Chapter 3

In the VIP lounge of the bar, Austin was practically glued to Amber.

He followed her everywhere, pulling out her chair, grabbing her drinks, and even gently tucking her hair behind her ear when they laughed. The chemistry between them was undeniable.

Amber was wearing a designer dress with a massive logo, her makeup flawless and her posture elegant.

She was the rumored daughter of the CEO. Although she had never openly confirmed it, the management's special treatment of her, combined with her sharing the CEO's last name, made everyone certain of her elite status.

Even through the screen, I could feel Austin's desperation to please her.

At the very end of the video, I saw their hands secretly slip into each other’s.

Tears spilled over my lashes again.

He had just bragged about using me for "practice," and now he had already moved on to the real target. I was the only fool who had cherished that night.

Chloe sent another video. My finger tapped it automatically.

People were playing a party game—popping balloons by pressing their bodies together.

Amber held a tiny balloon in her hand and beckoned Austin with a finger.

As expected, he stood up instantly.

Because the balloon was so small, their bodies had to press incredibly close.

Amidst the loudest cheers of the night, the balloon popped, and they wrapped their arms tightly around each other.

To the sound of wild catcalls and whistling, they walked out of the bar together, hand in hand.

My eyes locked onto the condom wrapper slipping out of Austin’s jacket pocket. The pain was unbearable.

It felt like a physical knife twisting in my chest.

I wanted to cry, but my tears had run dry. My eyes just burned.

The video ended, and Chloe’s message popped up right after.

[Clara, do you see what kind of guy he is now?]

[He doesn't deserve you. Dump him. The longer you drag this out, the more it’s going to hurt. Or do you want to be his dirty little secret forever?]

I wiped the corner of my eye and replied, my voice raspy as I dictated the text:

[No. I’m done with him.]

I had been blinded by love, believing he would eventually see me. I thought if I just did enough, he would finally choose me.

[Are you serious, Clara? Don't play with me. I've warned you so many times before, and you always brushed it off. Please tell me you’re not making excuses for him again.]

[Stay away from this toxic trash. He’s stringing you along. Even if you guys somehow ended up together, he’d definitely cheat on you.]

[I know. I finally see it clearly now,] I replied, feeling my heart go completely numb.

[I’m not looking back this time.]

[Isn’t there an open slot for the Sydney project? Nobody wanted to relocate so far, so the position is still empty.]

[I’ll take it.]