him. But here she was, still questioning and doubting his actions.
"We've already discussed this matter before. Abigail Scarlett deserves this Comeback. She is a hardworking artist and I acknowledge her passion and dedication to her work. Indeed, she is special to me as one of the talented artists under my management. But our relationship is only about work… not the thing your family is accusing me of." Richard didn't hide his unhappiness as he spoke to her.
"Of all the people… Nadia. I thought you would believe me… despite those false rumors. But I was wrong. You didn't fully trust me. And do you know what hurts me more?" Richard paused for a moment, grabbing her shoulders while staring into her eyes intently. Nadia could only bite her lower lip, her face filled with regrets.
"Your family is still thinking that I am only after your wealth. They made me feel that I don't deserve you. You are above me because of our social status. Yes, I admit. I'm not that rich compared to your family. But is it really necessary to look down on my background? On what I have? Your family thinks of me as someone who is only in love with your money and family wealth! I felt insulted. My ego is hurt."
"I tried my best to show my sincerity to them… but until now, they didn't approve of me. Fine… I can't do this anymore. I don't want to be treated like trash… like a bad person who is deceiving their beloved princess. Nadia… I'm giving you back your freedom. Let's break up."
Nadia lost the ability to speak when she heard Richard's last remarks. If she felt heartbroken a while ago, her feeling right now was ten times the pain of being cheated on. She was angry with herself because Richard's words made sense to her. It was her fault and she couldn't blame Richard.
Richard stood there, letting go of her shoulders. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. He wanted to take back his words but his pride wouldn't let him do that. He was angry and he was also in pain. It did not take long before he turned around to leave Nadia. If he stayed there, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to let her go. But he needed time and space at this moment.
When Richard walked away, Nadia could only watch his departing back. She didn't have enough courage to stop him. The moment Richard disappeared from her sight, Nadia finally broke down. She dropped to the floor as she felt her legs giving out.
Nadia's body started to tremble as she sobbed. She cried and cried, tears just kept flowing from the corners of her eyes. She held her chest, feeling suffocated. Little did she know, Richard was still standing behind the door of the fire exit. He had the urge to go back but he restrained himself from doing so. He just punched the wall as his tears fell down his face.
He grabbed his phone and texted Madam Priyanshi. He could only rely on Nadia's mother. Nadia needed her mother's comfort right now. After making sure that Madam Priyanshi was on her way to see her daughter, Richard left the venue, letting his vice president entertain the guests, and continued the Star Gala.
On the other hand, Dave, Ana, and Santra were still looking for Richard and Nadia when they bumped into Madam Priyanshi in the hallway, near the fire exit. Ana and Santra greeted her politely.
"Why are you here? Are you looking for someone?" Madam Priyanshi noticed that the three were in a hurry.
"Yes. Madam. We are on our way to meet CEO Chang. We would like to ask him about Abigail. She hasn't returned to the venue yet." Ana explained to Madam Priyanshi.
"Oh, Abigail? She already left together with her boyfriend." Madam Priyanshi informed them.
Ana: "Boyfriend?!"
Santra: "Huh?!"
Dave: [ *Silent* ]
Madam Priyanshi nodded her head. "Yes. Mr. Nathan Sparks."
Dave's expression turned grim and he folded his fingers into a fist when he heard that. He couldn't explain how he felt at the mention of Nathan's name.
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