Say No to Being Second Choice

I only realized how pathetic I had been when I learned about Beatrice and Zachary's relationship. Each of these photos seemed to mock me, reminding me what a fool I had been.

I didn't bother explaining.

"The picture frame broke recently, so I put it away," I said flatly.

Beatrice frowned in disgust. "How are you always so clumsy with everything?"

Then, she looked down to check the floor for glass. "Make sure you clean it up properly. Don't let anyone get hurt."

With that, she walked out of the study.

As I stared at her retreating figure, I couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating chuckle. She wasn't worried about me. What she really meant was, "Don't let Zachary get hurt".

This was our home, yet she had brought him here so many times.

At first, Beatrice had snuck him in. Later, when I sensed something was off and confronted her, she produced evidence to show it was just business.

She also accused me of being jealous and petty. Then, she began bringing Zachary home openly, as if out of spite.

Over time, I began doubting myself. I wondered every day if it was my fault. Looking back now, if I had spent that energy on anything else, I could have succeeded at whatever I did.

…

The next morning, Beatrice broke the news of Zachary's promotion and my demotion to the very bottom of the company.

My coworkers still didn't know I had resigned. As they congratulated Zachary, they glanced at me with pity, quietly wondering if I was about to lose it again.

To their disappointment, I stayed calm the entire time. It was as if nothing had happened.

Over the next few days, while Beatrice threw a celebration party for Zachary, I was taking care of my visa. While they went to an amusement park to clear their heads, I sorted through my belongings. What I ended up taking didn't even fill a single suitcase.

While they went out to entertain clients at a club and were egged into a toast together, I finished handing over all my work.

…

Two days later, on my final day at the company, I wrapped up my last bit of HR paperwork.

"Please head to the CEO's office before you leave. Ms. Campbell wants to see you," Kelly Jones, the HR rep, said without looking up.

I had meant to refuse, but then I remembered I was leaving that night. If Beatrice went out with Zachary and didn't come home like always, this would be the last time we'd see each other.

After five years together, we at least deserved a proper goodbye.

With that in mind, I headed upstairs to the CEO's office.

Just as I was about to push the door open, I saw through the glass that Beatrice was sitting on the couch in a short skirt. Meanwhile, Zachary was lying down with his head on her lap. They looked unmistakably intimate.

I stopped in my tracks and hesitated, unsure if I should turn away.

But Zachary saw me first. He cried out in surprise and scrambled upright. "Seb, what are you doing here?"

Panic flickered across Beatrice's face. She hurriedly tugged at her slightly disheveled skirt before snapping at me, "Sebastian Walker! Who permitted you to come in? Didn't I make it clear that you're not allowed upstairs without my approval?"

She had mentioned this rule before. However, her exact words had been that no one could come upstairs without her permission—except Zachary.

Back then, I had only thought Beatrice was giving him special treatment. Now, I finally understood what she had meant.

At this point, nothing surprised me anymore.

I didn't bother arguing and said evenly, "Kelly said you wanted to see me."

Beatrice sneered upon hearing that. She then strode to her desk and angrily pressed the intercom.

In less than two minutes, Kelly came upstairs.

"Did you tell Sebastian I wanted to see him?" Beatrice demanded in an icy voice.

Sensing the tension, Kelly glanced at Beatrice's frosty expression, then at Zachary. She was too nervous to speak. After a long pause, she finally replied, "I don't remember."