Not His First Choice

After Troy left, I looked around the house I'd lived in for five years.

I bought this place for him after the company went public.

I wanted a real home with him—not just another house.

Ten years ago, I fell for Troy at first sight.

I chased him for two years before he finally said yes.

After graduation, I chose him. Cut ties with my family. Turned down my dad's offer to take over the business.

I never went back.

I left everything—my old life, my friends—and stayed here with him.

He said Ellie had no one here.

Did I?

Eight years later, what did I get?

His lies. And the distance growing between us.

Because of the fallout with my dad, I couldn't touch any family business.

So I jumped into entertainment—something I knew nothing about.

Back then, we had each other's backs. Every day was about keeping the company alive.

That was when we were closest.

Later, the company went public.

And just like that, everything changed.

He met more people. Got more ambitious. Started looking down on how careful I was.

To him, I was holding the company back.

Fine.

Then I wouldn't hold it back anymore.

I packed all night.

Didn't stop until dawn.

That's when Troy finally texted.

[Ellie's leg is injured. I'll be at the hospital for a while.]

I replied with two words:

[Do whatever.]

***

The next day, I went to the office, pulled up the accounts, and called a lawyer to split the shares.

Back when we started, I'd wanted to hand him everything. He played the decent guy, said he wouldn't take advantage, so we signed an agreement.

Fifty-fifty split, if it ever came to that. Final say on everything stayed with me—no approval needed.

I signed my name next to his from eight years ago.

Time felt fake in that moment—like an arrow cutting through eight years, landing straight in my chest.

I worked straight through till two before it hit me—I hadn't eaten.

Right then, Troy pushed the door open. Ellie trailed behind him on crutches.

He set the food down. "Come eat."

"I heard from your secretary you've been working nonstop and skipped meals again." He looked at me like I was the problem. "Didn't you promise to take care of yourself?"

I glanced at Ellie. "Wasn't she supposed to stay in the hospital?"

He smiled, of course. "She said the company's busy and felt bad taking leave. Insisted on coming in. Even closed a deal this morning. Ellie's really capable. Just let yesterday go."

Yeah, sure.

I got up and walked to the table. "Alright."

I was leaving anyway. No point arguing.

As I passed Ellie, she grabbed my sleeve.

"Ms. Beaumont, I know you're unhappy with me. But don't worry, I'll stay in my place. Could you withdraw the penalty? People are already gossiping."

Troy frowned. "What penalty?"

She pulled up the notice on her phone. "HR marked me absent without leave yesterday."

Troy instantly pulled out his phone to call HR.

"Her absence is a fact. Calling now will just make more people talk."

His face darkened. "Why would you do that?"

"She was absent. I followed policy."

He shot to his feet. "Don't hide behind policy. You're the boss—policy is whatever you say. You took this out on her just to embarrass me."

I stayed calm. "Collateral damage. Sorry."

"You—!"

Ellie glanced between us, then rushed in, "I'm sorry. I'll accept the penalty. Ms. Beaumont, please don't be mad at Troy—ah!"

She tilted—then dropped straight onto the coffee table.

Dishes and soup splashed all over her.

"Ms. Beaumont, why did you push me?"