Page 92 of A Bossy Roommate
“All right, spill,” he says. “What happened?”
I spend the next ten minutes telling him about the phone call with my attorney, revealing the harsh truth that winning a case against Rob is outright impossible. That it feels like I’m getting farther and farther away from any sense of justice because I have no proof. I admit to Carter that it was a consequence of my own actions, my own foolishness. I had placed my trust in a man who had turned out to be a master manipulator of words. His extensive network of friends and connections are a result of his expertly crafted façade, and I can’t compete with that.
By the time I’m done, Carter is shaking his head. “Ridiculous. I don’t want to accept that.”
I sigh, pushing my food around with my fork, not very hungry anymore. “And you want to know what the most screwed-up part is?”
“All of it?”
“Besides that. I was the bold one. I was the one who took the leap and asked him to marry me. I even told all my friends about it, feeling so proud that I’d made the first step, defying conventional rituals.”
I pause. Oddly enough, I don’t find it as difficult as usual to admit to why I’m hurting—especially to a man who hardly ever messes up. Gathering up the last shred of bravery I have, I finally voice what is causing such turmoil that I hadn’t even shared it with my own sister. “Finding that one true love has always been my biggest dream. To be with one man for the rest of my life, knowing that we can overcome anything together, from reconciling after the worst arguments, to wholeheartedly backing us in all our crazy pursuits and heartfelt endeavors, and ultimately, growing old together, hand in hand…you know,being able to share everything without the fear of being abandoned…”
I pause and look at Carter. His gaze is tender, soft even, and he nods once, slowly, as if this thought is new to him, but not necessarily a bad thing.
“In short,” I continue, “I wanted to be loved for who I was. I thought Rob was the man who loved me unconditionally.” I take another deep breath. “So, I popped the question and asked him to become my husband. Consequently, it came back to bite me. He claimed that I ‘forced myself upon him’ and he justified his actions of safeguarding our joint financial resources as a means to protect himself from potential misuse. According to him, I was driven by my bruised ego after he backed out. It struck a chord with those who were unaware of the truth, despite my numerous attempts to set things straight. But I guess it was a good life lesson…luckily, I found out before I said I do. Imagine being stuck with him, ugh!”
“Don’t do that.”
I frown, glancing up at Carter. He stares at me with a serious expression. “Don’t do what?”
“Don’t backtrack.”
“I’m not backtracking. I’m trying to stay positive.”
“You don’t have to put other people’s feelings before yours to be positive.”
“That’s not what I was doing. I was only saying that I could take it as a good thing that I wasn’t stuck in a shitty marriage with a man who doesn’t love me and doesn’t deserve me.”
“Why is that a good thing when the outcome of everything was a complete disaster? You know, Eden, let me share with you one of the most profound realizations I’ve had in my lifetime: Shit happens.”
I snort, grateful that he made me laugh.
“There’s no point in blaming yourself when it’s blatantly evident that you’re not at fault,” he continues. “You move forward, focusing on your goals. And you never backtrack, and you never apologize for standing your ground. Simple as that.”
For once, I have no response. I sit there for a moment, thinking about what Carter said. “I see your point,” I tell him.
“But also give yourself more time to process the fact there are plenty of shitheads around, and while you do that, don’t let a shithead get inside your head. Just like with Huxley. You met the CFO, and pretty much immediately, you realized he’s one of those shitheads.”
I nod. Carter’s right. I had disliked Huxley from the very beginning, not just because of his outdated, condescending 1950s attitude toward working women.
“Can you imagine that he managed to deceive even me once?” he asks.
“You?Youfell for Huxley?”
There’s something in his gaze, something vulnerable that oddly makes him appear even stronger. He nods, a grin turning up his lips. “I was young and inexperienced. Under his direction, I devised a strategic plan aimed at yielding favorable results for the company. During my presentation, Huxley diverted the conversation by introducing doubts and questions about my plan.” Little by little, the smile fades. “I’m serious, Eden. You know how much Legacy means to me and how hard I work every day to become partner. It’s not just about being the best, although that’s pretty important to me. I want to strengthen Legacy in every way I can. I want to be part of something bigger and meaningful—of a company where we create opportunities, where we drive innovation and shape the direction of the industry. Where people enjoy working. Where they get job stability and the salary they deserve. Where we’re cultivating the best out of people and giving them ownership and opportunitiesfor growth and leadership as we continue to expand. Where weempowerthem. It’s always been like that. The nine-to-five routine and a picket fence existence,” he gives me a mischievous look, “that has never been what I wanted.”
My heart melts. I know Carter is a strict but fair boss, but hearing him reveal a part of his soul—a very hardworking and ambitious soul—stirs and awakens something inside me.
“Back to Huxley,” he continues. “It didn’t take long for me to see through him, but unlike you, I took that mistake as a lesson and moved on. You should do the same. With Rob.”
That’s actually good advice, and his words make me smile. For some reason, they calm my stormy heart. Hopefully, giving myself time and space to understand and accept this new phase in my life will help me come to terms with my shaken sense of self-worth.
“Thank you, Carter.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime.” Carter holds his wineglass out in a toast, and I tap my glass to his. “Also, I’ll talk to Vance, if you’re okay with it. There must be something that can be done, and the fact that your lawyer took so long to call you back is unacceptable—and pretty shitty. Your ex-fiancé is not going to get away with this. This will also help you get some closure.”
“Really? I wouldn’t want to waste your lawyer’s time. I might not be able to pay for?—”