Chapter 8 - The Desperation
The next day, Chloe received her termination notice via courier.
She also received a letter from my legal team, demanding the return of company assets, including the Cartier watch and the condo deed.
At 8:00 PM, my doorbell rang at the house I now had entirely to myself.
I looked through the security camera. It was Daniel.
I opened the door but left the chain on.
“What do you want?” I asked.
He looked broken. The arrogance was completely burned away.
“She left me,” he said, his voice hollow.
I didn't say anything.
“The moment she found out the condo was being seized, she packed her bags. She said I lied to her.”
“You did.”
“I did it for her!” he cried out, pressing his hands against the doorframe.
“I ruined my life to impress a girl who didn't even care about me.”
“No, Daniel. You ruined your life because you hated that I was better at mine.”
He sagged against the wood. “I’m sorry, Natalie. I am so, so sorry.”
“It’s too late.”
“I have nowhere to go. My accounts are frozen. The firm is gone. Just... let me come in. Let’s talk.”
“If I let you in, I am accepting less than I deserve.”
I looked at the man I had loved for seven years.
I didn't feel anger anymore. I just felt pity.
“You wanted to be the most capable person in the room,” I told him.
“Now you are. Because you're the only one in it.”
I closed the door, slid the deadbolt into place, and walked back to the kitchen.
May you like
My phone chimed. It was an email from Marcus.
Signed papers received. The judge will finalize tomorrow.
