Love You Enough to Leave You

He got out of the car and dashed straight towards her. The woman was none other than Tiffany, carrying a rubbish bag and dressed casually in a t-shirt and flip-flops. She waved to the security guard on duty as she walked past him. However, she had only taken a few steps when she encountered the sight of Carter racing towards her. Tiffany stopped short in her tracks. She froze for a moment. Then she quickly recovered her wits and strode off hastily in the other direction. Carter quickened his pace and caught up with her. Fearing that she’d slip off, he grabbed hold of her arm. “Wait, Tiffany! I have something to ask you,” Carter had long since abandoned every thought of preserving his cool image in his great urgency.

This exchange had roused the security guard’s suspicions. He ran out from his post and eyed Carter with distaste, saying, “Ms. Winters, do you need my assistance?” Carter broke in. “She’s my friend.” Tiffany glared at Carter. However, she was unwilling to escalate the matter further. Tiffany thus replied the security guard, saying, “I’m fine, Mr. Langston. He’s my friend.” The security guard fixed his gaze on Carter as he said, “That’s fine, Ms. Winters. Just give me a yell anytime you need my help.” Tiffany nodded. After the security guard had returned to his post, Tiffany said scornfully, “Mr. Scott, you’re indeed a jinx. Even the security guard thinks that you’re a bad seed.” Carter looked thunderous. “Tiffany, I didn’t come here to be insulted. I came to explain the matter regarding Amelia.” Carter decided to get directly to the point.

“Carter, can’t you get it through your head that Amelia’s already married? Is there any use for you clinging onto her like this? If you still hadn’t managed to succeed all those years ago, what makes you think you’d have a better chance now?” Tiffany tried to wrench her arm from his grip, but Carter held fast. “Carter, what on earth are you trying to do? I live here. What will my neighbors think when they see you clinging onto me like this?” Tiffany decidedly did not want to be associated with Carter. He was handsome and eligible, and much like Oscar, turned heads wherever he went. It was impossible for anyone not to notice him. Tiffany was terrified that her neighbors would mistake him for her boyfriend or one of her suitors.

“You have two choices. Either you get into my car of your own accord, or I carry you into it. Either way, you’re getting on. Take your pick,” Carter said firmly. Tiffany glowered at him. She couldn’t fathom what Carter wanted of her exactly. It couldn’t be out of any genuine desire to rekindle their old friendship, to be sure. “Carter, you can say whatever you came to say right here. I don’t want to get into any trouble because of you. You’re a brilliant man, but you’re also very much a jinx. Nothing good will come out of meeting you.” It was impossible for Tiffany’s perception of Carter to get any worse than it already was. “Let’s go somewhere quiet. There’s something I want to tell you,” Carter cajoled.

a corner. Tiffany stood with her arms akimbo and said impatiently, “Get to the point, Carter. My time is precious, and I don’t want to waste it here with you.” Carter glanced at her. “Tell me, Tiffany, was Amelia’s debt paid by Oscar four years ago?” Tiffany scoffed. “Carter, do you think it’s necessary to ask all this now? The Scotts were responsible for Amelia’s debt of a million four years ago. Where were you

may not have been the best for Amelia, but he’s a real gentleman compared to you. At least he didn’t abandon her when she was at her lowest.” Carter felt immeasurably guilty. It was a dark chapter in his past that he’d fervently hoped would never see the light of day. Carter had truly loved Amelia. He had left Amelia behind with good

you. So if you really love her, please don’t meet her again.” Carter clenched his

think she’s doing? She’s living her best life. Women don’t need much; a man’s love is more than enough for us. Amelia has all she wants. I beg you, Mr. Scott, to go on and pursue whatever happiness you desire. Just don’t disrupt Amelia’s life,” Tiffany said. Carter’s heart ached. However, he said brusquely, “Oscar is keeping another woman on the side. How can you say that Amelia is happy? Don’t you claim to be Amelia’s best friend?” Tiffany retorted, “So what? As long as Oscar hasn’t asked to divorce her, Amelia is still part of the Clintons.” “How can you say

marriage held together by some sort of contract?” Carter suddenly inquired. Tiffany was startled. How did he figure that out? “What sort of contract?” She asked crossly, trying to hide her panic. “I refuse to believe that you don’t know about

change anything?” Tiffany challenged Carter. Carter looked up. There was a tinge of melancholy in his voice as he said, “I only wanted to know if she was happy. I couldn’t help disappearing all those years ago. Now that I have the ability to protect her, I want to…” “Forget it. Even if Amelia were to divorce Oscar, she wouldn’t choose to go with you either,” Tiffany interrupted him shortly.

previously? Is that true? “Did you say that Amelia liked me?” Carter stammered with some difficulty. Tiffany looked at him curiously. “Is it that much of a surprise to you?” “Did Amelia really like me before?” Carter repeated. Tiffany nodded. “Amelia liked you since you were in university. Or I should say had a crush on you, rather. I thought an intelligent guy like you would be able to