Chapter 3

Stella POV

Those words were like a resounding slap across my face.

All the strength seemed to drain from my body instantly, my face pale as paper.

"Between us, it was nothing more than mutual benefit. You got a generous salary and bonuses, I got an obedient bed partner and a useful secretary." Ethan's tone was cruel to the extreme, carrying the arrogance of someone in power.

"Now that Luna's back, those shameful games should end."

So it turned out that five years of youth, five years of giving everything I had, were just "shameful games" in his eyes.

That pink diamond wasn't a proposal ring for me at all, but his sincerity in marrying his first love.

Looking at this man I'd loved for five years, I suddenly felt he was completely unfamiliar. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain making it almost impossible to breathe, but I bit my lower lip hard, refusing to let the tears fall.

"Fine. I understand." I took a deep breath and grabbed my purse from the table, my spine straight.

I didn't scream or make a scene. I used every ounce of self-control I had to maintain my last shred of dignity.

"Since the game is over, Mr. Carter, you'd better find someone else to handle the engagement party. I find it disgusting."

With that, I turned without hesitation and strode out of the restaurant in my heels.

Behind me came Ethan's voice, suppressing his fury. "Stella, try walking out that door!"

I didn't look back. The moment the door closed, I leaned against the cold wall, gasping for air, and tears finally broke through like a dam.

Five years of wasted devotion, shattered to pieces in this moment.

The next morning, Carter Group CEO's office.

I'd applied elaborate makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes. Like always, I arrived at the company half an hour early and placed a cup of perfectly heated black coffee on Ethan's desk.

Except this time, there was a white envelope beside the coffee.

When Ethan entered the office, he still had that superior, aloof demeanor. He glanced at the envelope on the desk, his brow furrowing slightly. "What's this?"

"My resignation letter." I stood in front of the desk, my voice so calm it had no inflection.

"Mr. Carter, since you're about to get engaged, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I should avoid suspicion. I'll complete the work handover within a week."

Ethan's movements stopped abruptly. He picked up the resignation letter, his eyes instantly darkening.

"Stella, you've grown bold, haven't you?" He laughed coldly, his slender fingers tearing the envelope in half and tossing it in the trash. "Trying to play mind games with your resignation? That trick is too old."

"I'm serious." I looked at him, my eyes no longer holding any of the adoration and compliance from before, only a deathly stillness.

He impatiently loosened his tie, his tone forceful.

"I haven't approved it, so you're still a Carter Group employee. Put away your ridiculous tantrums. I don't have time to indulge you. This afternoon, cancel all meetings and accompany Luna to try on wedding dresses."

I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging into my palms. "Mr. Carter, accompanying your fiancée to try on wedding dresses isn't within my job responsibilities."

"At Carter Group, my word is your responsibility." Ethan stood up, closing in step by step, his eyes full of oppression. "Stella, don't forget your brother is still at an Ivy League school, and your mother's care facility costs a significant amount every month. Angering me won't benefit you in any way."

He was threatening me with my family.

My whole body went cold as I looked at this man in disbelief.

After sharing a bed for five years, he knew my weaknesses better than anyone. And now he was mercilessly pointing the blade at my most vulnerable spots.

"Fine. I'll go." I closed my eyes and swallowed the bloody taste in my throat.