Chapter 1The Price of Choosing Wrong

I couldn't believe it. Just because I pointed out an intern's mistake in a meeting that could have cost the company millions, he felt humiliated and threatened to quit to the CEO's fiancée.

Without hesitation, Samantha stormed into my office and confronted me: "Couldn't you have told him privately? Lucas is young and sensitive. Why did you have to embarrass him in front of everyone? Don't forget his father is a major shareholder. Now you have two choices."

"One, I promote Lucas and make you his assistant. Then I'll agree to announce our engagement."

"Two, you continue being arrogant, and we break up."

Seeing my silence, she smirked coldly: "I knew you wouldn't pass up the chance to go public with our relationship."

"Now clear out your office for Lucas, and—"

I cut her off calmly: "I'm sorry, but I choose option two."

"However, I'll resign voluntarily. I wish you and Lucas a happy life together!"

"Zachary, do you realize what you're saying?" Samantha rushed over from behind her desk to confront me. It was the first time I'd seen her normally cool demeanor so shaken.

I repeated quietly: "I quit. We're done."

Ignoring her, I started packing up my personal belongings.

I'd been with this company since its early days and had used this office for years. There was quite a bit to pack.

I put my thermos, blanket and other items into a box, then organized my work files.

Many of these were projects I was currently responsible for. A lot of clients only worked with us because of me, but I wouldn't be able to see them through now.

Samantha stared intently at my actions, her tone growing cold:

"Zachary, you're 34 this year. Getting to VP wasn't easy. You know how brutal the job market is out there. Are you really going to throw it all away over this?"

I said nothing, just printed out my resignation letter and signed it.

Samantha's frown deepened.

Just then, Lucas the intern walked in carefully balancing a coffee mug. He glanced at me nervously.

"Ms. Reid, is Zachary resigning to pressure me into leaving? Please don't put yourself in a difficult position. Zachary's been with the company much longer, I'll go, I'll go right away."

His eyes were red and brimming with tears.

The hesitation in Samantha's eyes immediately vanished, replaced by intense displeasure directed at me.

"Zachary, I've given you an out. Why won't you take it? Do you really think the company can't function without you?"

"Since you're so determined to quit, fine. I'll approve this resignation right now!"

She snatched the letter from me, hastily signed it, and threw it back at me.

Then she left, pulling Lucas along with her.

Watching her cold demeanor, a wave of bitterness washed over me.

Samantha and I had met in college. Back then, I came from a poor family and focused solely on my studies, often mocked by our classmates.

It was Samantha who repeatedly stood up for me, chose to eat with me, even pursued me romantically.

Throughout our four years of college, she was always gentle with me. After graduation, we started this business together, going through the toughest times side by side.

We had promised to get married once the company stabilized.

But everything changed when Lucas's father became a major shareholder and placed him as an intern.

Lucas was careless in his work and made frequent mistakes. Whenever I pointed them out for correction, Samantha would personally warn me not to bully the new guy.

I argued that I was just looking out for the company's interests, but she kept undermining me to protect Lucas.

Now, just because I mentioned Lucas's mistake in a meeting, she was using our relationship to force me to step aside.

I should have let go a long time ago.

After leaving the company, I immediately received a call from the HR department of Skyline Corp, the industry leader.

"Mr. Foster, we heard you just resigned. I hope you don't mind us reaching out. We'd like to extend another invitation for you to join us. Please consider it."

Over the years, many top companies had tried to headhunt me privately due to my excellent work performance.

But I had devoted myself completely to Samantha, rejecting all offers and working tirelessly to build her company.

Now I was left with nothing.

They offered a salary three times higher than my current one, hoping I would consider. I finally agreed to meet the next day.

I returned to the home Samantha and I shared, intending to pack my bags and leave. But when I opened the door, I saw Samantha in the kitchen, tenderly tying an apron around Lucas's waist.

"Ms. Reid, just stand back and watch. I promise the food I cook today will be exactly to your taste."

"Oh really? I'm quite picky, you know."

The two flirted and joked as if I wasn't there, the atmosphere warm and intimate.

A moment later, Samantha noticed my presence. The smile immediately vanished from her face as she said coolly:

"Lucas, just cook for the two of us. Someone's too proud to eat at home today anyway."

I knew she was taking a dig at me. I ignored her and bent down to change my shoes.

Samantha frowned slightly, then lifted her chin to look at me: "Zachary, since you're back, I assume you've realized your mistake."

"What are you standing there for? Go apologize to Lucas and ask for his forgiveness. I'm willing to overlook what happened this morning. I can even keep your position open at the company."

Seeing her superior attitude, I felt only coldness. No matter how close two people once were, we had truly grown apart.

I still didn't respond, just walked past her to the balcony to collect the laundry.

Samantha's face fell at being repeatedly ignored. She was about to speak when Lucas came over with a bowl of soup.

He deliberately bumped into me, then let out an exaggerated cry of pain, falling to the ground with soup spilled all over himself!

"Ah! It burns! Zachary, even if you resent me, you don't have to go this far!"

He clutched his reddened hand, tears streaming down his face.

This was Lucas's usual tactic for turning Samantha against me. At work, he would pretend to stay late, claiming I was overworking him. Or he'd spill water on himself and say I yelled at him.

I used to ignore his antics, but this time, I didn't want to let him have his way.

Since he liked to say I bullied him, I'd give him what he wanted.

Before Lucas could get up, I grabbed a plate from the table and dumped the food he'd just cooked all over him.

Oily broth dripped from his hair as Lucas shrieked, tears flying.

Samantha rushed over, roughly shoving me aside as she yelled:

"Zachary, have you lost your mind?! Why do you keep targeting Lucas? You've disappointed me so much..."

I smirked: "Disappointed? Good. Then we can go our separate ways from now on."

Samantha's face flushed red with anger, speechless for a long moment. Lucas continued to cry pitifully, so she had no choice but to take him to the hospital.

The apartment finally fell silent as the front door slammed shut.

I let out a long breath, feeling some deep-rooted attachment slowly dissipate. With a bitter smile, I picked up my suitcase and walked out.

Samantha, it's truly over between us.