Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Author:Only For You Last Updated:2024-10-14 10:13:00 Im sorry, Andrew, but I cant marry you! Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEOs office of Stevens Corporation.

She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof.

Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire.

Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us? They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship.

Since weve been dating each other, Ill be frank, Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement.

Andrew, dont you think the gap between us has grown too wide? Its like were from different worlds now.

Forcing this relationship wont do you any good.

For me, it would be… a burden.

A burden? Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing.

If it had not been for his help, the Stevens family would have gone bankrupt long ago, let alone gone public.

In fact, he had shaped Christinas success with his own hands.

I know this decision is hard for you to accept.

How about this? Consider it a debt I owe you.

After we cancel the wedding, Ill give you a settlementcash, a villa, and a luxury car.

That should be enough for you to live comfortably.

Christina pulled out a pen and checkbook from her designer purse as she spoke.

Andrew watched in silence as she wrote down the figure: 1.2 million.

He felt as if he was looking at a stranger.

Is this all our years together are worth to you? Just a string of numbers? Andrew asked.

Christinas perfect features flickered with complexity for a moment before settling back into indifference.

If you think its not enough, I can add more.

Name your price.

Andrew stared at her, pain evident in his eyes at how Christina had mistaken his question for thinking it was not enough.

So, youre dead set on backing out of this marriage? Christina pressed her lips together and turned to look out the window.

If thats how you want to see it, I have nothing more to say, she replied.

She was a female CEO with a net worth of over 150 million dollars, with countless admirers in Jayrodale.

Andrew, from any angle, did not fit into her world anymore.

Not even on an intellectual level.

This marriage was not what Christina wantedit was too ordinary for her tastes.

I never thought years of love, countless nights together, and all those breakfasts and dinners I made would ultimately lose to the fear of being ordinary.

Its no surpriseyoure now the CEO of Stevens Corporation, Jayrodales golden girl, with countless admirers.

And me? Im just a nobody, clearly not worthy of the outstanding Ms.

Stevens.

Andrew chuckled bitterly, feeling utterly disheartened.

Christinas brow furrowed as she glanced at him.

Andrew, I admit youve done a lot for me, but this… its not what I want.

Forget it.

I know you wont understand, no matter how much I explain.

Take the money.

Consider it compensation for your efforts over the years, Christina said as she pushed the check toward him.

Andrew did not even look at the check.

A 1.2 million dollars breakup fee? How generous of you, Ms.

Stevens.

But I dont need it.

He stood up and walked toward the door.

Seeing Andrew about to leave, Christinas frown deepened.