My Ex Boyfriend Is My New Company CEO

Hadley Marshall stood by the roadside, feeling as if an invisible weight had settled on her heart. In her hand was a suitcase, holding the promise of escape from all she had known. Josiah Marshall stepped forward and hailed a cab, which glided smoothly to a halt beside them.

"Hadley?" Josiah called to his daughter, who seemed lost in thought.

"I'm coming, Dad."

River Marshall picked up Hadley's suitcase and brought it closer to the car, while Josiah arranged it in the trunk.

As Hadley opened the car door, she bid farewell to her parents, "Alright. Dad, Mom, you should head home now. I can take the cab straight to the airport."

Josiah nodded, a heavy guilt evident in his expression, "I know things have been tough for you, but it'll get better. Some time away might help. Please remember to call us often."

River's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she clasped Hadley's hand and slipped a check into her palm. "You've never traveled this far on your own. This check is yours, for emergencies. Stay safe out there."

Hadley looked down at the check, her hands shaking slightly as she accepted it without a word.

Once inside the car, she managed a faint smile for her parents, "I will. You should head back."

The car rolled forward, the scenery outside the window blurring as it passed. Hadley gazed at two items in her hand: a check given to her by Coleson Reynolds’ mother and a plane ticket to the UK, courtesy of Emir Holmes.

For a moment, it felt as though her heart was crushed beneath the weight of a mountain. The car turned onto the road leading to the airport.

Hadley leaned forward slightly and spoke to the driver, "Excuse me, could you take me to the bus station instead of the airport?"

The middle-aged driver glanced at the road, then nodded, "Sure thing."

She sank back into her seat, her mind replaying Emir's words, ‘If you're set on ending things with him, cut ties completely. Don’t meet again. Travel or move abroad—it'll hurt less. I’m heading to the UK office tomorrow. Here’s a plane ticket. I’m not pressuring you; I just hope you’ll give me a chance. I hope you’ll come with me.’

Hadley stared at the car ceiling blankly. She knew she could never love Emir. She couldn't offer him the hope he sought. Thus, she had to leave—leave New York, leave Emir, and leave Coleson Reynolds.

Coleson, the one who had always tugged at her heart, bringing both pain and yearning. But despite her longing, there was nothing left for her to do. She had tried, fought, and now, she was utterly spent, incapable of holding onto anything any longer.

Her phone rang, Coleson's name flashing across the screen. As always, whenever he crossed her mind or someone mentioned him, he seemed to appear.

Her body trembled, her exhausted fingers reluctantly answering the call.

His voice came through, fraught with anxiety, "What do you think you're doing without my say-so? Where are you going?"

Hadley exhaled deeply, attempting to quell the storm within, "We've broken up. My plans are none of your concern."

"I haven’t accepted it! You don’t get to call quits on your own. Tell me, where are you now?"

"What good would it do to tell you?" she countered.

"There are too many misunderstandings between us. I need to see you immediately!" Coleson's voice carried urgency.

Hadley sighed, her voice softening, "Let it be. It's truly over. Meeting again won't change anything. Being with you is draining. I've decided to go to the UK with Emir."

"You wouldn't dare. I refuse to give up," he declared, igniting a pang of guilt within her. Through the call, she could hear the rush of wind and blaring car horns, testament to Coleson's reckless speed.

Hadley said wearily, "Stop me if you can. I’m on my way to the airport now."

"No matter what you think, I won't let go!"

"Fine, let's see if fate has other plans."

As Coleson continued speaking, Hadley no longer had the strength to listen. Her hand fell limply to her side, the phone still held within it.

Fate, such a fickle force, seemed absent between them. Unable to hold back any longer, tears traced paths down her face as she leaned forward, resting her head on her knees, sobbing quietly.

The cab carried on toward the bus station, drawing Hadley further away from a love that had once seemed true...