On my wedding day, my fiancé Mason stood me up for the 99th time. He was off with Chloe, his newly hired assistant. I went looking for Mason, only to overhear an unexpected conversation between him and Chloe. “Mason, aren’t you supposed to be marrying Evelyn today?” Chloe asked. Mason scoffed, a sneer twisting his lips. “Evelyn? What’s she good for besides her looks? I got her that job, I rented her apartment. Without me, she’d be totally lost.” “I was just stringing her along. No way I’d actually marry her.” I turned and walked away, dropping my engagement ring into a nearby trash can. Then I posted an Instagram story: “Feeling down. Need someone to cheer me up. Don’t keep me waiting.” For a minute, everyone thought I was just being dramatic, throwing a fit. But no one knew that after being dumped 99 times, I could finally reclaim my rightful place as a daughter of the wealthy Davies family. Mason called while I was relaxing in a luxury spa suite. “What’s up?” I asked lazily, stretching out on the massage table. “What was that Instagram story you posted this afternoon supposed to mean?” Mason’s voice on the phone was as cold and condescending as always—the tone he always used with me. I used to think that was just his personality—stern, serious, cold as ice. So I’d act like a humble servant, choosing my words carefully, always trying to manage his mood. But then Chloe joined the company as his assistant. Every time she handed him documents, his eyes would soften with warmth, lighting up with a smile. That’s when I realized Mason wasn’t incapable of smiling; he just never smiled at me. Just then, my therapist’s polite voice broke through my thoughts. “Hello, ma’am.” I smiled and greeted her. “You can start. Go a bit harder—my neck and shoulders have been really tight lately.” Mason heard the unfamiliar sounds on my end and paused, his tone sharp with irritation. “Evelyn, you never used to go to places like that.” My life used to revolve around three things: my apartment, the company, and Mason. I didn’t just handle all the chores—I practically ran his whole life. Mason said he loved my cooking, so I’d spend every evening after work making him all kinds of dishes. Mason said he liked the pastries from the south side of town, so I’d wake up at five a.m. and drive three hours just so he could have them before work. When Mason came home from client dinners, I’d happily bring him a steaming bowl of soup, telling him it was good for his stomach. But he’d look at me with disgust. “Can you stop always being in the kitchen? My friends will make fun of me if they find out!” “And can you please get a life of your own? Stop clinging to me all the time—it’s annoying!” A faint smile tugged at my lips as I remembered those words. “I’m just tired from work, so I came to relax a bit. What’s the problem with that?” Mason seemed taken aback by my attitude. He paused for a second before scoffing. “Tired from what? You spend all day doing nothing at work.” He seemed to forget that when the company was just starting out, I was the one working nonstop at client dinners, landing deal after deal. There were even a few times I collapsed at the table and ended up in the hospital. Lying in that hospital bed, Mason held my hand and said, “I appreciate all your hard work.” “Once the company takes off, I’ll give you an easy role. You can relax and do whatever you want!” And now, just one day after I hadn’t shown up for work, he couldn’t handle it. Mason’s voice turned sharp with criticism. “Evelyn, you’re completely out of line! Unexcused absences are bad enough, but getting a spa treatment on company time? Why can’t you learn a thing or two from Chloe?” “She’s a new employee, but she’s eager and motivated. She just closed a major deal that brought in five million for the company!” I scoffed. “Are you sure *she’s* the one who closed that deal?” The deal Mason was talking about was one I’d worked tirelessly on, developing the proposal and pulling three all-nighters in a row to satisfy the investors. But right before the contract was signed, Mason suddenly came to me. “Evelyn, Chloe is new to the company and needs to establish herself. Can you involve her in this project and show her the ropes?” I agreed. But then Mason turned around and gave Chloe all the credit for the success. Furious, I confronted him, demanding an explanation. Mason, however, acted self-righteous. “Chloe is new and needs this deal to prove herself. You’re a senior employee—you should know how to be a team player.” I was speechless. It was painfully obvious who he truly cared about and who he didn’t. Thinking this, I laughed bitterly. “Since you think Chloe is doing such a great job, then from now on, just give all the work to her.” “Evelyn, what are you talking about?” Even through the phone, I could picture Mason’s icy, furious expression. But now, I didn’t care anymore. “It means I quit.” I said it calmly, then hung up the phone. I was tired—I was done being his doormat. After a moment’s hesitation, I dialed a number I hadn’t called in three years. The call went through right away. “I thought you’d never call me again.” Hearing that familiar voice, my eyes teared up. “Dad.” Three years ago, to be with Mason, I turned down my family’s arranged marriage, nearly cutting ties with my father over it. My father had warned me back then that Mason was selfish, cold, and untrustworthy. But I stubbornly insisted Mason was my true love. I even made a deal with my father: “If Mason lets me down 99 times, I’ll agree to the family’s arrangement.” Back then, I was so confident, certain I would win. How could anyone possibly let me down 99 times? Looking back now, I was such a fool. “Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage.”
“You’ve finally come to your senses?” My father sounded surprised. I sighed. “I used to think that if I just gave enough time and genuine effort, even the coldest heart would melt. Now I see how naive I was.” My father sounded frustrated. “I told you long ago that Mason wasn’t a good person, but you wouldn’t listen. You stubbornly refused to see reason until it was too late. Do you really think your father would lead you astray?” I gave a self-deprecating smile but said nothing. Honestly, in life, you don’t always need advice from others. Some lessons you just have to learn the hard way. After some small talk, my father’s tone softened. “I’m relieved you’ve reached this decision. I’ll arrange for you to meet your fiancé right away.” “Also, come home and visit sometimes. Your mother misses you terribly and keeps scolding me, saying it’s all my fault for being too strict with you.” “Okay!” I nodded. After a moment’s thought, my father added, “Since that’s the case, why don’t you just quit that job too? It would be a good time for me to pull those projects.” I blinked. “What projects?” My father chuckled softly. “You silly girl, did you really think you were so capable, closing all those big deals just by going to a few dinners? If I hadn’t secretly had people backing you up, your little company would have already gone under.” I froze, then it hit me. I thought everything I’d achieved these past few years was purely my own hard work. It turned out my father was still the clever one. That night, I didn’t go home. I forgot the endless chores I used to do for him, forgot the trivial work, and forgot Mason. I felt so light, so free. I finally slept soundly, with no dreams at all. When I woke up, it was already eleven. I got dressed and slowly made my way to the company. Coincidentally, I ran into Mason by the elevators at the entrance. Mason frowned at me, his voice sharp with criticism. “Who told you to come to work so late? Your bonus for this month is gone!” I simply walked past him, indifferent. Go ahead and dock it. It’s not like it was much anyway. But Mason seemed to interpret my silence as submission, his eyes filled with contempt. “Didn’t you sound so arrogant on the phone earlier? Talking about quitting, then spending a night out God knows where. Now you have the nerve to come back to work?” “You must have blown all your money, huh?” Mason looked at me with that know-it-all expression, like I couldn’t survive without him. He held his head high, strutting around like a peacock. I knew he was waiting for me to grovel and apologize. But I just smiled faintly and handed him the resignation letter I’d prepared. “Mason, I think you’ve got it wrong. I didn’t come back to work—I came to quit.” Mason was clearly caught off guard, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. “Evelyn, what’s your problem?” I shrugged. “Didn’t you always say the company doesn’t keep freeloaders? Since you think I spend all day doing nothing, how could I possibly have the nerve to stay?” “Besides, don’t you think Chloe is more outstanding than me? I need to quit early and make way for her!” Chloe, ‘coincidentally’ carrying a stack of files, walked over just in time to hear this. Her eyes immediately teared up. “Evelyn, are you arguing with Mason because you’re jealous of me?” “But everything I do is for the company, to help Mason with his workload!” “Waaah, it’s all my fault for overstepping and causing this misunderstanding… Mason, maybe you should just fire me!” Her acting was so terrible, anyone could see through it. But Mason? Oh no, he was completely fooled. A look of pity immediately flashed in his eyes as he comforted her. “Don’t blame yourself, you’re doing great.” Then he turned to me, shaking his head in frustration. “Look at Chloe—so mature and sensible. And you? All you do is get jealous. You’re so childish.” I saw Chloe, hiding behind Mason, shoot me a defiant look, like she was marking her territory. In the past, I might have been driven crazy with jealousy. But now, I watched it all with detached calm, like watching two clowns perform. At that moment, Chloe pulled a contract from her stack. “Mason, you need to sign this. I’ve been working on this nonstop for three days.” “Okay,” Mason said. He gently took the contract, ready to sign without a second thought. I hesitated, then frowned. “There’s a problem with this contract. You really shouldn’t sign it.”
Out of consideration for our past relationship, I still pointed out the issue. “I’ve seen this contract before. The partner’s qualifications are highly questionable, and the risks are extremely high. If you rush to invest, you could lose everything.” As I spoke, I raised an eyebrow. “Chloe was responsible for this contract—didn’t she do a background check?” Chloe’s eyes instantly turned red. “Evelyn, if you have a problem with me, just say it to my face. Don’t go slandering me like this!” The second Mason saw Chloe was about to cry, he melted. “Oh no, don’t cry! I believe you!” Then Mason turned to me, his voice sharp with anger. “Chloe has been working on this contract nonstop for three days—I’ve seen it with my own eyes. She’s dedicated to the company; do you really think she’d lie to me?” “You, on the other hand, keep picking on Chloe, bullying a new employee just because you’ve been here longer. How can you live with yourself?” “Apologize to Chloe right now!” Chloe, dabbing at her eye, tugged on Mason’s sleeve. “Mason, don’t be angry with Evelyn. I’m sure she just spoke without thinking. Please don’t be upset—it’s okay if I take the blame.” Mason immediately softened his tone, comforting her. He not only signed the contract right away but also promised, “Once this project wraps up, I’ll get you a designer bag so you’ll look professional meeting clients.” I shook my head and turned to leave. Since Mason was so infatuated with Chloe, whatever consequences came next, he’d have to face them alone. Mason looked confused that I had no intention of apologizing. In the past, I would’ve been on my knees begging for his forgiveness by now. What was wrong with me? He gritted his teeth and shouted, “Fine, leave! But once you’re gone, don’t even think about coming back!” Before stepping into the elevator, I heard Chloe whisper, “Mason, Evelyn’s just acting out. Maybe you should go after her and calm her down.” Mason’s voice was cold. “Calm her down? She’s just a pretty face. What other company would hire her after working for me?” “In a few days, she’ll come crawling back!” I forced a faint smile. Mason, the Evelyn who lived only for you will never return. The next day, Charles, the director of the family’s branch company, scheduled a meeting with me at a downtown restaurant. I came fully prepared, with unique insights in several areas. After our discussion, Charles was impressed. “With your talent, why were you content to stay at such a small company?” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I had a lapse in judgment back then, but I’ve come to my senses now.” Charles smiled, tactfully avoiding my past, and handed me a stack of documents. “Your father is planning an investor conference for the branch company. The word’s already out. You’ll be in charge of the follow-up details.” I understood. This was my father paving the way for me. “Okay, please compile all the names and send them to me.” When Charles and I stepped out of the private room, I was surprised to see two familiar faces in the main dining area. Mason and Chloe were sitting together, laughing and chatting like a happy couple. Mason noticed me too, looking slightly awkward. Before I could say anything, he quickly explained, clearly guilty. “Don’t get the wrong idea. We’re just discussing next month’s collaboration with the Davies Group.” I smiled faintly. “You don’t need to explain anything to me. It’s work—I get it.” Chloe chimed in at just the right moment. “Mason’s been working day and night on this Davies Group collaboration; he’s practically run himself ragged. So I specially ordered this nutritious meal to help him recover.” Hearing this, Mason looked even more fond of Chloe. “Chloe, you’re so thoughtful. Unlike some people who abandon you when things get tough. It’s really disheartening.” Chloe leaned against Mason’s shoulder, right on cue. “Of course! Didn’t I say I’d be your sweetheart from now on?” As she spoke, Chloe deliberately batted her eyelashes, looking sweet and innocent. Her overly sugary voice made my skin crawl, and I felt a little nauseous. But Mason, of course, ate it up. He affectionately ruffled Chloe’s hair. “Good girl. You’re such a little cuddlebug.”
Mason still thought I’d come to beg him. His eyes dripped with contempt. “I thought you had some backbone, but you’re crawling back already.” “This time, even if you get on your knees, I won’t forgive you. You’ve disappointed me way too much.” I found it absolutely ridiculous. “You must be misunderstanding. I’m here for work.” Mason frowned. “You? For work?” “Evelyn, I know what you’re capable of. What reputable company would want you?” “You must’ve gotten scammed!” He then sized up Charles, sneering dismissively. “All dressed up, but probably some fly-by-night operation.” Charles was annoyed and wanted to defend me, but I stopped him. “Not worth getting worked up over someone like that.” “I’ll see you at the investor conference.” “Oh, and for the record—we’re done!” With that, I smiled and waved at Mason, then turned and walked away, ignoring his darkening expression. With Charles’s help, I quickly took charge of the branch company. On the investor conference guest list, Mason’s company name stood out like a sore thumb. “Should we take his company off the list?” Charles asked, still annoyed about the restaurant incident. I shook my head. “Let’s play by the rules.” I was curious to see what kind of proposal Mason and Chloe would come up with. The next day, the investor conference went off without a hitch. When I arrived, the conference hall was packed. As I scanned the crowd for Charles, Mason appeared with Chloe at his side. Chloe wore an elegant, tailored suit dress, looking like a meticulously preened show bird in a gilded cage. “Evelyn?” Mason looked at me with a confused expression. “Your sketchy company is here for the investor conference too?” I didn’t say anything, just gave a polite smile and pointed. “Investor conference attendees should check in over there first.” My calm demeanor clearly irritated Mason. “Evelyn, we’re all here for the conference. Who do you think you’re fooling?” He paused, then frowned. “Also… all your stuff is gone from the apartment?” “Since we broke up, of course I took it with me.” In reality, I’d already thrown all that stuff out. Keeping it just felt unlucky. “You’re really breaking up with me?” Mason asked, his voice full of surprise and confusion. In the past, after every fight, I’d mope for a few days, then come crawling back. But my current attitude—cold and firm—felt completely foreign to him. It was like something valuable was quietly slipping through his fingers. Uncharacteristically, Mason softened his tone. “Evelyn, stop being so stubborn. I admit I’ve been distant lately, but it was all for work.” “Once I land the Davies Group project, I’ll take you to the Maldives. We’ll stay in an oceanview villa. Come home with me, okay?” I didn’t get why Mason was suddenly trying to win me back, but it didn’t matter anymore. We could never go back. “No need. If I want to go, I can go by myself.” My icy tone enraged Mason. “Evelyn, are you really being this heartless? I’m trying to make things right—what more do you want?” “Who else would put up with you besides me?” I scoffed. Even now, he was still so condescending. “Mason, it’s a shame, but today your arrogance is going to come crashing down.” Mason scoffed dismissively. “Bow down to you? You think you’re the head of the Davies Group Investor Conference or something?” When the time came, Charles took the stage to the audience’s attention. “I announce the official opening of the Davies Group Investor Conference! Please welcome our head of operations, Ms. Evelyn Davies, to the stage!”
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