Oops! I Ruined His Life Back - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Charles caught the disdain in my expression, and his face crumpled like he'd just been sucker-punched.
I set my coffee cup down, keeping my voice steady. "I heard your apology. If that's all you came to say, you can go. But if you're expecting forgiveness… I'm sorry. Some mistakes don't deserve it."
His face twisted with desperation. "Sydney, can't we try again? Please? I've changed—I swear I'll never hurt you. Just give me one more chance."
I sighed and held his gaze. "Charles, let it go. It's over."
For a second, it looked like he might fight back, but then his shoulders slumped. His expression flickered between regret and resignation. The silence between us grew heavier by the second.
When I stood to leave, Charles shot up, blocking my path. His voice was raw this time. "I'm sorry for everything. I know I ruined it."
I met his eyes and softened my tone, just a fraction. "Go home, Charles."
"Can I ask you one last thing?" he whispered.
I hesitated, then nodded. "One question."
Even though I felt nothing for him now, he'd been a big part of my life. I figured he deserved this much closure.
"If I'd answered your call that day," he asked, voice cracking, "would things have been different?"
A bitter laugh escaped me. Did he really think one phone call could've fixed years of him ignoring me, pushing me aside? The accident wasn't what broke us—it was just the final straw.
I shook my head, exhaling slowly. "Charles," I said, locking eyes with him, "you need to grow up."
He stood there, stunned, as I slung my bag over my shoulder. My last words came out calm but firm.
"When you really think about it, you'll understand why that question doesn't even make sense."
I walked out of the café without looking back.
Charles called after me, "Sydney, I know you don't love me anymore, but as long as you're not married, I still have a shot, right?"
I didn't bother responding. Honestly? I couldn't care less. After that day, I never saw him again—guess he finally gave up and went back to Tianara.
Meanwhile, things were looking up for me. My career was thriving, and the higher-ups at corporate were taking notice.
I returned to Tianara for the company's annual meeting. Gregory gave me a shout-out, saying the branches he'd set up were just for strategy, but I'd outperformed expectations so much that he offered me company shares.
After the meeting, I went home to visit my parents—this time, with someone special.
Eric Craig. We'd started as business partners, but over time, things shifted. We clicked in ways that went beyond work, and before I knew it, we were dating.
I hadn't planned on rushing into anything, but Eric was insistent on joining me for Christmas in Tianara, so I brought him home.
My parents were surprised at first, but once they heard him speaking fluent Tianaraan and saw how sweet he was to me, they warmed up fast.
The next day, it started snowing. Eric and I stood in the yard, hands linked.
He grinned. "When I was a kid, I heard this old saying—if two people in love get caught in the snow together, they'll be together forever."
A year later, we were back in Tianara, planning our wedding. My friends were thrilled, all showing up to celebrate.
While catching up, I learned Charles and Jenna had split a while back. Didn't faze me, though it was a little surprising.
Turns out, Jenna had pressured him into marriage, but he never wanted it. Out of spite, he leaked some private videos of hers. When Jenna found out, she snapped—stabbed him three times. The videos went viral overnight, and Jenna became a social outcast. She barely left her house after that.
As for Charles? He was under investigation for leaking the footage. His trial was dragging on, but prison was inevitable. In retaliation, he exposed Jenna for stabbing him.
Now, both of them were trapped in their own mess, just waiting for the law to catch up.
I couldn't help but shake my head. Two years ago, they were inseparable. Now? They were tearing each other apart.
(The End)