You're Dead to Me

I stopped in my tracks, turning to look back. It wasn't out of longing or regret. I just wanted to see clearly the face of the man I had once loved so deeply, and how it had turned into something I now despised. Once I had imprinted that in my mind, I walked away without looking back. Eric had once been the love I could never have, the one who consumed all my thoughts and choices. He was always the high-and-mighty heir of the Elands, while I was just a small, insignificant figure. We met in college, but we had no real connection at first. Every day, I followed his footsteps—attending classes, having meals, and even walking around campus. Eventually, in my determination to see him more often, I studied harder and switched to the same department as him. Before today, the decision to switch majors had been the best one I'd ever made. That decision had brought me closer to Eric. I remember when our professor announced we had to team up for the final project, and I, always a t

The car pulled up to a hotel owned by Eland Enterprise.Eric, still fuming, got out and stormed off the moment the car came to a stop.His bodyguard stayed close, not concerned that I might try to run.I took my time getting out of the car, and Kayla, no longer hiding her smug expression, blocked my way.Gone was the timid girl I once knew; now, she had an air of arrogance as she faced me."Penny, don't get too smug. Eric is my husband now, and you're just a small-time mistress. You wait—by the end, I'll be the one standing proudly beside him!"I smiled mockingly and clapped my hands. "Congratulations, Ms. Poe. Looks like you've finally transformed from a nobody to a somebody."I walked past her with disdain, heading toward the building.The truth was, I knew why Eric insisted I attend the signing ceremony today—it wasn't because he cared about me.It was because the big shot company signing with Eland Enterprise today was one I had secured.The company's leadership only trus

I didn't expect Eric to follow me.His shoes had come off, leaving a trail of blood behind him as he ran.I quietly retracted my gaze and waited for my ride to arrive.When he saw me, he reached out, trying to pull me into his arms.But when he saw the coldness in my eyes, he stopped, his steps faltering."Penny, I've thought about it, and nothing matters more than you. Eland Enterprise is fine; my dad will take care of everything."His words were sincere, but I understood the unspoken message.When I didn't respond, he cautiously stepped closer and grabbed my hand. Tears filled his eyes as he looked up at me, his voice wavering. "Penny, my feet hurt so much."I didn't reply, my eyes drifting past him to look behind him."You should be telling your legitimate wife about your pain, not dragging me, your ex, into this."At my words, Eric's emotions flared, but he quickly calmed himself. He took another step forward, wrapping his arm around my waist. "Penny, stop being sarcastic

After that day, I completely cut off contact with Eric. I didn't keep up with the latest news on Eland Enterprise, but it wasn't hard to catch a glimpse of their struggles on TV. To appease the angry Cannon Group, Eland Enterprise had to pay a hefty fine, which led to massive layoffs to save costs. The public outcry from Cannon Group was deafening, and negative news about Eland Enterprise flooded in like a tidal wave. If Eland didn't have its established roots, it might have collapsed during this crisis. I didn't care much. It was all Eric's doing, and he had to face the consequences. Just as I was ready to pack up and go abroad for further studies, Cannon Group somehow got hold of my number. Their top executives personally called me, offering a tempting opportunity. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted. But, considering that joining Cannon Group might mean dealing with Eric again, I politely declined their offer. I reached out to my old professor from college to get ad