Pay for Your Lies

The office door was left slightly ajar.

Inside, Julian Grant was claiming the woman in front of him with raw passion. She moaned, her cheeks flushed red with lust.

I clenched my fists, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Just last night, I had assured my mom that I was going to get married. But the moment I stepped into the office this morning, I found out that Julian had appointed someone else as the vice president—a position that was supposed to be mine.

I hadn't even made it to my office yet—I came straight here, demanding an explanation.

But as if taking the vice president position from me weren't enough, Julian had the audacity to make out with someone in his office.

As the woman in front of him panted, she flashed a provocative smile at me.

I wasn't familiar with her, and it took me quite a while to finally remember who she was.

It was Zoey Jenkins, an intern from one of our partner companies.

The only time we'd met was two months ago during a negotiation. She had taken the wrong contract and burst into tears when her boss scolded her in front of everyone. I remembered speaking up for her that day.

Who would've thought that two months later, she'd not only take my position but also get involved with my boyfriend?

I scoffed, hot tears suddenly prickling at my eyes.

Zoey glanced at the door and deliberately raised her voice. "Mr. Grant, Ms. Jones' absolutely smitten with you. What if she finds out about us and decides not to marry you?"

My heart clenched, and my fingertips trembled as memories of the ten years we'd spent together came rushing back.

When Julian was 20, he'd made a vow to my parents that he'd marry no one but me. Now, at 30 and with a successful career, he had promised them he would appoint me as vice president.

The room immediately fell silent. Then, his voice came through loud and clear.

"We've already been together for ages," he said with a scoff. "Marriage is just a legal certificate. It doesn't matter if we don't marry at all.

"In fact, it might actually be better that way. I can do whatever I want—it won't count as cheating on her.

"Honestly, she just doesn't do it for me anymore. She's already 30—she's getting old. How could she ever compare to you?"

His voice was lilted, almost laced with laughter.

Zoey feigned embarrassment and playfully hit his chest, a triumphant glint flickering in her eyes.

I left in a daze, belatedly realizing my face was already covered in tears by the time I reached my office.

Staring at the sun's rays streaming across my chair, I wiped away my tears and sent a message.

Seconds later, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the reply and smiled.

"What's up? You look entranced."

A hoarse voice echoed from my door, the unmistakable sound of someone thoroughly sated.

I flipped my phone face down and glanced at Julian, now neatly dressed. If not for the lipstick stain peeking from his collar, I might've questioned whether what I'd seen earlier had been some kind of hallucination.

He leaned against my desk, one hand propped up on it while the other twirled my pen between his fingers.

Silence stretched between us before he broke it with a sigh.

He reached to ruffle my hair, but I instantly jerked my head away in disgust. That hand had just touched another woman—not to mention, he still reeked of intimacy.

Julian's gaze darkened. His hand froze midair before he sheepishly withdrew it and said, "I know you're mad, Noelle. But it's just a title.

"Aside from being the vice president, you can pick whatever position you want. I'll fulfill your wish."