GOOD-BYE

As Zach rose from his seat, he approached the briefcase resting on the chair and retrieved a document. He then addressed Jake, saying, "Here is the document. Sign it, and I will also require Audrey's signature." Jake accepted the document from Zach and, after appending his signature, handed it to Audrey.

As she gazed at the documents before her, she found it difficult to fathom how drastically her life was about to change. A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. She contemplated Frank and his affair with her friend. After a moment of reflection, she, too, signed the documents.

With the documents duly signed, Zach and Jake shook hands. Jake then turned to Audrey and embraced her. Subsequently, they all proceeded outside.

Once outside, a Rolls-Royce arrived, and a gentleman who appeared to be the driver stepped out. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and white trousers, with well-polished shoes and a driver's hat. He greeted Mr. Zach and efficiently loaded all the luggage into the vehicle. Following this, Audrey bid Jake farewell as she and Zach entered the car.

As the car commenced its journey, Audrey cast one last, lingering look at the house, and tears silently streamed down her cheeks. The house, with its ivy-covered walls and the garden where she had spent countless hours, seemed to fade away in the distance. Memories flooded her mind—her childhood, her teenage years, and the countless moments she had shared with friends and family.

The drive was long and winding, taking them through the countryside and then into the city. Audrey watched the landscape change, feeling a sense of loss and detachment. Zach, sensing her distress, reached over and took her hand. "It's going to be alright, Audrey," he said softly. "This is a new beginning."

Audrey nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. She had trusted Frank implicitly, and the betrayal had shattered her. Frank, who had been the center of her world, had turned out to be unfaithful. His affair with her friend had been the final blow, the end of any trust she had left in him.

As they drove on, Audrey thought about the future. She wondered how she would rebuild her life from the fragments left behind. The breakup had been messy, and moving out of the house had been heart-wrenching. She had lost not just her home, but also her sense of security and belonging.

The city came into view, its skyline a mix of old and new buildings. Audrey had always loved the city, with its vibrant energy and endless possibilities. She hoped that she could find some solace here, a place where she could start anew.

The car finally pulled up in front of an elegant apartment building. Zach helped Audrey out of the car, and the driver unloaded her luggage. As they entered the building, Audrey was struck by its grandeur. The lobby was spacious and beautifully decorated, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers.

"Welcome to your new home," Zach said, leading her to the elevator. "I hope you like it."

The elevator ride was silent, and Audrey's mind raced with thoughts and emotions. When the elevator doors opened, Zach led her down a hallway to a door at the end. He unlocked the door and stepped aside, allowing Audrey to enter first.

The apartment was stunning. It was spacious and filled with light, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. The living room was tastefully furnished, and the kitchen was equipped with the latest appliances. Audrey walked through the rooms, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation.

"This is incredible," she said finally, turning to Zach.

Zach smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I want you to feel at home here."

The place is nice, but I'll never like it as long as you're here," Audrey said.

"It's sad to hear that," Zach said, "because we'll be moving to my villa in a week's time."

"What? I thought this was your house," Audrey said.

"This is my house," Zach replied. "What I mean is that I thought this was your only house, like a permanent residence where you stay."

"No... I'm a big businessman, and big businessmen like me own many properties. I'm no different. This is just one of my many houses, the smallest to be precise."

"Wow, I'm so fascinated."

"Really!?"

"No, I was just being sarcastic. It's like you really didn't get what I said earlier. Nothing will ever fascinate me if you are around me. Men like you disgust me. I'll never like you no matter what you do. All I'm doing right now is for my brother's health, nothing else. Now, please excuse me. I'm feeling sleepy."

Hearing this, Zach said, "I get it. You just need time. You hate me because I brought you here forcefully, but I'm sure with time you'll fall in love with me, and your impression of me will change."

"Huh, fall for you? I'll never, because you're not my type to start with. You can't even compete with my boyfriend you made me dump."

"Oh really? Okay, let's make a deal. If I make you fall in love with me, you'll have no choice but to accept me. But if I don't, you can keep having your affair with your boyfriend."

"Really?" Audrey said happily.

"Yeah," Zach replied.

Audrey smiled and then said, "It's a pity you'll never get a chance to find a wife who truly loves you. Anyway, I want to sleep, so please leave."

With that, Zach went outside. Once he was out, she went to the door and bolted it. She then went back to her bed and sat down. She thought of Frank and the things he had said to her. She thought Zach just said all those things because he was angry at her, so she decided to give him a call.

She dialed his number and called it. The phone rang, but she got no response. She then said to herself,

"Maybe Frank's still angry with me. I'll try calling him tomorrow."

She then went into the bathroom to freshen up.

Once she was out, she wore her favorite pajamas and then lay down on her bed. Just when she was about to doze off, she realized she hadn't called her brother, but she was too tired to get to her phone. So she decided she'll talk to him the next day, and she drifted off to sleep.