002

Lily's POV.

My hands shook as I gripped the letter, my heart hammering against my ribs. This had to be some kind of joke. A mistake.

I forced myself to look up at him, my voice unsteady. "Why?" My throat tightened. "Why are you firing me?"

Ashton finally turned to face me, his expression blank, unreadable. There wasn’t a trace of warmth, not a sign of anything. Just emptiness.

"You’re no longer needed." His voice was sharp, cutting through me like a blade.

I took a shaky step forward. "I’m not incompetent, and you know it," I said, my voice rising. "I’ve put up with everything these past two years. I’ve worked my ass off for you, and now you’re firing me?"

His gaze didn't waver. "Yes."

A cold wave washed over me.

I let out a short, humorless laugh, disbelief twisting in my stomach. "How dare you," I whispered. "How dare you do this to me after last night?"

Something flashed in his eyes…so quick I almost missed it…but then it was gone.

"It was a mistake," he said, his tone clipped, unaffected. "I don’t mix business with pleasure."

I stared at him, my stomach twisting.

He took a step closer, his gaze piercing. "It was bold of you to think you’d matter to me," he said. "To think you were up to my standards."

The words hit like a slap. My breath caught in my throat, my nails digging into the paper in my hands.

"You bastard," I hissed, my voice shaking.

I didn't even realize I was moving closer until I was standing right in front of him. "I put up with your attitude for two years, Ashton. I worked harder than anyone else, took every insult you threw at me, made sure your life ran smoothly while you treated me like I was nothing." My chest rose and fell with each breath. "And now, you had your way with me, and you’re discarding me like trash?"

His expression darkened. But he didn’t look away.

I clenched my fists. "I gave you my virginity," I spat, my voice breaking.

For a second…just one…there was something in his eyes. I couldn't tell what. But then, he blinked, and it was gone.

His lips curled into something close to a smirk, but it was cruel. "I made a grave mistake touching you," he said coldly. "Last night was just a moment of pleasure. That’s all it was. Nothing changed. Nothing will ever change."

I felt my body tremble, rage and heartbreak mixing inside me like poison.

"You fucking bastard," I hissed through clenched teeth.

Ashton let out a tired sigh, then reached for his phone. "Security. Now."

The door opened within seconds. Two security guards walked in.

"Escort her out," he ordered, not sparing me another glance.

The guards hesitated. I could feel their eyes on me. Everyone knew who I was…his personal assistant for two years. But now?

I was nothing.

They grabbed my arms, and I yanked away from them, refusing to let them drag me out like a criminal. My legs moved on their own, but I felt numb.

The moment I stepped into the office hall, whispers filled the air.

Employees stopped what they were doing. Some exchanged glances. Some leaned in, already gossiping.

Heat rushed to my face, my throat tightening. I had never felt so humiliated in my life.

…

I walked aimlessly, my legs heavy, my body drained. The city lights blurred around me, the distant honks and chatter fading into a dull hum. I had spent hours wandering the streets, hoping the ache in my chest would fade, but it only grew stronger, pressing against my ribs like something alive, something that refused to let go.

Ashton had thrown me away like I meant nothing.

The memory of his cold stare, the way his voice cut through me, played over and over in my mind like a cruel joke. I had spent two years by his side, giving him my all, enduring his moods, his silence, his impossible standards. And the moment I let myself believe I mattered…even for one night…he discarded me without hesitation.

I hadn't eaten all day, and even though my stomach twisted with nausea, my body screamed for something…anything…to keep me going. My steps felt unsteady, like I was walking on air, disconnected from everything around me. When I saw a small restaurant ahead, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, the warm scent of food doing little to comfort me.

It was quiet inside. A few customers sat at their tables, lost in their own worlds, some chatting in low voices, others eating alone. I found a seat in the corner, away from everyone, and ordered something light. I didn't even hear what I asked for, just muttered the first thing that came to mind before slumping into my chair.

I wrapped my arms around myself, staring blankly at the table. My head felt heavy, my eyes burned from exhaustion, but I forced myself to stay upright. I couldn't break down here. Not where people could see. Not when I had already been humiliated enough for one day.

A waitress passed by, placing a glass of water in front of me. I reached for it, my fingers trembling slightly as I took a sip. The cool liquid did nothing to ease the tightness in my throat.

Then, a voice from the TV mounted on the wall caught my attention.

“This just in…billionaire Ashton Kingston is officially engaged to Valerie Monroe!”

My stomach twisted violently.

Slowly, I looked up.

The screen showed a breathtaking venue, the kind you only saw in fairytales.The guests, elegantly dressed, clapped and cheered, their smiles wide and full of excitement. And there, at the center of it all, stood him.

Ashton.

A tux hugged his frame perfectly, his hair styled with not a strand out of place. He looked calm, composed…like a man who had everything he wanted. And beside him stood a woman.

Valerie Monroe.

She was stunning, a picture of grace and perfection. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulder, her makeup flawless, a radiant smile lighting up her face. She clung to his arm, her fingers curled around his sleeve like she belonged there. Like she had always been there.

The camera zoomed in, capturing every detail…the way Ashton turned to her, the small, affectionate smile he gave her, the way she leaned into him with ease, familiarity.

Then the video cut to Ashton, standing with a champagne glass in hand, his voice smooth and steady as he spoke.

“I’m honored to call Valerie my fiancée,” he said, his tone carrying through the speakers with effortless charm. “She’s everything I could ever want.”

Laughter. Cheers. A kiss pressed to her cheek.

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach.

The screen blurred as my vision swam, my pulse roaring in my ears.

Everything in me went cold.

The food in front of me sat untouched, my fingers curled so tightly in my lap that my nails dug into my palm. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.

Less than twenty-four hours ago, I had been in his bed. Less than twenty-four hours ago, he had touched me, held me, made me believe…just for a moment…that I was something more than just his employee.

Now, he was on live television, declaring his love for someone else.

Someone he had probably always loved.

A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down, refusing to let it rise. The humiliation clawed at my skin, the betrayal sinking deep into my bones like ice.

I forced my hands to steady as I reached for my purse. My legs felt weak as I stood, my heart hammering so hard it hurt. I couldn’t stay here.

I threw a few bills onto the table and turned for the door, stepping out into the night, where no one could see the pain I refused to let spill over.