Chapter 1: You’re out of my league!

Aurora Lancaster stared at the man and woman standing before the crowd. Her body shook, and her knees trembled. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard from the man she loved.

“I want you all to meet my fiancée, Vanessa Steele!” Ethan Calloway announced proudly.

The woman at his side smiled sweetly as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Aurora felt her world shatter as she watched them interact so affectionately as if no one else existed around them.

It was a party that Aurora prepared for Ethan for successfully to get a partnership deal with the Drey Corporation, a big company on their town. 

Aurora turned away. She couldn’t bear to watch any longer. The man who had promised her the world was now engaged to someone else—and she couldn’t understand why.

She had always been there for Ethan. When he had nothing, she stood by him. She had left everything from her past behind to prove her love, yet now, he was throwing her away like she meant nothing.

Three years ago, Ethan had been a struggling businessman. Aurora had used her connections—without his knowledge—to help him succeed. Slowly but surely, Ethan’s company grew. Now, he was the youngest and fastest-growing CEO in their town.

Aurora stormed to his office and waited for him. She needed answers. She was supposed to be his fiancée, not that woman!

“You’re so sweet, dear!” Vanessa giggled as they entered the office.

Aurora turned, her eyes locking on them. The two froze, noticing her immediately.

“Aurora? What are you doing here?” Ethan asked, not even bothering to remove Vanessa’s arms from around him. In fact, he pulled her closer.

Aurora felt her eyes sting with tears. “W-What is the meaning of this, Ethan?”

Ethan frowned. “What? Can you be more specific? I’m here to celebrate with my love.” He turned to Vanessa and gave her a quick kiss.

Aurora gasped in frustration. She stood and approached them before slapping Ethan across the face.

“How dare you?!” Vanessa screamed, shoving Aurora, but Aurora didn’t budge.

“Shut up, bitch! I’m talking to Ethan!”

“Hey! You can’t talk to Vanessa like that! Don’t you know who she is?!” Ethan snapped, his eyes blazing.

Aurora glared at him. “Oh, I know exactly who she is. She’s a snake trying to take my place, and you’re letting her!”

Vanessa sneered. “And who do you think you are to say that? Ethan, why do you even have a secretary who disrespects you? How could you let this happen?”

“Secretary?” Aurora scoffed. “Do you even know who I am? I’m Ethan’s girlfriend! And you—you’re just a—”

Before she could finish, Ethan slapped her. Aurora’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at him, bewildered. It was the first time he had ever laid a hand on her.

“I won’t let you humiliate her any further, Aurora! Enough!” Ethan bellowed, pointing a finger at her. “Vanessa was there for me during my success! She contributed so much to me and my company—unlike you! You did nothing!”

Aurora’s blood boiled. “Nothing? Ethan, who was there when you first started your company? Who cheered you up when you lost your confidence after failing to secure your first partnership? Who stood by you when you had nothing? It was me, Ethan! I was there! I supported you!” Tears streamed down her face, and her voice cracked. “You promised me you’d marry me after this! That you’d remain loyal to me no matter how successful you became! And now, look at you! If it weren’t for me, you’d have nothing!”

Ethan looked away, a hint of guilt flashing across his face. Everything she said was true. She had been there for every sleepless night and every moment of despair.

“Enough! I don’t care about any of that anymore, Aurora! We’re done! You’re no longer in my league! I don’t need you!”

“What?”

Vanessa smirked. “Didn’t you hear him? Get out!”

“Ethan—”

Ethan cut her off, grabbing her arms and dragging her toward the door.

“We’re done, Aurora! Vanessa is my fiancée now, and I’m breaking up with you!”

“Ethan—”

Aurora’s knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Everything was gone. Everything she had built with Ethan. Everything she had sacrificed for him. All of it was gone.