Chapter 1

My stomach knotted with pain. I had just come home from the hospital and had barely stepped inside when Wayne Gale grabbed my wrist.

"So, feeling bold now, huh? Do you even know what Mr. Murphy said about me?" he demanded. "He thinks I've been spoiling you! Georgina Lawson, you messed up this contract, and you're going to apologize to him!"

I yanked my hand free and replied flatly, "I'm not going. I don't need a disrespectful client. If the company insists on working with someone like that, fine. I'll resign."

My words sent a surge of anger through him. He stared at me, as if he hadn't expected me to stand up to him like that.

Ignoring him, I walked over to the coffee table, retrieved the medication the doctor had prescribed, and swallowed a pill. Then, I glanced back at him.

At that moment, Wayne was glued to his phone. Whatever he saw on the screen made his lips curl into a smile.

"I've got to go. They need me at work."

"Okay," I said indifferently.

My calm demeanor seemed to throw him off, but he turned on his heel and left anyway.

As he walked out the door, he instructed, "Find a time to explain things to Mr. Murphy."

Once Wayne was gone, I completely ignored his orders and opened my laptop to reply to an email.

I typed, "Professor Quigley, I've made my decision about the listed company you mentioned. I'm joining."

He had reached out to me six months ago about switching jobs. When I told him I was in the sales department at Wayne's company, regret washed over his face.

"Georgina, don't let your education go to waste. Wayne's business is high-risk. You should pull out while you can," Professor Quigley had urged.

I know he meant well, but back then, I was head over heels for Wayne. We had been together since university, four years in school and another four after graduation. I had always thought we were inseparable.

However, Wayne started straying. He had a new flame now—Hannah Yates, his secretary.

A dry laugh escaped me. Even now, he treated me like his maid; despite knowing about my stomach issue, he still insisted I drink.

I decided I wasn't going to be tied to him any longer. Without a second thought, I typed my resignation letter.

Right then, my phone screen lit up.

Hannah had posted a photo on Instagram. It was a shot of Wayne's back with the caption, "I mentioned I wanted something delicious, and now he's in the kitchen cooking!"

On the day we officially became a couple, I prepared a lovely spread. Wayne praised me, saying I was great at handling things both at home and at work.

Even when I wasn't feeling well, he'd only order takeout. I used to think he didn't know how to cook, but it turned out he just didn't want to cook for me.

With a chuckle, I liked Hannah's post and left a comment. "True love goals!"

Almost instantly, Wayne called, irritation clear in his voice. "Georgina Lawson, what is wrong with you? Hannah and I are just colleagues, friends! How could you comment like that and embarrass her?"

Without missing a beat, he added, "Get over here and apologize right now! And bring some barbecue ribs with you."

Did I hear that right? He wanted me to cook?

A mocking laugh escaped me as I replied, "Listen closely, Wayne Gale. I quit."

Without waiting for a response, I hung up, a rush of liberation coursing through me. Eight years together, and Wayne hadn't valued me. Cutting my losses now was the only choice I had.

It was clear my attitude had set him off. Just as I was about to leave with my bags that day, Wayne came home.

The moment he saw me, his face flushed with anger. "Georgina, haven't you had enough of this?"

I met his gaze and said, "Perfect timing. Here are the keys. We're done."

Suddenly, he let out a mocking chuckle. "Oh, playing hard to get, huh? So, how long is it this time? Three days? Five? Georgina, you've pulled this trick so many times, it's getting old. Maybe try something new."

Wayne was convinced I was just throwing another tantrum, threatening a breakup. After all, I had been foolish enough to pull this stunt before.