The day my company went public, I got proof my fiancée was cheating. A picture of her making out with a security guard in the parking lot. Then I saw her latest Ins post:【Simple days are the best kind of happy.】 Attached was a photo: The security guard gently caressing her swollen belly in a hospital maternity ward. I glanced at the ring on my desk, the one I’d planned to propose with. I casually tossed it into my pocket. Chloe, if a simple, ordinary life is what you crave, then by all means, have it. My lavish love? You forfeited that privilege. I called the hotel and the wedding planner to cancel everything, then finally, the bank. “Freeze all bank accounts and credit cards under Chloe’s name.” Just as I hung up, Chloe pushed open my office door and walked in. “Honey, I just heard you say ‘freeze bank accounts.’ Whose accounts are you freezing?” I shrugged off her question with a vague excuse, my gaze shifting to Mike, the security guard standing behind her. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Chloe immediately forgot her earlier question, pulling Mike’s hand and beaming happily. “Honey, this is Mike. He’s a security guard downstairs in the parking lot.” “Mr. Anderson, it’s a pleasure!” Mike flashed a shy smile. My eyes burned, watching Chloe still clinging to Mike’s hand, refusing to let go. I’d loved Chloe for ten years, pampered her for ten years. To ensure her happiness, I built this empire from nothing, fought tooth and nail through cutthroat business deals, nearly lost everything, even my life, several times over. And all that? It meant less than some run-of-the-mill security guard. The irony was a bitter pill. “Honey, Mike’s talking to you,” Chloe reminded me, a hint of annoyance in her voice. I shot her a glance, then calmly stated, “If he’s a parking lot security guard, and it’s work hours, why isn’t he down there? What’s he doing here?” Chloe quickly interjected, “I brought him! Mike’s just been unlucky, held back by circumstances, forced into security. But I know his capabilities. Doesn’t the company still need a Business Development Manager? I think he’d be perfect for it.” I almost laughed, but it was a bitter, angry sound. She’s trying to get her lover a job here? Chloe, this isn’t your personal love nest; it’s a multi-million dollar corporation. I once told Chloe that if she ever betrayed me, I’d take everything back. I could elevate her to the highest heights, or plunge her into the lowest depths. Before I could speak, Mike eagerly said, “Please don’t worry, Mr. Anderson! I’ll absolutely fulfill the duties of a Business Development Manager, handle every task, and make this department the top one in the company!” Chloe smiled gently. “Mike, I know you can do it.” You believe him? I took a sip of my tea, then calmly spoke. “I don’t recall agreeing to make him Business Development Manager.” Chloe’s face stiffened. She turned to me, “Honey, Mike is the most suitable person. It’ll be the company’s loss if you don’t hire him. Have you heard some rumors? They’re all lies! I brought Mike here for the company’s growth. You need to think about the bigger picture.” I need to think about the bigger picture? So, I should just hand over the Business Development Manager position to your lover, turning my company into your little hideaway? My face went cold. “The company has strict hiring policies. It’s not just a matter of you saying someone is ‘suitable.’” Chloe was clearly displeased. “What policies? You’re the boss, Liam, your word is law here.” “Chloe, Mr. Anderson has a point,” Mike interjected, trying to play the good guy. He then turned to me, “Mr. Anderson, you’ve misunderstood Chloe. Honestly, I’m quite happy as a security guard. Chloe just couldn’t bear to see my potential wasted, and she insisted I come.” I nodded directly. “If you’re happy, keep doing it. You only get what you’re capable of. Taking shortcuts to the top might seem easy, but it’s also a quick way to crash and burn.” Mike’s face darkened for a split second, then he meekly replied, “Mr. Anderson, your words are a valuable lesson.” “Enough!” Chloe snapped, furious. “Liam Anderson, when did you become so passive-aggressive? If you’re not going to hire him, fine, but why humiliate him? This side of you… I hate it!” Mike chimed in again, feigning innocence. “Chloe, you shouldn’t argue with Mr. Anderson because of me. It’s all my fault.” He then looked at me, a look of utter grievance on his face. “Mr. Anderson, you truly misunderstand me. I never wanted to climb the ladder overnight; I just wanted to prove myself.”
I felt sick to my stomach. This grown man, tall and muscular, acting so innocent. And Chloe, of course, fell for it completely. She lovingly stroked Mike’s face, her voice soft. “No, it’s not your fault. This has nothing to do with you.” Then she turned to me, her face instantly cold. “Liam, I can’t believe it. The more money you make, the narrower-minded you become. Apologize to Mike, or there’s no need for us to get married.” I chuckled. “Funny you should mention that. I’ve already canceled the venue, the caterers, even the wedding planner. There won’t be a wedding.” “What did you say?” Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Chloe, Mr. Anderson is just joking,” Mike quickly said. “Mr. Anderson, you shouldn’t joke about something so important! What if Chloe takes you seriously? Apologize to her now.” I sneered, scoffing. “Who do you think you are, telling me how to run my life?” Mike’s face instantly turned a deep shade of crimson. “Liam!” Chloe was trembling with rage, staring daggers at me. “You better mean what you say. Mike, let’s go!” She was so sure I was head over heels, that I’d never actually call off the wedding. But she seemed to forget one thing: if her feelings could change, why couldn’t mine? I didn’t love her anymore. A moment later, Chloe sent me a SnapChat message. 【Mike saw a sports car he likes. Get it for him.】 I replied instantly: 【Are you out of your mind? What do Mike’s wants have to do with me?】 【It’s because you humiliated him, and he’s still sulking. Buy him that sports car as an apology. It’s making things awkward for me.】 【Your convenience? Not my problem.】 After sending it, I switched off my phone, lit a cigarette, and leaned back in my chair. Through the curling smoke, my thoughts drifted back ten years. I first met Chloe during Freshman Orientation Week in high school. She was striking in her fatigues, incredibly vibrant and confident. During the talent show, her stunning contemporary dance routine captivated the entire audience. Her tough exterior in those fatigues, melting into that graceful dance routine… it completely captivated me. After that, I pursued her. Three years of high school, four years of college, three years after graduation – my world revolved around her. I lost myself completely, my love for her a constant, humble devotion. I swore to give her the best in the world, fighting relentlessly just to see her smile. Three years of intense effort, countless hardships and struggles, yet I never showed her any of it. In front of her, I always smiled, always presented my best self. Sometimes I felt exhausted, but just thinking of her filled me with strength. I believed that loving someone meant giving your all, giving them the very best. Whatever she desired, whatever she wanted to do, I made sure it happened. But in the end, all I got was her betrayal. Her belief that a simple, ordinary life was better. It made my ten years of pampering, sacrifice, and struggle feel like a cruel joke. I should thank her. She opened my eyes to reality. When love dies, everything you do is wrong. “Mr. Anderson, the meeting is about to start.” My secretary, Sarah, pushed open the door. I extinguished my cigarette and rose from the chair. “Let’s go.” Chloe never realized that as the company grew, I no longer needed her. I had my own thriving career, and frankly, better options. The meeting didn’t end until late into the night. I declined my driver’s offer and drove home alone. The moment I walked in, I saw Chloe sitting on the sofa, only wearing a bathrobe, a face mask on. The sound of the shower was running from the bathroom. My face instantly darkened. “Is that Mike?”
Chloe nodded dismissively. “Mike gave me a ride home. I saw his clothes were dirty, and he was sweating a lot, so I told him to shower.” My face cold, I immediately called Sarah. “Send someone to gut the bathroom and re-do it entirely.” Chloe exploded. “Liam, what do you mean?” I stared straight at her. “I don’t keep things that have been dirtied.” Chloe’s eyes darted, guilt flashing for a second, then she yelled, “Liam, explain yourself! Mike just took one shower, how does that make it ‘dirty’? You shower every day, why don’t you say that’s dirty?” Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Mike walked out, wearing my pajamas. “Mr. Anderson, you’re back.” I looked at Chloe. She turned her head, refusing to meet my gaze. “Mike didn’t have pajamas, he couldn’t possibly put his dirty clothes back on after a shower, right? And you have so many, what’s the big deal with lending him one?” I nodded. “You’re right. So, I’m done with these pajamas. They’re contaminated. Feel free to toss them.” Mike’s face crumpled in a show of grievance. “Mr. Anderson, please don’t be upset. I’ll change right now and wash them clean for you.” “Don’t you dare!” Chloe grabbed him, glaring at me. “Liam, what exactly are you trying to do? What did Mike do to offend you that you’re constantly targeting him? He just used the bathroom and wore your pajamas! You keep calling things ‘dirty’! If you’re so disgusted, then leave! Don’t ever come back!” I looked at Chloe, my gaze calm. “You seem to forget, I bought this house. If anyone’s leaving, it’s him. Oh, and you.” “You’re kicking me out?” Chloe’s voice was laced with disbelief. I just watched her, silent. My meaning was clear. Chloe was shaking with anger. “Fine, fine, I’ll go!” “Liam, you better not regret begging me to come back.” Don’t worry, I never will! After they left, I called Sarah again. “Put this house on the market. It disgusts me to even be in it.” Then, I went out and checked into a random hotel. At 2 AM, Chloe called, her voice frantic. “Honey, my bank cards and credit cards are all frozen! Quickly call the bank and ask if there’s a system error!” My voice was cold. “No need to call. The bank’s system is working just fine.” “I had them frozen.”
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