Discarding the King I Made

The day Gabriel received a million-dollar contract, he threw a lavish party and invited all his friends and business associates.I entered the gala with an envelope and a bouquet of lilies and white roses—the same flowers Gabriel had used to propose to me three years ago. Tonight wasn't just the celebration of the Richards Deal he had secured, it was the night the shadows between us would finally vanish."And finally," Gabriel’s voice boomed over the speakers, resonant and commanding. He stood on the stage, the golden boy of the tech world, looking every bit the empire-builder I had helped him become. "None of this—the success, the accolades, this company—would be possible without the woman who stood by me through the darkest nights. The woman whose vision gave me the strength to win."I took a breath, stepping out from the velvet curtains of the VIP section. I adjusted my necklace, a rare diamond I’d finally dared to take out of the vault. He’s doing it, I thought. He’s finally goin

“A ‘shit of a man’?” Gabriel repeated, his voice slowly turning to a cold, clinical tone. “Daphne, what do you expect me to do? Live a life of poverty and be with you for eternity?”“I value the love you have given me and the sacrifice you have made for me. But, you are nobody who completely relies on me. You can't even support yourself let alone supporting me.”“On the other hand, Anna is an independent lady focussed on her career and her family… They have been working in Pearl groups for three generations.”“I don't mean to humiliate you but Anna is far more superior to you. Any man with a brain would choose her over you.”I watched the man I believed care more about people's hearts than their background. The man in my image suddenly blurring into a new man who only cared about his status and reputation in the public.At that moment, I realised I had wasted three whole years of my life on a man who was not worth it. Not at all.I laughed. After shooting a short glance at Anna, I turn

“Dad… How can you say that to your own daughter?” Anna chuckled, but the call was already disconnected.Within half an hour, her father rushed into the gala, breathing his lungs out. As soon as he entered, he almost fell on my feet, kneeling while begging, “Young Miss! Please forgive us. I apologise on behalf of my daughter if she has offended you in any way. But, please don't fire me. Our whole bloodline’s fortune is dependent on the Pearl groups.”“Daphne!” Anna turned to me, “You jealous bitch! You can't just fire my Dad. Our family has served your company for three generations. Just because Gabriel loves me, not you, you are taking it out on my family.”"Jealous of you?” I laughed in sarcasm. But, before I could speak any further. A hard slap landed on her cheeks and she fell off the floor, right where his father had begged before, in front of my heels.“You stubborn useless girl!” His father cursed, “Do not speak any further. Apologize to Young Miss Franklin right now!” “Kowtow

The registration hall for the Global Tech Summit was a cathedral of glass and steel, humming with the electric energy of the world’s most brilliant minds. I was heading toward the elite registration desk when a sharp, familiar laugh grated against the air."Daphne? What on earth are you doing here? Did you get lost looking for the nearest shopping mall?"I turned slowly. Standing there, draped over Gabriel’s arm like a cheap accessory, was Anna—the woman Gabriel had been 'working late' with for months. Gabriel looked at me, his eyes flickering with a mixture of guilt and a new, emboldened arrogance."Daphne, give it a rest," Gabriel said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I know you got lucky to be born in a wealthy family. But this is the Global Summit. You can’t just buy your way into a talent pool this deep.""Buy my way in?" I tilted my head, a predatory smile touching my lips. "I’m here to register, Gabriel. Just like you."Anna let out a theatrical gasp, clutching Gabriel

The Global Summit was a sea of flashing lights, humming servers, and the sharp scent of expensive espresso. Giant holographic screens displayed the live rankings, where the national flag sat comfortably in the fourth position as the preliminary rounds began.Gabriel stood in the wings of the main stage, straightening his silk tie. Beside him, Anna was draped in a sleek, silver jumpsuit, her hair pulled back in a severe, tech-genius ponytail. She was basking in the hushed whispers of the crowd.“Is that really Aris?” “The legendary hermit has finally surfaced.”“This is it, Anna,” Gabriel whispered, his eyes gleaming with a hunger for redemption. “After today, Daphne Franklin will be nothing but a footnote in our success story. We don't need her money when we have this code.”Anna smirked, adjusting her headset. “She’s probably crying in the VIP section right now, watching us take the throne she couldn't buy.”The announcer’s voice boomed through the arena. “And now, representing the