"Ethan's point of view,"
"Where is Stella, Ethan?" As soon as I exited the airport, Grandma's query welcomed me.
"I do not know where she is." I answered in a grating manner.
I don't want to bring up that girl at all; if she cares about her lover so much, she may live in peace in California, and I won't bother her in the least. After all, she has trouble taking my word for everything.
I don't know what her issue is since whenever I tell her not to do something, she always follows through. If she had returned to California after meeting my grandmother, would there have been a problem? Her sweetheart wouldn't have died if he had been alone for a few more hours; after all, she had been apart from him for so long.
Why am I thinking about that girl when I don't want to anymore? She constantly brings up our contract; therefore, going forward, we will only be together, as stated in our agreement. I shall no longer be concerned for her or meddle in her private affairs.
Are you truly capable of doing it? Again, my great subconscious questioned the validity of the choice that had been made for me.
What exactly is your issue? Why do you continually doubt my decision? Do you believe I can't help but think about that girl? Stella's obstinate attitude had already made me very annoyed, and now my subconscious was bugging me even more.
Yes, despite your best efforts, you think constantly and solely about Stella Parker.
Quit your nonsense; I have no desire to discuss that bratty girl.
"Ethan, what do you mean by that? Where is Stella?" Grandma questioned in a furious tone.
Oh no, I can't let Grandma feel my aggravation because her health is already poor, and taking on more stress could make it even worse.
"Stella has an urgent business meeting in California that she must attend. She has stated that as soon as she finishes her work, she will return to New York." I tried to hold back my resentment toward Grandmother.
"Why did you allow her to travel alone to California, Ethan? Now that Stella is under your care, she should accompany you wherever you go; otherwise, it would look like you're attempting to avoid your responsibilities." Grandma's cold, calculating gaze was riveted on me.
"Come on, Grandma, Stella is not a small kid who always needs my help; she can manage her affairs, and I have a lot of work to accomplish."
How should I tell my grandma that I tried to prevent her from departing for California, but she ignored me and went, anyway?
"Ethan, did you and she get into an argument?"
Yes, argument, of course.
Yet grandma posed the incorrect query to me. She ought to inquire whether there is ever a time when we are not arguing because we never speak, and Stella always believes that whatever she does is perfect. It constantly focused her full attention on how to refute my argument.
Oh no, I shouldn't be thinking about her. Why am I even thinking about her?
"Grandmother, I have to go to the office; please don't wait for me at dinner in the evening because I'll be late getting back from work." I sat in the sports car parked in front of me and turned on the engine before she could continue probing me.
I don't want to think about Stella right now, and I know that Grandmother would have something to say about the situation.
I was driving my sports car at top speed through the streets of New York.
After how many days I have driven my car, I have the impression that I have been gone from town for a century, not just a week. Since I no longer feel annoyed by the cars that pass me or, like their high speeds, are hurting my ego, I feel like a lot has changed. Instead, I'm adjusting the speed of my car to suit my convenience.
A week spent with Stella was among the happiest weeks of my life, and she is to blame for this change in me. It was a good thing she departed since I had gotten used to her presence. She will never accept our marriage because, to her, it is only a legal document. When I don't want to be thinking about her at all, I'm thinking about her once more.
I already warned you that you wouldn't be able to stop thinking about her. My subconscious challenged me.
"Mr. Woods, congratulations." My clients and junior staff members began thanking me as soon as I entered the conference room.
"Thank you, but it would be better if you concentrated on your work rather than congratulating me.
Please let me know what work you guys completed while I was away during the past week." I sat in my chair and stated it fiercely.
The meeting room fell silent after hearing my voice.
"Show me the new project's balance sheet." I informed the financial director seated in the seat next to me.
"We have completed the cost analysis for the new project, Mr. Woods, but we have not yet created the final sheet." The financial director gave me a scared-looking face.
"What? You've had a week to complete the cost analysis, but you haven't.
What is the cause for not finishing this assignment, after all?" Looking at the incomplete file in front of me, I questioned.
"Mr. Woods, Cost analysis is a highly difficult task, for which we need additional tools and guidance from new professionals." The senior members of the financial team were all observing me with a mixture of hope and fear in their eyes.
What the hell? Despite having the best finance team in America, Stella Parker worked alone to complete all the calculations without the aid of any systems or tools, and despite this, I have yet to receive the balance sheet for my new project.
Stella Parker's property was preventing me from finishing the project at first, and now this is a pointless balance sheet. My level of annoyance was uncontrollable this time.
Stella has already caused me great concern, and now this is a financial sheet.
Oh my God, I think I'm going to pass out from pain today.
"By tomorrow afternoon's meeting, I must have the balance sheet finished. Instead, please leave your resignation on my table in silence." I walked out of the meeting room after glaring fiercely at the financial director.