Elena's POV

I stared at the email on my screen, my hands trembling.

“Congratulations! You have been accepted as a Fine Art Curator with us. See you in Paris in a month.”

I should have been ecstatic. This was my dream job. My ticket to freedom.

But all I felt was a hollow ache in my chest.

Today was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life—my graduation. The moment I had worked for, the day I thought Nathan Sterling, my boyfriend of three years, would finally stand by my side, proud to call me his.

Instead, he wasn’t here.

No calls. No texts.

Just a courier delivery this morning—a neatly wrapped gift box containing an expensive diamond necklace.

And a note.

“Elena,

Congratulations, baby. I’m so proud of you. I wish I could be there, but I had to fly out for an important business deal.

Enjoy your day. We’ll celebrate when I return.

Nathan.”

A business trip. Right.

I smiled through dinner with my mother, pretending everything was fine. Pretending that Nathan missing my graduation was just another small sacrifice I had to understand.

I had spent three years understanding.

Understanding when he canceled dates.

Understanding when he told me to keep our relationship quiet.

Understanding when he always chose his company over me.

But tonight, I had no understanding left to give.

Not after I saw her post.

My fingers trembled as I scrolled through Instagram again, staring at Sophia Laurent’s latest update.

A picture of Nathan.

On a yacht. Shirtless.

With Sophia—his secretary and childhood sweetheart—sitting on his lap.

The caption?

“Business trips aren’t so bad when you’re with the right company. #Greece”

My stomach twisted so violently that I thought I might be sick.

I swiped through the rest of the photos, each one worse than the last.

In one, Sophia’s lips hovered near Nathan’s neck, her fingers resting on his chest, her expression intimate.

In another, Nathan’s arm curled around her waist—a touch too familiar, too possessive.

A rush of memories crashed into me—the nights I had spent alone, waiting for him to come home. The moments he had reassured me that Sophia was nothing more than an assistant. The promises he had made, telling me I was the only one he loved.

I felt like an idiot.

For years, Nathan had told me Sophia was just a friend. His assistant. His trusted right hand.

“Sophia? Don’t be ridiculous, baby. She’s like a sister to me.”

I had believed him, like a fool.

I clenched my phone, my vision blurring with rage.

I didn’t even think. My body moved on autopilot as I stood, walking toward Nathan’s office.

I knew the passcode—had always known it.

Because Nathan never bothered to hide anything.

Because he thought I would never check.

My hands were steady as I pulled open his desk drawer, flipping through folders, searching for something—anything.

And then I saw it.

A thick stack of legal documents with an official seal.

I scanned the first page, my breath catching.

Marriage Agreement between Nathan Sterling & Sophia Laurent.

The words blurred together. I flipped through the pages frantically, my pulse roaring in my ears.

The contract had been signed six months ago.

Six months. That meant that while Nathan was telling me he loved me…

While he was kissing me, touching me, whispering empty promises into my skin…

He was already engaged to Sophia.

The entire time, I had just been a secret. Nothing more.

I pressed a hand against my chest, as if that could stop the sharp, gut-wrenching pain spreading through me.

I had given everything to this man. And he had never planned to choose me.

A small, bitter laugh escaped my lips. It sounded almost hysterical.

Nathan had no idea.

No idea that I had just seen the proof of his betrayal.

No idea that in thirty days, I would be gone.

And when he realized it, it would be too late.

I carefully placed the contract back, smoothing the papers as if nothing had happened. Then, with icy precision, I pulled out my phone and opened my email.

I typed my response to the Paris job offer.

“I accept.”

Then, I sent Nathan a text.

“I saw the photos. Enjoy your vacation. I’ll see you when you return.”

No anger. No accusations.

Because I knew Nathan.

He wouldn’t take me seriously if I exploded at him. He would just charm his way out of it, gaslight me into believing I was overreacting.

But not this time.

I’m not going to cry.

I’m not going to fight.

I am going to disappear.

Nathan Sterling had always taken me for granted. He had assumed I would always be there, waiting for him.

But soon, he would wake up to an empty home, an empty bed, and an empty life.

And by then, I will be gone.

Elena's POV

I stood in the middle of Nathan’s penthouse, looking around one last time.

Everything was exactly as I had left it this morning. The marble floors gleamed under the city lights, the expensive furniture arranged perfectly, and the scent of Nathan’s cologne still lingered in the air.

For three years, this had been my home.

A home built on lies.

I tightened my grip on my suitcase. Nathan was still in Greece, laughing on a yacht with Sophia.

I walked into the bedroom—our bedroom.

His shirts were neatly folded in the closet. His expensive watch collection lined the dresser. All untouched. Because Nathan was always so sure of himself, so convinced that I would always be here, waiting for him.

I had let him believe that.

But he was going to learn that nothing lasts forever.

I grabbed the black credit card he had given me—the one he used to pacify me every time he let me down.

“I’m sorry, baby. Go buy something nice to make up for it.”

As if money could replace love.

I looked at the nightstand, and right next to the framed picture of us.

It was from two years ago—a rare moment when Nathan had actually taken me on a real date. We had gone to the beach, and I had been so happy just to be with him.

I stared at the photo for a long moment before finally picking it up and flipping it facedown.

Then, I turned on my heels and walked away.

Two days later, My new ID arrived in the mail, and for the first time in three years, I felt like I could breathe.

Elena Moreau.

I traced the name on the card with my finger, letting the reality sink in.

I had legally changed my name. I wasn’t just leaving Nathan—I was erasing myself from his world completely.

The next step was getting everything in order before my flight. I had already found a buyer for my car, ended my apartment lease, and booked my one-way ticket to Paris.

Thirty days.

In thirty days, I would be in a different country, starting over, chasing the dreams I had put on hold for Nathan.

I should have felt free. So why did my chest still feel so tight?

I shook my head, forcing myself to stay focused. There was one last thing I needed to do before I left.

I needed to see him one last time.

Not to beg.

Not to fight.

But to make sure that when I walk away, I will do it with no regrets.

One week later, Nathan had finally returned. The moment I stepped into his penthouse, he was standing in the kitchen, looking perfectly relaxed.

Like he hadn’t spent the past weeks betraying me.

He didn’t even look surprised to see me. He glanced up, his expression shifting into a smirk.

“Elena,” he said smoothly. “I was just about to call you.”

I leaned against the counter, keeping my face unreadable. “You were?”

He chuckled, setting his drink down. “Yeah. You’ve been avoiding me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Avoiding you?”

Nathan stepped closer, tilting his head. “Come on, baby. You’re upset about that photo, aren’t you?”

A small, humorless laugh left my lips. This was so typical of him.

“You mean the one of you and Sophia in Greece?” I asked casually.

He sighed, as if he was the one who had to be patient.

“Elena, you know how the media twists things,” he said. “It was just a business trip.”

I let his words hang in the air before giving him a slow, amused smile.

“Right,” I said. “Because it’s totally normal for business partners to sit on each other’s laps.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened for a fraction of a second before he recovered, flashing me that charming, practiced smile.

“You’re overthinking again, baby,” he murmured. “You do that a lot.”

I almost laughed. He was still trying to manipulate me.

Still trying to make me doubt what I had seen with my own eyes.

The old me would have fallen for it. The new me? I just smiled.

“You’re right,” I said lightly. “I overthink things.”

Nathan looked pleased with himself. “Exactly.”

“So let’s make this simple,” I said, reaching into my bag.

Nathan’s smirk faltered slightly as I pulled out his black credit card.

I placed it on the counter between us.

“I won’t be needing this anymore,” I said.

Nathan’s expression flickered—just for a second.

Then, he laughed, shaking his head. “Elena, don’t be ridiculous.”

I stared at him.

He still didn’t get it.

“I’m leaving,” I said, my voice calm.

Nathan’s amusement faded.

“Elena,” he said, as if correcting a child. “You’re being dramatic.”

I exhaled slowly. “No, Nathan.”

I met his gaze, making sure he understood.

“I’m done.”

Silence.

Then, a slow, amused smile spread across his lips.

He actually thought I was going to change my mind.

“Elena,” he said smoothly, stepping closer, “you and I both know this isn’t what you want.”

I tilted my head. “Oh?”

Nathan’s voice dropped into that soft, coaxing tone he always used when he wanted me to forgive him.

“You love me,” he said simply.

The worst part?

A part of me had loved him.

But love wasn’t supposed to be one-sided.

So instead of answering, I gave him a small, knowing smile.

Nathan frowned slightly. “What?”

I picked up my bag.

“Have fun with Sophia,” I said lightly, turning toward the door.

Nathan grabbed my wrist, his grip tightening.

“Elena,” he growled. “You’re not thinking clearly.”

I turned back to face him, my voice eerily calm.

“I’ve never thought clearer in my life.”

Then, I pulled my arm free, turned around, and walked out the door.

Elena's POV

The moment I walked out of his penthouse, I felt lighter. Like I had finally cut the chain that had kept me bound to him for years.

But Nathan wasn’t the type to let go easily.

The next morning, he came looking for me.

I was packing my things at my mother’s house when my phone started vibrating nonstop.

Nathan Sterling: 12 Missed Calls.

I ignored them.

Then, a knock sounded at the door.

I already knew who it was.

I took a slow breath before opening it, and there he was—Nathan, looking completely wrecked. His usually polished suit was slightly wrinkled, his tie loosened, his hair not perfectly styled for once.

“Elena,” he said, his voice tight. “What the hell is going on?”

I leaned against the doorframe, unimpressed. “I told you. I’m leaving.”

His jaw clenched. “You’re not serious.”

“Think what you want to think.”

Nathan exhaled sharply, stepping closer. Too close.

“Look, I get that you’re mad, but you need to stop overreacting.” His voice dropped into that calm, persuasive tone he always used when trying to manipulate me. “We need to sit down and talk about this.”

I let out a short, humorless laugh. “Now you want to talk? Nathan, I gave you three years to be honest with me.”

His grip tightened around his car keys. “So what? You’re just going to throw everything away?”

“No,” I said calmly. “You did.”

Nathan’s gaze flickered with frustration. He took a step closer, his voice softening.

“Elena, I love you. You know that.”

I stiffened.

He always said the right words—the ones that made me second-guess everything.

But not this time.

“Nathan,” I said coldly. “I saw the engagement contract.”

His entire body went rigid.

For the first time, he looked caught.

I tilted my head. “Go on. Lie to me again.”

He exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this.”

I laughed. He really thought this was about my reaction?

“You didn’t tell me,” I said slowly, “because you knew what you were doing was wrong.”

Nathan sighed, his voice dipping into that familiar, condescending tone.

“It was just a business move, Elena. It doesn’t mean anything. Sophia’s father—”

“I don’t care about Sophia’s father,” I snapped. “I care that you planned to marry her while keeping me as your secret.”

Nathan looked irritated now. “I was going to fix it, Elena.”

I crossed my arms. “When?”

His lips parted, but nothing came out.

I let out a slow, bitter breath. That was all the answer I needed.

I stepped back, gripping the door handle. “We’re done, Nathan. You can marry Sophia and keep playing your little power games.”

I moved to shut the door, but Nathan slammed his hand against it, stopping me.

“Elena, don’t do this,” he growled.

I lifted my chin. “It’s already done.”

Then, a voice called from behind him.

“Well, this is awkward.”

I stiffened.

Nathan turned around, his expression shifting as Sophia Laurent stepped out of a sleek black car, smirking.

She was perfectly put together, her designer heels clicking against the pavement as she approached.

“I didn’t expect you to come running to your little girlfriend so soon,” she mused, glancing at Nathan before turning to me with a mocking tilt of her head.

“Elena, darling. You should’ve at least let me break the news to you properly.”

My fingers curled into fists. “What news?”

Sophia’s smirk widened.

“That Nathan spent the night in my bed after you walked out.”

The world tilted for a second.

I forced myself to stand still, to show nothing.

Nathan stiffened beside me. “Sophia, shut up.”

“Why?” she said, amused. “She should know, shouldn’t she? After all, you were so… eager that night.”

My chest tightened.

Nathan turned back to me, shaking his head. “Elena, it’s not—”

“Not what?” I cut him off. “Not true? Or not something you wanted me to find out?”

Sophia laughed lightly. “Oh, Nathan,” she said, linking her arm through his. “You should’ve been more careful. She might have stayed clueless a little longer.”

Nathan yanked his arm away, glaring at her. “Sophia, I swear to—”

I held up a hand.

I was done.

“Nathan,” I said, my voice calm. “I don’t care.”

His gaze snapped back to mine. “Elena—”

“Really,” I said, my lips curling into something close to a smile. “You two deserve each other.”

Sophia grinned like she had just won, as Nathan looked like he was losing control of everything.

I smiled as I stepped back inside, my fingers tightening around the door.

Then I looked Nathan dead in the eyes and said the last words I would ever say to him.

“I hope she was worth it.”

And then, I shut the door in his face.