Chapter 1}
My boyfriend’s company had organized a group trip for employees. He insisted that I go with him.
By the time we arrived at the airport, most of the employees had already gathered. The women were dressed to impress and the men wore suits and ties as if they were attending some high–profile event.”
Just as we passed security check, I overheard someone sneer loudly, “Seriously? What bad luck! How did a nobody manage to sneak into this elite gathering?”
My boyfriend heard it, too, but instead of defending me, he subtly stepped away to distance himself. Before I could even ask him why, he turned around and wrapped his arm around another woman right in front of me.”
“At least with Miss Camilla, I won’t have to sit in economy class. What about you?” he said smugly.”
I froze for a few seconds before letting out a small laugh. “I could have this plane turn around if I wanted.”}
-8
Had he not repeatedly begged me, I wouldn’t have taken this trip at all. To make him happy, I even requested special permission from my superiors. But to my surprise, he decided to break up with me when we arrived at the airport. The reason was that I couldn’t afford to take a business class.
What hurt the most wasn’t his shallowness–it was the fact that I had already told him that I couldn’t be too flashy with my special
status.
I guess he still doesn’t know how many pairs of eyes were on me every time I traveled.}
“Natalie Winters, I never thought you’d turn into such a liar,” he scoffed. “I used to think you were at least honest, even if you were poor. But now, you are making up ridiculous stories just to keep me?“}
He smirked. “Do yourself a favor–cancel your ticket while you still can. At least you will save some money.“}
Before I could respond, the woman by his side let out a condescending laugh.”
“Allow me to introduce myself,” she said. “I’m Camilla Beaumont, the owner of your boyfriend’s company. Most people call me Miss Camilla.”
She flicked her hair back and continued, “Since your boyfriend already explained things to you, let’s not waste time. I want him. Name your price.”
I looked at the two of them; their performance was so synchronized that it was almost comical.
I chuckled. “Judging by how things are playing out, I don’t have much of a choice here, do I?“}
When I was at the base, my boyfriend had called me over and over again, practically begging me to come on this trip. I had assumed it was because he couldn’t bear to be apart from me.N
Now, it was clear that he and Miss Camilla had planned this all along.}]
The moment I spoke, Brandon’s face stiffened.}
“Don’t make stuff up!” he said. “Miss Camilla and I have always been just colleagues. You should blame yourself–you are the one who refuses to work harder. Your salary is pathetic! How do you expect anyone to live like that?“}
I stood there, stunned.
Me? Not working hard enough? My salary is pathetic?
I mentally calculated my income in my mind. Excluding the year–end bonuses, I made at least several hundred thousand dollars monthly.”
The reason he thought I was poor was simple: I never dressed up. But it wasn’t because I couldn’t afford to–I was under a strict five–year confidentiality agreement. I couldn’t tell him. My clothes and daily necessities were all issued by my unit. I even had a car and driver assigned to me whenever I left the premises.}
This time was the one time I had begged my superiors to grant me a bit of personal freedom.”
I had already accepted that Brandon was leaving me because he thought I was poor, but humiliating me in public like this? That, I
couldn’t swallow.”
I took a deep breath. “Brandon, we haven’t even broken up yet and you are already involved with someone else. That’s called cheating.”
I locked eyes with him, refusing to look away.”
On the other hand, Brandon avoided my gaze, his guilt written all over his face.
