Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN DEREK COULDN'T REPLACE
Derek had always underestimated me.
When we were together, I helped him build financial projections.
Reviewed freight costs.
Corrected contract errors.
And worked late nights trying to save his struggling company.
He called it helping.
I called it love.
Then he left me.
Three weeks later, Kendra moved into our condo.
Derek told everyone we'd grown apart.
He never mentioned the work I'd done.
Never mentioned the money I'd lent him.
And never mentioned that his first major investor presentation had been built from my analysis.
Now his company was facing scrutiny.
And he wanted me to fix it again.
He called the following morning.
I answered after the third ring.
“Mallory.”
His voice sounded strained.
“We need to talk.”
“No.”
“Please.”
I looked toward the kitchen.
Dominic was making coffee.
Badly.
He insisted he was improving.
I smiled.
“Derek, your attorneys should contact Black Harbor's legal team.”
He exhaled.
“Come on. You know me.”
“Yes.”
My voice became quiet.
“I do.”
Silence.
Then he whispered:
“I made mistakes.”
I looked out the window.
“Yes.”
“Can you help me?”
I closed my eyes.
For six years, I'd helped him.
And he'd made me feel lucky to be needed.
Now I understood the difference between being loved and being useful.
May you like
“No, Derek.”
Then I ended the call.
