Emily smiled gracefully, "Oh, don't say that. I've met the bride, she's beautiful. I wish them all the best in their marriage."
"Wishing us well by making out with my fiancé?" I thought.
The men around her praised her for being gentle and understanding, the ideal type of woman to marry.
One of them, probably a bit too drunk, slurred out complaints about how strict I was with them at work, accusing me of being late, leaving early, and always getting drunk and needing James to drop everything to pick me up.
They didn't know that James' first startup failed because his team was made up of friends, and they were lazy and unproductive. He couldn't bring himself to reprimand them, so the company's work fell to just him and me, the only non-friend assistant he hired. I knew he didn't want to sour relationships, so I took on the role of the "bad guy."
I left work early because I had to network. In this competitive tech industry, deals were often made over dinner and drinks. James had a sensitive stomach, and I didn't want him to suffer, so I would leave early to eat something to prepare for a night of heavy drinking. How had this been twisted into me being aloof, self-serving, and overly demanding?
I stared intently at James, waiting for him to explain for me. But he didn't.
He was the one who insisted on picking me up himself to feel at ease. He was the one who said it was okay to sleep in after a night of drinking because she would get headaches.
Now, he just held Emily with one arm and twirled his drink with the other, looking as smug and sleazy as any unfaithful husband.
"Why did you leave without saying goodbye back then?" He suddenly turned to Emily, leaning so close that their lips were almost touched.
Emily was stunned, then forced a smile and replied, "I was too young and impulsive back then."
I suddenly remembered hearing Emily's story before.
It was during James' first startup. We were celebrating our first successful deal, and everyone got drunk.
During a game of truth or dare, a colleague asked James about his biggest regret.
He said, "I did not achieve something significant while she was still around. I was not able to make her stay."
Everyone teased him, asking if he meant Emily. He said yes.
Back then, I was just his assistant. Watching him tear up while answering deeply moved me. Now, that same sentiment makes me sick.