LOGINAfter five years in a secret relationship with my boss, Eric handed my hard work to his childhood sweetheart, Shelly. Suddenly, they were the perfect power couple. And me? Just the girl he kept hidden. He never even looked my way. So why was I still holding on? One phone call later, I was done. Time to leave—and see what else was out there.
View MoreChapter 1 (Rachel's POV)
It was another rainy day in London.Nothing new.I was born in London, so rain to me was something that's almost a must every day.But when I woke up at 6am this morning, I had no idea it would be raining in my life as well.I was sitting in my office, going over some papers for my boss and waiting for my lunch break.See, I was just an ordinary secretary in a huge law firm but I didn't care.I liked my job.The only thing I didn't like was my boss.He was a sleeze bag that groped me every time he passed my desk.So a few days ago, I complained about him to our HR team.I should know by now a good lawyer wouldn't fall that easily.And that would be proven to be right to me in three, two, one…BANG!The doors of my office were pushed open with great force, and a loud bang resonated all around the office."You ungrateful bitch! I gave you an opportunity to work with the best lawyer in London and you went and reported me to HR! For what? A few touches that were accidents? Pack your things Rachel. You are fired?"I was looking at my boss with wide eyes."Excuse me?"He was red in the face from all the rage. It would be hilarious if my job wasn't on the line."You heard me right. Pack your things or I will call security!"At this point, I'd heard enough.One way or another, I had already lost my job, so what else was there to lose? "You know what? You are the biggest self-absorbed idiot that ever walked on this earth! Accidents? Groping my butt and breasts is no accident you asshole! And you can deny it all you want, but we both know I'm right here! I feel sorry for your next assistant! Now leave my office so I can pack my things!"He was still fuming but he did as I said and left me alone.I packed my things in a hurry and left the building.All I wanted now was to go home and eat all the ice cream my stomach could get.I had just arrived home and put away my things when there was a knock at my door.I went to open with a huge amount of exasperation.Can't people get a hint and leave me alone?I opened the door and there stood my landlord."Miss Bigsby, I need to inform you that you have to move out of this apartment as soon as possible. Technically, you only have time until tomorrow morning."I was speechless."Are you shitting me right now? What's the reason behind all this? I always pay my rent on time and I am a silent tenant. There were never any complaints made about me, and I get along with every neighbour. So I really don't understand why all this now?"He began sweating and wringing his hands."You see, Miss Bigsby, I got a call today. It was from Mr. Rigson. He said you lost your job because of harassment. He told me you were trying to seduce him and I am really sorry, but I can't have such a woman living in my building."I couldn't help it anymore. I started laughing like a crazy person.My landlord only watched with huge eyes.I bet he thought I was crazy, and maybe I really was, considering how my day was going so far. I wouldn't really be shocked if I indeed went crazy.When my hysterical laugh finally settled down, I looked at him and just accepted my destiny."No worries. I will be out of your hair by the end of the day. But next time, try getting both sides of a story before you judge someone."With those words said, I slammed the door right in his face.Now what was I supposed to do?An idea hit me.Becky!I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed my best friend.We have known each other practically since we were born. We lived next to each other and went to school together, but most of all, we just clicked at a young age. And even though she has traveled a lot since she was a model, we texted every day and, if it was possible, we called each other at least three times a week.She picked up on the second ring."Hey babes, how's life in London?"Just hearing her voice broke me, and a river of tears started.I managed to tell her everything between sobs though."Damn Rach. It seems the universe decided to fuck you over hard today. What can I do for you? Tell me and I will make it come true."I knew she really would, but there was only one thing I wanted to ask her."I will put myself together fast, you know me. But I would appreciate it if I could move into your house for a few days or weeks. Just until I find a new job."What I said I meant it and Becky knew it. I was a stubborn person and I never gave up on anything I wanted. I fought with everything in me to get the things I wanted in life. This time will be no different."You know you can babes. You have the keys so just get your ass to my house and make yourself at home for as long as you need it."I really have no idea how I managed to get such an amazing bestie.We spoke for almost an hour, while I moaned about my missery, she tried to cheer me up with her adventures.And like always, it helped.By the time we ended our call, I was already halfway done with packing.I quickly called the moving service and let them know where to pick up my furniture and the location of my storage unit where they would be taking it.I carried my clothes and smaller belongings into my car and locked the door behind me.I was just walking across the street to my car with car keys and phone in one hand when suddenly someone pulled my purse from my shoulder.I tried to make a grab for it but it was too late.The robber was already running away with it.And judging from the development of my day so far, I didn't even bother to run after him.I would probably manage to injure my leg or something.So I just let my shoulders drop and continued towards my car and everything that was left of my life.Now, universe, if you could just let me get to Becky's house, I promise to go straight into bed and go to sleep.It wasn't even 12 o'clock but I was ready for this day to end.I ran into Eric on my way home from work.At first, I didn't recognize him. Scruffy, sunken-eyed—he looked nothing like the arrogant, untouchable guy I used to know.It'd been six months. Whatever sharp edge he had was gone.Jared had told me Corevista had been circling the drain since I left. I'd made sure my dad pulled his money, too.Eric looked wrecked. Wrinkled white shirt, hollow stare, no life in him.But the second he saw me, his eyes lit up like I was some long-lost treasure.I stepped back as he reached for me. His hand froze in midair before dropping, useless.Then he started rambling, voice full of desperation."Madison, I know I messed up. I did awful things for five years. But the second I lost you, it felt like my whole world caved in. I realized—I'm the one who can't live without you."He pulled a photo from his pocket, hands trembling. "Madison, look. Our photo. I dug it out of the trash and pieced it back together. Just one look, please. Come back to me."I
The day I landed in Votara, Jared went all out with a welcome dinner. I was kinda floored.At the airport, he grabbed my bags with that familiar grin. Our families went way back—mine stayed in Chavena, his built roots here.He knew everything about my five-year secret mess with Eric. Every time I got sucked into Eric's orbit, Jared would just shake his head like, 'Seriously, still?'He smirked. "I've been trying to snatch you from under his nose for years. What, he finally blew it on his own? You done for real this time?"I nodded. "Yeah. I'm done."Jared caught the edge in my voice and dropped the teasing. "There's better guys out there. As for Eric Dempsey—good riddance. Maybe the next one won't be such a tool."I laughed. "Okay, enough pep talk. The second I left him, I cut ties with everything behind me. Right now, it's all about the career. I can't wait to show what I've got."I nudged his shoulder. "So, what role are you giving me?"Classic Jared. "With your skills? My co
Once the footage ended, the audio from my restroom showdown with Shelly kicked in.Her voice—sharp, nasty, dripping arrogance—left the room speechless.Eric turned toward her. She was shaking in the corner, but his stare? Ice-cold.The girl he once knew? Gone. Five years had changed her into someone unrecognizable.That sweet, innocent childhood friend? Just a memory. The recording made it crystal clear who she really was.He'd thrown Madison under the bus to boost Shelly's rise.And now? He saw the truth—he'd screwed up big time.He let Shelly hurt Madison. Believed her lies. Helped crush the one person who actually loved him.He was so wrong. He'd shoved Madison away again and again until there was nothing left of her for him.That hit broke something in Eric. He snapped—lunged at Shelly and grabbed her by the throat.His voice shook with rage. "Why'd you do it? I told you to leave Madison alone! Who the hell do you think you are?"Shelly's face turned bright red, gasping
Eric yanked his hand back. Shelly lost her balance and hit the floor, eyes wide like she couldn't believe it."Eric! Say something! This was all me!"He snapped. "Shut up!"She froze, totally freaked—he'd never yelled like that before.The whole room was dead silent, faces all over the place like someone spilled emotion everywhere.Then the board dropped the real bomb."This is a surveillance video and audio clip sent by Madison Mercer, our former Strategic Planning Director. I think once you see it, the truth'll be obvious."At the mention of her name, Eric's head snapped up. But that word—"resigned"—wrecked him. He looked like someone just yanked the floor out from under him."M-Madison? No... she promised me yesterday she'd be here. She wouldn't quit!"But it wasn't just the job. What really messed with him was the thought that Madison might actually leave.She chased him for three years, stuck it out through five years of silence and secrets. All that—and she walks away o
Eric didn't even look at me—just checked on Shelly like she was the victim. Then he turned on me like I'd committed some crime.I hadn't even touched her.He snapped, "Madison Mercer, if you can't handle your job, then leave! You think this whole company revolves around you? You're too much for a
The next morning, my eyes were so puffy I barely recognized myself.Eric glanced at me and actually asked, "You didn't sleep well last night?"I gave him a weak smile. Said nothing.Then he leaned in, like he was gonna kiss my forehead.That's when I saw it—a hickey under his collar. My stomach
I stepped into the house. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of us.Matching slippers. Custom pillows. That photo on the table...I flipped it face down. My birthday last year. I'd begged him to take it with me. He looked stiff, like he couldn't even pretend to be happy.I started packing—
Five years into a secret thing with my boss, Eric Dempsey, I finally crushed the performance bar for a promotion—finally felt like his equal.The night we celebrated, I was riding high... until he handed all the credit to Shelly Focker.Everyone cheered like they were soulmates. Like they actually












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