A Choice Not to Be Bought
Chapter 08 - A Choice Not to Be Bought
Back in Chicago, Adrian prepared to end his engagement. Victoria had expected an angry argument, a reconciliation, perhaps an expensive apology gift. Instead, he met her with two attorneys and quietly explained that the wedding was canceled. He would not discuss the trust investigation outside legal channels; he would not conceal her violence toward June.
Victoria stared at the unsigned wedding invitations on his desk. “You're choosing a servant over me.”
“I'm choosing not to marry someone who hits employees and misleads me about the foundation.”
“You think she loves you?”
“This isn't about romance, Victoria. It's about responsibility.”
Victoria left, furious. Within hours, news outlets reported the broken engagement. She accused Adrian of betraying their philanthropic partnership. He declined to trade insults.
June learned of the separation from an article. She was relieved, then annoyed at herself for feeling relieved. Adrian had become unexpectedly important to her, not because of his wealth but because he had begun asking difficult questions about the systems that made his wealth possible. Still, their lives were not equal. She worked night shifts; he owned the building.
When he asked to meet for coffee, she agreed only after her reinstatement was complete and the gala complaint closed. He arrived at a neighborhood café alone and ordered the cheapest drip coffee. June laughed at the sight of him staring helplessly at the self-service cream station.
“You have to do it yourself,” she teased.
“I'm learning.”
They talked about Daniel, Marian, and the foundation. Adrian apologized for how long he'd been absent from its work. June told him that an apology meant little without giving residents a voice. He agreed to propose seats for residents and independent advocates on the governance committee.
Before leaving, June asked, “Why are you being nice to me?”
May you like
Adrian considered the question. “Because you told the truth when it cost you something. I want to understand how to do that before it costs somebody else their home.”
She liked the answer. She was not yet ready to trust it.
