Chapter 3

The next morning, I went to the office early to pack my desk. A few colleagues were already whispering nearby.

"Some people really thought they were the co-owner just because they’ve been with the CEO for a few years. Turns out, he was just her little side-toy."

"I knew Chloe and Julian had something going on. Ethan used to act like he was the official boyfriend and banned us from talking about them. Now? Chloe married Julian. Talk about a slap in the face!"

If this were the old me, my face would have turned red, and I would have tried to explain myself.

But now, I felt nothing. I walked straight to the HR department and submitted my physical resignation form.

"We're processing it," the HR rep said, not even looking up. "Once the CEO signs off, you're free to go."

I nodded and went back to my cubicle to pack my personal belongings.

When I picked up the framed photo of Chloe, my mother, and me, memories flooded my mind.

Years ago, my father died in a car accident, and my mother fell gravely ill from grief. I brought her to the hospital, which was where I met Chloe, who was working as a student nurse.

To pay for my mother's medical bills, I worked day and night.

Chloe was the one who looked after my mother when I couldn't, and she was the one who held me when I was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Back then, even when I was covered in dirt and completely broke, she loved me with everything she had.

But once our startup took off, everything changed.

"Ethan, I'm so scared that once you get rich, you'll leave me."

Using that insecurity as an excuse, she took back all my shares. Overnight, I went from the co-founder to a mere team lead.

She put me on a basic salary.

And eventually, she took even that basic salary away, locking it in her "Future Fund."

Six months ago, Julian returned to the country. Chloe immediately made him the Senior Vice President, offering him a seven-figure salary. She threw a massive welcome party for him, and when the team cheered, she even shared a drink with him from the same glass.

She completely forgot that day was also my birthday.

That was the moment I realized this relationship had reached its expiration date.

I took the photo, carefully cut Chloe out of it, and tossed her half into the trash.

"Oh my god, Chloe and Julian look so perfect together! Like a match made in heaven!"

My colleagues’ sycophantic voices echoed through the office. I looked up and saw Chloe and Julian walking in, their fingers locked, showing off their matching wedding rings.

Chloe beamed at the compliments.

"Everyone has been working so hard lately," she announced. "HR, double everyone's end-of-year bonuses this year!"

The office erupted into wild cheers. The atmosphere instantly became electric.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" someone chanted.

Chloe’s cheeks flushed a deep red. She didn’t look like the cold, ruthless CEO she usually was.

She leaned in and kissed Julian on the cheek, but Julian turned his head at the last second, catching her straight on the lips.

The office went wild, clapping and cheering.

Watching them, I felt like someone had poured a bucket of ice water over my head. My heart was cold as iron.

Chloe’s eyes were filled with adoration, but as she glanced around, her eyes landed on me.

Her smile instantly froze.