BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 37

•SHELBY•

From the moment I arrived at work the next day, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The atmosphere was thick with tension, evident from the hushed whispers and furtive glances directed my way. It was clear that another issue involving me had arisen.

Navigating my way towards the elevator, I encountered Adam stepping out. Upon spotting me, he immediately hastened over.

My surprise turned into bewilderment as he unexpectedly grasped my arm and guided me in the opposite direction.

"What's happening?" I managed to inquire.

"No time for the office. The press conference starts in five minutes," he responded urgently.

The confusion was mounting, but I reserved my questions until we reached our ground floor conference room. As I entered, a realization struck: reporters were filtering in.

Today's press conference hadn't been part of my prior knowledge. Neither Adam nor anyone else had informed me yesterday. Though perplexing, I withheld my queries until we were inside the room.

Reporters settled into chairs arranged in two rows, all facing a small stage adorned with a lengthy table, microphones, and two single armchairs.

I directed a whispered question at Adam, "What's all this about?"

He replied with a gesture, urging me to take a seat at the stage table.

Offering him a muted glare, I seated myself and confronted the reporters whose focus was entirely on me. Their devices were poised, ready for action.

Press conferences had never been my forte. The tension consistently induced a certain queasiness, and I was perpetually unprepared for the queries journalists threw my way. They were well aware that their questions often provoked annoyance or offense.

In my stiff armchair, discomfort settled as I observed my father's entrance. He ascended the stage, barely sparing me a glance, and took a seat beside me.

As the room hushed, he addressed the reporters, his words initially capturing my attention but gradually slipping away. My concern had shifted to William.

After our confrontation at the pool, I had cut all contact with him. Ignoring his presence around the house brought a measure of peace to my life. The pain endured from this was a small cost compared to the suffering he had inflicted.

To evade the reporters' scrutinizing gazes, I gazed down, focusing on my painted nails while time passed unnoticed and the meeting blurred into obscurity.

"Due to the termination of our contract, we are officially disassociating from Elite Enterprises. Additionally, my daughter and Mr. Fontane have decided to end their engagement due to personal reasons unrelated to the contract termination. I hope this clarifies any misconceptions. Are there any questions?"

At the proclamation of our breakup, my gaze shot up to my father.

The announcement had caught me off guard; I hadn't anticipated it today, or that he had listened to my pleas. The news ignited a frenzied outburst of questions from the reporters, their cameras flashing in every direction.

My father glanced at me, his expression inscrutable, before redirecting his attention to the reporters.

Mixed emotions surged within me - a part of me felt relief while another part ached, realizing I would no longer share a life with William, ending our charade as a couple, a role I had grown accustomed to.

But this was what I wanted. There was no turning back now.

OoO

I didn't see William at work the whole day, and he wasn't around during the press conference this morning.

Deciding to avoid any awkward confrontation, I hurried home after work to start packing my things.

As I placed each piece of clothing into my suitcase, my heart grew heavier with each passing moment.

I paused, looking around the room for a moment. I had become accustomed to this room and house while living here with him.

Leaving is tough, even though everything that happened was temporary. But I guess some things aren't meant to last.

My gaze shifted to the doorway, and there he was, leaning against the door, arms folded, and a blank expression on his face.

I turned back to my suitcase on the bed and continued packing, acting as if he wasn't there.

"Why'd you do it?" His sudden question caught me off guard, and I froze.

He was asking about canceling the agreement too soon.

"Do I really have to find out from the news?" His voice grew louder, and I clenched the clothes in my hands.

"It was bound to happen eventually," I replied.

Suddenly, he grabbed my arm tightly, and I was spun around to face him. He was close, almost touching.

"Look at me and tell me why you decided to cancel our agreement behind my back."

I kept a calm expression and gently pulled his hand away.

"I don't need to update you on everything. I canceled because I wanted to. You should be happy I'm doing you a favor."

I turned back to the bed and angrily threw the rest of the clothes into the suitcase without folding them neatly.

Concentration was hard to come by with him standing so close, his breath on my neck.

"Why are you avoiding me?"

His question stopped me, and I stared at the wall in front of me.

I hoped he wouldn't ask, because it was true – I was running. I didn't want him to know, as he might see me as a coward.

But he was the issue, one I couldn't easily solve.

"Why is it so hard to give me another chance? Do you have to go this far?"

Tears welled up, and my throat tightened.

His body pressed against my back, and my legs nearly buckled. This was wrong. He shouldn't be this close. He was making things harder.

"I already told you... we won't work."

"Because you're convincing yourself of that. We can figure it out, and you know how I feel. Stop being so hard on yourself."

Tears streamed down my face. I zipped the suitcase shut and placed it on the floor, then pulled up the handle.

Facing him once more, I managed a weak smile.

"I'm leaving. It was nice working with you, Mr. Fontane."

I extended my hand for a handshake, and he hesitated before shaking it.

As I tried to pull away, his grip tightened, and he pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me.

"I love you, Shelby."

His words caught me off guard. I never expected to hear them, not now.

Was he toying with me again? What was he doing?

He loosened his embrace slightly, looking at me but not letting go.

"Stay. Please." His words were hesitant, and the sincerity in his eyes washed away my doubts.

I almost gave in. The desire to stay resurfaced, but I knew I couldn't throw everything away and say yes. My life would turn upside down.

I couldn't afford to lose control over this. Nor could I accept his love, knowing I couldn't return it.

I stepped back, gripping the suitcase handle. One final look, and I walked out, saying nothing.

Sacrificing my feelings for him, for my own peace, was the right thing to do. What's done is done.