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In a sharp suit,with his arm around a stunning date,he captured all the attention.
Watching from afar,my heart ached.
Three years together,we had kept it secret due to reasons of work.He had asked me to quit my job once.
So I stubbornly believed joining his company would taint our love.
Three years of clandestine romance—sometimes a weekly meetup,sometimes nothing for half a month when he was busy or traveling.
Our first time,his joy was palpable.
"Vicky,I knew you were a good girl,but you kept yourself so pure."
Ignoring my discomfort,I shyly buried my face in his chest.Besides my flaky online flings,he was my first real boyfriend.
"I'll cherish you and love you forever,I’ll marry you,"he promised me tenderly.
I believed him.Company gossip swirled.
"Heard James Carter was caught with a model in a car.It's trending."
I texted him:"Explain the model thing."
"I was drunk,she helped me into the car.Vicky,don't think of me like that."
Rumors weren't just about models—secretaries,lawyers.
He'd explain each time."Vicky,once my career's a step further,we'll get married."
I bought it all,my damn brain was so stupid and blind from love.
Nora was right to scold me.I deserved it.My chest tightened—three million was too little.Five million,and maybe I wouldn't feel this way.
I hid in a corner,holding a dog-shaped mousse,inexplicably thinking of Lucas.
He was like a big puppy,and sweet like this mousse.
I giggled to myself.
"Victoria Evans."A familiar voice came from behind.
"Mr.Carter,with a beauty by your side,why're you here?"I unconsciously gripped my fork a little tighter in my hand.
James frowned,glancing around.No one.
"Can't you be gentler to people and act like a woman?"
"As you said, be gentle to people.Do you still count as one?"
I met his gaze,unflinching.
"Fine,my bad.Thought we could be friends after breakup."
"Mr.Carter,I didn't bash your head in for three million's sake.Friends?Are you sick?"
James's face darkened."No wonder you're still single in your mid twenties.No man wants you."
Nora was the best at attacking people with words,James was just a little worse than her.Me?Forget it.
But today,I wouldn't lose so easily."So what?Doesn't stop me at thirty from snagging a young stud.How old is he again?Right, in his mid twenties.Great stamina."
My phone rang.I glanced at the caller ID.
"Hey,puppy missed me?Be good,I'm coming home."
"Oh, and, there’s no water left in the fridge.Grab some will you,or you'll be parched when you're begging me to stop."
My face flushed."Got it,got it."
James,overhearing,now had an expression on his face which was darker than coal."You really have a boyfriend?"
"Yup.Young,hot,and skilled."I held my chin up."Tired of old man, I’m getting a taste of real energy."
