Chapter 2
1058words
The glass facade reflected the morning sunlight, the "Reed Technologies" logo gleaming. Every brick in this building contained my sweat.
The receptionist looked surprised to see me.
"Miss Chen, I thought you weren't coming in today."
I forced a smile. "I'm here to collect my things."
The elevator rose to the top floor, my heart racing. Ethan's office was there, but I wasn't here to see him.
I walked directly to Human Resources.
"I need to process my resignation," I said, handing my prepared letter to the manager.
Her eyes widened. "But you're Mr. Reed's..." She paused, seemingly unsure how to describe me. Girlfriend? Personal assistant? Founding member?
"I was," I said calmly. "Not anymore."
She took the letter, her eyes full of sympathy. "Should I notify Mr. Reed?"
"No need."
I turned away, walking toward my office. For four years, I had been Ethan's shadow, his supporter, his safe harbor. Now, I needed to reclaim my life.
In my office, I had few possessions. A company photo, a succulent plant, a few books. My life had been so simple, revolving entirely around Ethan.
I opened a drawer and found a small box. Inside was our first business card, printed with "Reed-Chen Consulting." Back then, we had planned to build something together.
How naive.
I tossed the box into the trash and continued packing.
"What are you doing?"
Ethan's voice came from the doorway. I didn't look up.
"Obviously, I'm packing my things."
He walked in and closed the door. "Where were you last night? I sent you a dozen messages."
I finally looked at him. Immaculate suit, perfect hair, confusion in his eyes—as if he were the one betrayed.
"I was home. Celebrating my birthday. Alone."
His expression softened slightly. "Olivia, I can explain."
"No need," I continued packing. "Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you both happiness."
He grabbed my wrist. "You don't understand. Sophia—"
"She's sick. Six months to live. I know," I pulled my hand away. "Such a touching story."
"It's not a story! She's really sick!"
"So you married her on my birthday? Without even a word of warning?"
His eyes flickered. "Everything happened so fast. The doctors said she could at any moment..."
"Save it," I interrupted. "I don't care about your reasons. I only care about this."
I took out my phone, showing him the photo of the pendant around Sophia's neck.
"This is the only thing my parents left me. You promised to return it."
Ethan's expression grew complicated. "Sophia saw it and really liked it..."
"So you gave it to her?" My voice started to shake. "The pendant I sold to raise money for you?"
He tried to explain. "I bought you a new one, more expensive—"
"I don't want your money!" I almost shouted. "That was my memory, my past!"
Outside the office, employees began to gather. I took a deep breath and lowered my voice.
"We're done, Ethan. I wish you and Sophia happiness."
I picked up my box, ready to leave.
He blocked the door. "Where are you going?"
"None of your business."
"You need me," his voice suddenly turned cold. "Without me, you're nothing."
Those words stabbed my heart like a knife. Because in some way, he was right.
For four years, my life had only been Ethan. My friends were his friends, my job was at his company, my dreams were his success.
But not anymore.
"Move."
He didn't budge. "You're having a tantrum. We'll talk when you calm down."
I put down the box and looked directly into his eyes.
"I'm getting married."
His expression changed from confidence to shock. "What?"
"In four weeks. I'm marrying Alexander Blackwood."
He burst into laughter. "Blackwood? The vegetable? Don't joke."
"I'm not joking."
His smile disappeared. "Are you insane? Marrying someone who will never wake up?"
"At least he won't betray me."
Ethan's face darkened. "You think the Blackwood family will accept you? They just need a puppet, someone who can pretend everything is normal in public."
"Just like you needed me?" I countered.
He fell silent.
I picked up my box and walked past him. "Goodbye, Ethan."
In the hallway, employees pretended to be busy, but I knew they were all eavesdropping. I walked toward the elevator with my head held high.
Ethan's assistant, Ray, caught up with me. "Miss Chen, wait."
I stopped. Ray was a good person who had always respected me.
"I'm sorry about everything that's happened," he said quietly. "But are you really marrying Blackwood?"
"Yes."
He hesitated. "You know about his condition, right? Doctors say he may never wake up."
"I know."
"Why?"
Looking into his sincere eyes, I suddenly felt exhausted.
"Because I need to start over."
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped inside. As they closed, I saw Ethan standing at the end of the hallway, watching me with a complex expression.
I had given everything for that man.
***
Back in my apartment, I stood before the bathroom mirror, looking at the scar on my ribs—a permanent reminder of the money I raised for Ethan's treatment.
He was just finding his footing then, and the company needed crucial investment. I sold blood, even participated in drug trials. That experiment went wrong, and I nearly lost my life.
"Back again, Miss Chen?" The nurse had frowned at me. "This is your third time this month. You know the rules."
"I need the money," I had softly replied. "Desperately."
Ethan had knelt by my hospital bed, tears streaming down his face.
"I will never forget what you've done for me," he said. "I'll spend the rest of my life repaying you."
How laughable that promise seemed now.
I finished packing the last of my luggage, looking around what had once been home. Every item held memories, but I decided to take only the essentials.
A new life didn't need old baggage.
My phone vibrated. A message from my stepmother:
"The Blackwood family car will pick you up tomorrow at 9 AM. Prepare your most presentable clothes."
I took a deep breath and replied: "I'll be ready."
I put down my phone and walked to the window, looking at the city lights.
Tomorrow, I would step into a whole new world.
