Chapter 57

6.1K 319 32
                                    

5 YEARS LATER

"Congratulations, Becky!" The moment I flicked on the lights in the conference room, cheers and applause erupted from the assembled crowd.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, though a smile quickly spread across my face as my staff enveloped me in hugs, one by one.

Once again, I had clinched the title of the most popular actress, and my team couldn't have been prouder. At times, I had doubted my own talent, thinking I was famous only because of Non. But now, I finally recognized my own abilities.

It had been five long years since my last movie with Non, and during that time, we hadn't crossed paths. Although we still maintained occasional contact, the production company hadn't paired us up for any projects. They believed it was time for us to grow independently, and we didn't object.

Five years had passed since I'd made that decision to prioritize my peace of mind. I had no regrets, but I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if I had made a different choice. Would I be happier? Would we be happier together?

"Becky, you're a superstar!" Nam nudged me, handing me a drink as the others reveled in the celebration. "You okay?"

While everyone around me enjoyed the festivities, my mind was adrift in contemplation. I reveled in my accomplishments, yet there was a persistent void within me.

"Just exhausted from the workload this week," I replied with a forced smile, sipping the drink Nam had handed me.

"Don't worry, tomorrow marks the end of the workweek, and then you've got a long weekend ahead," Nam reassured me, patting my shoulder.

"A three-day break doesn't sound all that long," I scoffed, chuckling.

"Why, you should be grateful for any time off. Some professions don't even get that," Nam teased, raising her eyebrows, and we both shared a laugh at her playful remark. "By the way, I won't be able to take you home tonight. I need to deliver some files to the CEO."

"The CEO's here?" I nearly jumped from my seat.

"The CEO of the brand you're endorsing, not the CEO of this company," Nam clarified, and I nodded. "You've always been like this, Becky. Tell me, what's the story between you and the CEO of this company? After she went to the UK, she never returned, and you two didn't even say goodbye despite being close."

"It's nothing. Work is work, and I've set boundaries for myself," I replied with a faint smile.

"Alright, but if you ever need someone to talk to, about anything, just give me a call, okay?" Nam said, brushing my hair gently. "I'll leave you to your 'me' time."

I chuckled and nodded at her.

Over the past five years, Nam and I had grown closer while working together. Whenever Irin was busy, she was the one I turned to for shopping trips. As for Zee, I hadn't seen him since that day. I had no idea where he went or whether he was still working with Saint. I had asked Irin about him, but he had vanished without a trace. Irin had tried to locate him, but he remained elusive.

Five years was a considerable stretch of time, and I could only hope that Zee had found his happiness wherever he was. He might have been disappointed in Freen and me, but he had always been understanding, and I believed he would understand my choices.

After the party, I walked alone to the parking lot. I was no longer haunted by stalkers or obsessed fans. For some reason, ever since Freen and I had separated for good, my life had been blissfully peaceful. No stalkers, no threats – just tranquility.

As I strolled and hummed to myself, a young boy suddenly darted onto the driveway, narrowly avoiding a collision with a passing car. Quick reflexes allowed me to grab his hand and pull him into a protective hug.

He was so young, perhaps only three years old.

The boy gazed up at me, his expression devoid of tears, and instead, he offered me a sweet smile, hugging me even tighter as if he had found solace in my embrace.

"Saif! Saif!" A woman in her forties, dressed as a nanny, hurried over, her face etched with worry. "I'm so sorry, Miss. This little one slipped away from me. Thank you! Thank you!"

I handed the boy back to her, and she expressed her gratitude profusely. The boy continued to fix his gaze on me, even as his nanny carried him away.

Once more, the boy whispered something to his nanny, and they returned to where I stood, taking me by surprise. The boy reached into his pocket and handed me something—a necklace. A locket containing a picture of Freen.

I watched them leave, bewildered. Who was that boy, and what did this gesture mean?

Leave Your Lover (18+) || FreenBecky [Completed]Where stories live. Discover now