Chapter 3

With my strong academic background and solid skillset, I landed a high-paying corporate job in no time.

I found my own studio apartment, and everything finally started looking up.

During that period, Chloe tried calling me repeatedly from different numbers, but I rejected every single one. I had moved on; there was no point in looking back.

Before long, my hard work paid off, and I was promoted to work directly alongside the company’s CEO.

Our CEO, Victoria Vance, was twenty-eight. Word around the office was that she had taken over her family’s conglomerate with ruthless efficiency, boasting a spotless résumé and an iron fist.

Unlike Chloe, Victoria exuded the poise of a mature, powerful woman. She was decisive, sharp, and took zero bullshit.

Yet, even the toughest woman couldn’t withstand business drinking dinners.

Corporate networking was cutthroat; deals were signed over drinks.

Even though I took most of the shots for Victoria, she still ended up tipsy by the end of the night.

In the back of the town car, I wrapped an ice pack in a towel, handed it to her, and gently began massaging her temples.

It was pure muscle memory from years of looking after Chloe.

Victoria peered at me through hazy, hooded eyes, her gaze carrying an intoxicating allure.

I looked away politely, but Victoria suddenly reached out and caught my wrist. "What do you think... want to marry me?"

I frowned slightly and pulled my hand back. "Ms. Vance, you've had too much to drink."

Victoria looked at me steadily. "I'm sober enough. I'm serious. I need a husband."

I didn't want to be someone's mere "need" anymore. I wanted someone who loved me. A loveless marriage was the last thing I desired.

I didn't answer. A few minutes later, Victoria drifted off to sleep.

After walking her into her penthouse, I was just about to leave when she rolled off the bed, tumbling onto the hardwood floor.

I couldn't just leave her like that. Sighing, I turned back and scooped her into my arms to put her back on the mattress.

Victoria clung to my lapels. "Am I not good enough? Why won't you marry me?"

To be completely fair, Victoria was breathtaking and accomplished.

Her commanding presence in boardrooms had certainly captivated me more than once.

Still, marriage wasn't a game. I wouldn't agree carelessly.

"You're amazing. It's just my own issue."

A soft kiss fluttered against the back of my hand, making me freeze.

Victoria whispered, "Think about it. Have the driver take you home."

Strange. My heart was pounding faster than it had in a very long time.

I headed downstairs and had the company driver drop me off at my apartment.

The next day at work, being around Victoria felt awkward, and I deliberately avoided her eyes.

She carried on with business as usual, saying nothing of the night before.

That was until an uninvited guest stormed into our open-plan office. Tyler.

"Austin Miller! Get your ass out here! Where are you hiding?"

Every head in the department snapped toward him.

Fate might have shortchanged Tyler in the brain department, but he did possess a conventionally handsome face.

I walked out of my cubicle. The second Tyler spotted me, he sneered.

"You shameless home-wrecker! Stealing another guy's girl and strutting around like you're proud of it, huh?"

Tyler had somehow tracked down my workplace.

Whispers immediately broke out among my coworkers.

"Home-wrecker? If anyone's a side-piece, it's you," I fired back coldly.

Tyler came prepared. He pulled out a stack of flyers and began tossing them onto desks.

The flyers featured photos of Tyler and Chloe kissing, along with a sob story claiming they were childhood sweethearts.

It accused me of wedging myself between them during college, accompanied by screenshots of arguments between Chloe and me.

Taken out of context, the texts made me look like an obsessive simp, while Chloe appeared cold and uninterested.

I had deleted our old photos when we broke up, which left me with nothing on hand to instantly disprove his narrative.

"See that, everyone? Proof right there! He clung to my girlfriend like a leech. Total scumbag! Watch your backs around this guy, or he might try to steal your girls next!"

Coworkers started pointing fingers and muttering.

"I never would've guessed. He looks so upright, but he's actually a homewrecker?"

"Wait, is this real? Austin's always been such a nice guy."

"Dude, there's literally a photo of the couple kissing right there! How could it be fake? Austin definitely stepped in!"

"Note to self: keep my girlfriend far away from him."