Chapter 1

Elara’s POV

I smiled as I took yet another glance at the diamond ring on my finger. It reminded me of the very boy that won my heart.

For three years, we dated and finally, he proposed last night and it was the best time of my life. I felt as though my life was finally coming back together. After the death of my father, I had taken over his company but it was truly exhausting. Brian had asked to help but I had been reluctant because I didn’t want to make the wrong decision.

But last night, when Brian knelt before me with a ring and promised to carry the weight of the company so I can be relieved, I felt like I was marrying the right man. A man who couldn’t bear to see me stress alone at work.

Immediately after the engagement, Brian had asked me to sign the transfer papers. Although I felt it was too early, I was happy he was eager to help and when Sophie, my best friend, urged me to sign them as well, I knew I was making the right decision and so, I had signed the transfer papers this morning. I gave him the company, the assets, and my trust, all with a single stroke of a pen.

To celebrate, I spent the afternoon in my kitchen. I poured my heart into a three-course meal, making sure I got everything perfect. I carefully packed the containers into a bag, tucked a bottle of his favorite wine under my arm, and checked my reflection in the mirror.

My copper hair was pinned back with a few loose strands framing a face that looked truly happy for the first time since my father’s funeral. Brian had no idea I was coming over to his place. It was a little surprise I had planned to appreciate him for being by my side.

As I drove to Brian’s house, I hummed a happy tone as I was practically bouncing with excitement. I could already imagine the way his face would light up happily as he realizes I brought the celebration to his doorstep.

Using my spare key, I eased the front door open and stepped in, taking a huge sniff of his familiar scent that filled his living room. God, I missed him already. I placed the bag of food on the dining table and kicked off my heels as my heart fluttered with excitement.

"Brian?" I called out softly.

When I got no answer, I assumed he was probably asleep or in the shower because I knew he was going to be home. As I climbed the stairs, I could already imagine us talking about wedding dates and our future together.

When I reached the door, I was about to push it open but then I heard it. A high-pitched moan that made my hand on the door knob stiffen. The voice wasn’t Brian’s. It was a woman’s voice, the same voice I would recognize anywhere.

It belonged to Sophie, my best friend.

Every instinct in me screamed at me to turn around and run back to my car but my body refused to comply. Before I could process my thoughts, I pushed the door open and regretted it immediately.

Brian was on the bed with his hands tangled in Sophie’s hair as she lay beneath him, her eyes slightly closed in pleasure as he fucked her.

As I watched, my fragile world shattered.

I gasped in shock and only then did they notice me. Sophie was the first to see me. Her eyes snapped open, meeting mine as she panicked and pushed Brian off before trying to cover herself. When Brian saw me, he jumped off the bed and searched blindly for his clothes as he muttered words under his breath.

“E-elara,” he stammered as he wore his pants.

"Brian?" I asked, my voice trembling. I couldn’t believe the two people I trusted the most would do this to me. "What... what is this?"

“I’m sorry, you weren’t meant to see this,” he said as he wiped off some sweat from his forehead. He tried to come towards me but I snapped.

“Don’t you fucking touch me!” I yelled, rage covering my hurt feelings. He stunned back and ran his hands through his hair.

My eyes left him and moved to Sophie, my best friend. The only person who knows of all my struggles over the years. The only person where I followed her every word regardless of the outcome. That was how hard I trusted her.

“Sophie,” I said, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. “How could you do this to me?”

She shared a look with Brian before responding to me. “I’m sorry Elara, it wasn’t intentional, I swear it—”

“Shut your mouth!” I snapped. I knew her so well to know there was no ounce of remorse in her words. “What did I ever do to deserve this?” I asked as I rested against the door to stop me from collapsing.

“Baby, please just listen to me. You barely have time for us anymore so I couldn’t—”

My head whipped to his direction and he immediately stopped talking. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? I create time for us, even when work is overbearing!”

“No, you don’t,” he said, his eyes turning cold. “You prioritize your work over me, forgetting I am your boyfriend.”

“And this is how you chose to resolve it? Hell, you never told me about this!” I yelled. “Brian, we got engaged last night.” Now, my voice was trembling so hard I could barely control my words. “I came here thinking we could talk and this is how you repay me?”

“Elara, please—”

“I don’t want to hear a fucking word from you,” I said, interrupting Sophie. I couldn’t even bear to look at her. “We are done,” I said.

Brian tried to come towards me again but I began to move. “I fucking hate you!” I yelled at him before running down the stairs. I got into my car and only then did I allow my tears to fall. I shook violently as I found it hard to believe that my world was collapsing.

I threw a glance at my engagement ring but now it didn’t give me excitement. It only made me feel stupid. I half expected Brian to run out of the house and pursue me, but he never came. After calming myself enough to drive, I ignited my car and zoomed off.