Sarah's POV
After leaving Carter Corp, I found a new job. Though it paid less, it was stable and comfortable.
Free from James's control, I finally realized life could be enjoyable and peaceful.

"Sarah, we have a meeting with a big client. Please prepare."
"Of course."
I gathered my files and walked into the conference room, only to find a familiar face.
"This is Mr. Carter," my boss introduced. "And this is our new executive director, Sarah Garnett.”
Taking a deep breath, I extended my hand calmly. "Mr. Carter, nice to meet you.”
Despite our complicated history, work was work. I wouldn't let personal feelings interfere.

Throughout the meeting, James stared at me constantly, but I ignored it and delivered my presentation normally.
"Mr. Carter, what do you think of the project?"
"Proceed with it."
He answered dismissively, still watching me. "Let's have dinner together to celebrate our partnership. Miss Garnett, you’ll join us, right?”

I wanted to refuse but knew I couldn't since it was a company event.
At dinner, while others were drinking and socializing, James kept staring at me.
"I heard you're getting married soon, Sarah?" a colleague asked. "Congratulations! Don't forget to invite us to the wedding."
Thinking about it made me smile. "Of course, I will."
James's face darkened immediately across the table.
Wanting to avoid him, I excused myself to the restroom.
But James followed me out, his face flushed from drinking.
"Sarah," he grabbed my wrist. "Were you lying last time to make me jealous? You're not really with Daniel, are you?"
I shook off his hand with a frown. "I wasn't lying. I am with Daniel."
"Why? Wasn't I good to you?" His voice rose angrily. "What makes him better than me? We were together for so long. I know you better than anyone!"
I laughed mockingly. "You know me?"
"James, you don't even know my favorite food, color, or hobbies. How dare you say you know me?
"Your idea of being good to me was buying me a closet full of identical heels?
"Let me tell you something - I never even liked wearing heels. I only wore them because you said you liked them.
"Give up, James. I want nothing to do with you anymore.”
For a moment, he showed a rare expression of hurt.
"Are you really this heartless? Sarah, can't you give me one more chance?"
I turned to head back to the private room. "I hope we never meet again except for business."
"I won't accept that!"
He suddenly pinned me against the wall violently, his hand sliding under my blouse.
My skin crawled instantly as memories of that attack flooded back. I struggled desperately in terror.
"Let go! Help!"
Bang!
In a flash, someone rushed to my side and knocked James to the ground with a powerful punch.
"It's okay, you're safe now."
It was Daniel, holding me close and speaking softly. "It's alright, Sarah. I'm here."
James fought back, lunging at Daniel. After several exchanges, Daniel's face was bruised.
My heart clenched as I jumped between them. "Daniel! Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
James stared at me in disbelief. "Sarah, you care about him that much?"
"He hit me first, why aren't you asking if I'm okay?"
Any remaining courtesy I'd tried to maintain crumbled. I glared at him in disgust.
"Didn't you deserve it?"
"Sexually harassing someone in broad daylight - James, you make me sick!
"And what's wrong with caring about my husband?"
I pulled the screenshot of our marriage certificate from my phone. "We're legally married now, James. Wake up!"
"Ouch..."
Hearing Daniel's sharp intake of breath, I quickly helped him to the car, not sparing James another glance.
"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"
James shook his head, eyes bloodshot, stumbling after us, but security guards held him back.
He stood there frozen long after our car had disappeared into the distance.