Broken Promises of Deep Love

The company was holding its third anniversary celebration, and as one of the founding employees, I made sure to dress my best for the occasion.Today wasn't just any company party - it was supposed to be the day James Sullivan would propose to me. We'd been together for three years, and when we first met, I'd given him $500,000 as startup capital for his company.Three years later, the company was thriving, and James had achieved his dream of becoming CEO. He told me he appreciated everything I'd done for him and wanted to propose at the anniversary party. I'd been looking forward to this day for so long.But reality came crashing down like a bucket of cold water. Instead of the proposal I'd been expecting, I watched as the new secretary took what should have been my moment in the spotlight.Her name was Lisa Garrett. Fresh out of college this year, she was sweet-faced with long, slender legs that turned heads. Within days of joining the company, she'd attracted quite a lot of admi

After that phone call with James, he didn't call again, only sending me one text telling me to rest well. At the time, I thought he had finally realized how badly he'd messed up, but now it's clear he still doesn't understand how much his actions hurt me.The very night I returned home, James showed up at my door. I stood thoughtfully by the entrance, listening to his pleading voice from outside for what felt like forever.It was already past eleven at night. Being a considerate neighbor, I finally opened the door.James stood there looking guilty, but when he saw me, his eyes lit up with barely contained joy as he reached out to hug me.Looking at all the gift boxes scattered on the ground, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me.I instinctively stepped back from his attempt to embrace me. Now, I wasn't just disappointed - I was disgusted.James's smile turned awkward, but he pressed on: "I'm sorry, Sarah. It's all Lisa's fault. If she hadn't seduced me, I would never have

Lisa was young indeed. Though she might be considered mature for her age, I could still see a hint of naive foolishness in her eyes.It was that distinctive innocence of recent college graduates, still unpolished by real-world experience.I could tell she was uncomfortable being alone with me, but she quickly composed herself and spoke first, “Ms. Bernett, you don't mind that James and I are together, do you?"I honestly hadn't expected such directness from her. Straight to the point.Interesting.The answer was obvious - no one would be okay with their boyfriend openly finding a mistress. So I didn't answer her question.She continued unprompted, "I had many admirers in college and dated a few guys. But they were all immature, never caring about their future, only interested in having fun. One treated me like a trophy, becoming cold after I agreed to be his girlfriend. Another one had a great relationship with me, but changed completely after graduation, asking me to give up my

"That coat really suits you, you look like Kim Soo-hyun."As he walked in, he asked, "Who's Kim Soo-hyun?"I blocked his entrance, "A Korean actor - you wouldn't know him. I was such a fangirl when I was younger!""So if I remind you of him in this coat, does that make you my fangirl now?" he teased, trying to step inside."Better not come in yet - I'm out of disinfectant."Travis noticed my face mask and pressed his hand to my forehead. "Are you running a fever? You don't feel warm."I quickly swatted his hand away. "You've got COVID - we need to keep our distance."Travis couldn't help but laugh at my comment."I have COVID? That's news to me."Hearing that he wasn't infected, I felt a secret relief."Your voice was hoarse at lunch, so I thought... sorry about that."Travis suddenly moved closer, and I thought my comment had upset him. I started to apologize again, but he backed me into a corner, surrounding me with the faint smell of sanitizer.His face was barely inches

How embarrassing - I'd originally wanted to cook for him.Gradually, he was claiming a special place in my heart.James's face darkened further when he saw Travis, and his tone turned hostile, "What did you do to the company?"He had dark circles under his eyes and stubble on his chin, looking much more haggard than before. The more defeated he looked, the more satisfied I felt.I blinked innocently, "Mr. Sullivan, I've already resigned. I don't know what you're talking about."Furious, he spat out his cigarette and his eyes went wild. "It must be you - this is your revenge! If you can't be happy, you won't let me be happy either!"I hadn't expected James to have such a violent side. As he raised his fists, Travis stepped in, delivering a hard kick to James's chest. James seemed numb to pain, immediately tackling Travis as they started fighting.Terrified, I tried to break them up. Travis, worried about hurting me, lost his earlier intensity. He took several hits from James whil