My Billionaire Boyfriend's Full Blown Affair!

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My Billionaire Boyfriend's Full Blown Affair!

NovelShort 已完結
BillionaireDevil HusbandCheatingStrongHeroineRevenge

"Felicia. You gotta see this." Naina, a friend of mine from another department, suddenly urged me to check the company group chat. My eyebrows knit close in confusion. -Happy and safe wherever he is...

章節(7)

第1章

~Felicia~ The atmosphere at KingCorp was buzzing and delightful. I was enchanted by the view because I organized the ceremony myself. My CEO boyfriend, Leo Herring was supposed to be the star of the show! But he was nowhere to be seen. "Nice decorations, Felicia! But where is the man of the event? We should be celebrating him, but he's an hour late to his own party?." A colleague inquired. "I've been texting him, even called him. He.. seems busy. But I'm positive that he'll be here soon" I said, feeling like a cat on the wall. I had my own doubts. Will he be able to attend to celebrate being the best CEO again? He's on the Forbes list this time, too. "Come on, pick it up..." I said to myself, greeting three other employees who waved at me. The rooftop of our company building was glimmering in the evening. "Hey, if boss isn't here, there's no need to celebrate, right? I had plans with my girlfriend. I canceled them for boss Leo." Another colleague approached and I felt like I was on the brink. They were relying on me to bring Leo here because I'm his girlfriend? I was starting to lose hope and patience. "Yes, just gimme a min—" "Felicia. You gotta see this." Naina, a friend of mine from another department, suddenly urged me to check the company group chat. My eyebrows knit close in confusion. -Happy and safe wherever he is. Was injured GHASTLY as the storage fell on my foot. Sad sad me~- I stared at the caption in disbelief. This can't be happening. It was from Maya Grande, Leo's favorite PA. "The post was made fifteen minutes ago, Felicia..." Naina pointed out and I looked up to see discomfort etched on everyone's face. "Um...guess there's no party then. Sorry for wasting your valuable two hours, guys. I'm...Sorry." It felt wrong for me to apologize to them all. But I had no choice. My boyfriend was the one who humiliated them by not showing up. I had to take the blame because I was the 'good girlfriend'. Leo was always a punctual person. But since he made Maya his PA, things have gone downhill. I had to watch everyone leave. The empty rooftop was filled with eerie silence after the employees and their plus ones left. Leo Herring, the brilliant CEO recognised by the top tech brands doesn't want to attend his own success party. He loved these things. But he was dedicating his time to someone else. He's been spending more time in the office and less time home and socializing after Maya came into the picture. What's going on? "Oh dear," I heard Aunt Gemma's voice from behind. "He's done it again. Prioritized someone else over your efforts and happiness." She stated in a voice laced with compassion. It's been a while since I got that from anyone. I stared at her, wide eyed. Does she know something that I should? "We all know she's faking it. Never in the history of mankind did an empty box fall from table height and break a foot. I saw it." Aunt Gemma shared as I stared at the railing in disbelief. I bit my lower lip, shaking my head. I was right. Maya was acting. "Why couldn't he see through her act?" I was just as confused. Leo's not that dumb. Unless he has other intentions with her, spending time in solitude like that. "He feels obliged to give her his services. I don't want to plant seeds in you, but it seems his interest has shifted." That night, Aunt Gemma helped me open my eyes. At that moment, it felt surreal to even think Leo was capable of cheating on me. It sounded so bitter to me. We've been together for four years, our anniversary coming up soon. He was always overly kind and dutiful to his employees. Overly being the keyword. It was an attitude that was beaten into him since his childhood. Born to heirs of a multibillion company, this attitude was desired excessively. "It seemed more than duty to me. Just saying." Aunt Gemma ended her reasoning. "I'm...tired. i don't care if I wasted a wad of cash from my own pocket for this event. I need to go home and...rest." I spoke my mind. It felt like I lost a piece of me that day. I spent a chunk of my savings on him, and he does this. "I'll drop you to the mansion then." I nodded and let Aunt Gemma guide me back home safely. It was around midnight and I found myself pacing around the room. I Couldn't help but notice how everyone in the company chose Maya for some reason. Maya is great, Maya did this, Maya this, Maya that. It was as if my efforts were invisible to everyone. I've worked so hard from the background and contributed to our success. But all the credit went to Maya, somehow. Out of the blue, the notification lit the room up and I saw it. It was from my boyfriend Leo. Well, not my boyfriend anymore I think. -Sorry, had to cancel last minute babe. Maya's not well- I lifted my eyebrow. -Whatever. Call me first, we need to talk.- Texting back assertively, I waited for his call to come. Three hours passed and I was fuming at 1 am, holding my phone and tapping my foot impatiently. *ring ring* "Oh look who's called me! Mr. Party Canceller!!." I exclaimed the moment he said ‘Hello’. "Don't talk to me like that, Felicia. My employee wasn't feeling well in my presence. I had to get her to the hospital." He argued without me even telling anything about Maya! "What a convenient time for her to break her foot, right?" I asked condescendingly. "I needed to ensure she was alright. It wasn't anything out of convenience. What are you implying here?" He asked rudely. "...Nothing. But let me tell you something interesting. I hope this will ease your heart." I could feel him raise his eyebrow from the other end, "What?" He sounded annoyed and irritated. "I'll relieve you from taking care of me and prioritizing me, 'cause we are over." "What!? Felicia—" He raised his voice to change my mind but I didn't let him. I cut the call and switched my phone off.

第2章

~Leo~ I stared at the picture of her profile after she hung up. The room suddenly felt cold and heavy, I could feel my chest being crushed. Felicia never threatened to end our relationship like this before. Minor inconveniences always appeared as hurdles between us. But we were so strong with each other that we overcame all of them. What's changed then? Why couldn't we let go of this? Her words cut deeper than a knife. I was speechless after she put our relationship on the edge. But what else could I do myself? I'm an employer, and I know my employees need my help. What's wrong with helping someone in need? Felicia always encouraged me to help the ones in need. Wasn't she being a hypocrite? Maya must be my top priority - she's my best employee and her wellbeing affects my company and the decisions made. The company always came first, no matter what choice was laid in front. Sitting on the hospital bed for the visitors, I sighed and opened my phone. "What's this?" There were a ton of unopened messages. I admit that I don't keep track of my messages. Let alone see my Company's group chat because Maya handles everything for me. When I opened them, I was met with a wave of shocking pictures taken of me without my consent. Maya took selfies with me and pictures of me while she was in the hospital. Each was tagged with a misinterpreting tagline. -Boss pours his heart out to take care of his employees. Everyone's in good hands and we know it, teehee!‐ -Oh god, i can't wait to get back to work. But i might be limping for a while~- In one particular picture, I was standing right above her and the angle at which it was taken suggested that I was close to her lips. "Fucking hell..." i was definitely annoyed at Maya. I wasn't sure if she was doing it on purpose. Things spiralled out of control way too quickly. But at the same time, Felicia should be the last person doubting me over this small misunderstanding. So what if I cancelled the event last minute? I had a duty to take care of my best employee! She can't hold that against me, dangle that blame in my face for our ruined relationship. Felicia ought to understand what it feels like to be in my place. What was done was done and I reasoned myself to have no further regrets. A knock on the door pulled me out of my invading plethora of thoughts. "Hey, how is she doing?" My best friend Neil Bonham walked in, I raised an eyebrow. "How'd you know where to find me?" "I'm your cabinet member, Leo. I'm in the group chat too." Neil's voice was calm but I could sense some upset attached to it. Neil and I share a special brotherly bond - he knows me the best of all. At times in need like this, he always spawns at the right time to console me. Hence, I opened up. "I cancelled the party for Maya and my girlfriend is pissed. She organized it especially for me. She had full confidence since last year that I'd win again, but man I ruined it for her." I explained myself and hoped he would understand. "Buddy, you did what you had to. You shouldn't worry about being misunderstood." Neil assured. "But Felicia thinks I'm not prioritizing her anymore. She thinks im throwing her to the side while im not. I have my own responsibilities, Neil." "And you're carrying them out perfectly, Leo. You're a great leader. And if your girlfriend - who needs to trust you the most - isn't giving you any peace, maybe it's better to do the right thing." "The right thing?" I folded my arms over my chest, sighing as I looked across at Maya. "Look, we all know what's best for the company. And it's not Felicia right now. It's Maya. She's our top priority. Her wellbeing is." Neil spoke the exact words that were in my mind. "You stole the words from my mouth." "That's 'cause I've known you for long enough. Felicia just came into your life four years ago. Can't you see the path that's shining better for you?" "I don't know which one is shining better for me, Neil. Maya or Felicia?" I asked because I was genuinely stuck at the junction. "If Felicia is pushing you to make a CHOICE, then it isn't what you think true love is. You shouldn't be in that situation because of Felicia, because only one path can be taken at a time." "I understand now..." I mumbled slowly. "I get it. Felicia was wrong to make me choose. What happened has happened. I'll try talking to her. I just know she'll make it hard for me because she just wouldn't listen." The thought of wanting to confront Felicia made my hand run down my face. "You got this buddy." Neil stood up, summoning me to the terrace of the hospital. We shared the whiskey out of paper cups and laughed the entire night. Reminiscing our friendship and hurdles together. It was around midnight when I drove myself back home. I was slightly tipsy but mostly conscious. "Felicia? Felicia! We need to talk, baby. Come to me!" I loudly announced down the stairs. When I got no response, I forced myself upstairs and checked her room. My heart sank and I never felt so sober so quick. Felicia's room was cleared out, all her belongings gone. I realized what she'd done to me over a slight misunderstanding and broke down on her sweet smelling bed.

第3章

~Felicia~ FEW HOURS EARLIER... The lump sat deep in my throat which wouldn't go away. I put the last photo frame in the storage box and stared at the emptiness of the wall. The nails lasted longer than these photos, I thought to myself. It's okay, it's alright. I'm worth more than this humiliation. Once I get back home, I can feel loved and belong again. My tears turned into hard crystals that rolled down my chin as I stared at the empty closet. Half of them were his gifts, top labelled fashion brands filled my walk-in closet and I had a new outfit for every day of the year. I thought I'd make more memories here, bear his kids and watch them create havoc in this little room, this mansion. But my dreams were crushed too soon. "Get ahold of yourself, Felicia. You're stronger than this." I spoke to myself in loneliness. I was hallways across the country on a train when my phone buzzed with the ringtone; I sleepily clicked the green button and didn't even see the contact. "Hello?" "Hello, Felicia. Please think this over. You're leaving him at his worst state and walking out of his life when he did so much for you." My eyebrows furrowed. "I'm walking out of his life, Neil? How ironic. I thought he did that before I could. So I'm going my own way too." I reasoned with assertion. "Just because he couldn't attend the party, you're punishing him for a lifetime." "JUST a party?" I emphasized, "Do you even realize how embarrassed I was consoling my own colleagues of HIS absence? Meanwhile, he was grooming his PA in the hospital for her fake injury." I hissed in anger. "If you're taking his side and pushing me under the bus, forget about contacting me ever again. Goodnight." Saying, I hung up and switched my phone off. I dreamed of a perfect life with Leo Herring. I didn't even love him for his money or looks. I fell in love with his kind, generous and sweet personality. "To hell with them!" I grunted under my breath and went back to sleep uncomfortably. I reached back to my hometown, walking into the crappy old apartment I grew up in. My parents died seven years ago in a car crash. As I looked at the empty walls, sadness wallowed my heart and I broke down. Finally. The catharsis felt liberating and I didn't feel numbness in my heart any longer. I started unpacking after a nice shower and resolved to clean the apartment. It would be a nice distraction against thinking about Leo and our past life. Which I'm over with. After everything was done, I was setting up my cheap ramen from a cup and cheese strings when my phone vibrated again. I anticipated Maya or Neil trying to change my mind about Leo again. I rolled my eyes and saw the name displayed, my eyes widened at the surprise. It was Leo himself. -I need to see you, Felicia. Baby, please don't punish me like this...- I stared at the screen with my heart on my sleeves. Did he really think persuading me like a maniac would fix things between us? My hands were trembling. As much as I didn't want to admit, I still cared for Leo. -Not after you ditched me and disregarded my feelings like that. Goodbye.- I tried to end the conversation desperately. But soon after, he was dialling me. I didn't want to pick it up, letting the rings go off about three times. I stared at the red button hard on the fourth ring and my finger betrayed me by sliding the green one. "Felicia, hey. Where are you? Send me your location, I'm coming to get you." "I'm far out of your reach. Now you know how it feels like to stay apart, to be ignored." "Felicia...please. Your punishments are unreasonable. I know that I hurt you. But I assure you it's not because of Maya. I'm her boss, I ought to help her out. Just like all my employees, im responsible for her wellbeing too!" I laughed at his explanation. "Leo, she's always injured herself in convenient times. Like your birthday and other events that should bring us together. Don't you find it petty and planned?" "Oh come on! You're being delusional! Accidents happen all the time, alright! You know that pretty well. I saved you countless times too." He exclaimed as I scoffed in disbelief. "Countless times!? Stop talking to me!" I growled out. "That's a bit childish of you. I don't expect you to understand my stance but you're taking this too far. Send me your location or I'll pull strings and get you myself." I scoffed again. This man's head was too high in the clouds! "Did you just call me childish? I hid my disdain with your friendship with Maya and didn't utter a single word against your past with her. And now you rub it on my face that I'm childish. Well played, boss!" "Stop it, Felicia. It's getting annoying. I'm stumped with work and consoling you should be the last thing on my list. I do care about you. There's no other reason I cried when I saw your empty room and am calling you right now." He said and I felt my lower lip wobble. "Don't contact me ever again. We're over." I repeated the words from yesterday and did the same. Cut the call and went on about my day.

第4章

~Leo~ I smiled at the jovial and rich environment. Neil's birthday brought everyone close under one roof, and I kept thinking about Felicia. As though my wishes were answered, i caught sight of Felicia standing alone, looking all pretty in her yellow dress. Her stance was suggesting she didn't want to be there. When someone came by to talk, she answered them in small phrases or just a nod. It didnt matter and i was just glad i could see her again. Even after she moved cities to work online, she came by to engage socially. I didn't think she'd come, but there she was, always doing the right thing and putting others' happiness before her own. "Leo! Boss!" Maya's voice brought me back to reality. I was stuck in my trance with Felicia. Her gaze followed where I was looking then Maya looked back at me with a polite smile. "Could you wheel me to the water section, please? I've been calling you." "S-Sorry. I was distracted." I said and went over to help Maya. She was to be in a wheelchair for approximately a month. I briefly caught Felicia looking my way as I sipped on water. I so desperately wanted to talk to her, but Maya's needs came first. We could talk later. "What's on your mind, boss? Where are you looking?" Maya suddenly asked. I shook my head and said, "Nowhere. Where do you wanna go next?" Honestly, it is kinda exhausting to keep wheeling a patient around in your party. But these are part of my duties as their boss. I wanna be able to help them as they are obliged to do the same for me. It kinda sucks. We were now at the dinner table when I pushed Maya closer to the table and sat down. I was cutting steak for her as she said she felt too weak and tired. Suddenly, Maya leaned on my shoulder and whispered, "I don't know what I'd do without your help, boss. Thank you for being the best." "You told me you wanted to enjoy the party. I'm just being a good person." I said and fed a bite sized piece to her. Out of nowhere, the birthday boy stood behind me and suggested, "Why don't you feed Felicia too? She's been avoiding interaction for a long time. Give her some company, dude. She would appreciate your company." I raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, I felt indifferent and the pain from last night washed over me. "She'll be fine over there. She was never into social interactions." I said briefly. "Are you sure, mate? He looks so uncomfortable." Neil argued. I put the knife and fork down and stared up at him. "If you're that concerned, why don't you go give her company? It's your party she came to. Besides, she's fine with whatever she's doing. She also knows I'm here for Maya because she's injured. It's not a big deal like she's posing it to be." I seethed and turned away. "I sense animosity from your girlfriend. I swear I'm not trying to get between you two, Leo." Maya got the wrong idea as I was quick to defeat her worries and concerns. "Felicia is fine. She understands that you need my help." I assured and glanced at Felicia, who now looked irritated. She quickly looked away when she realized I was staring at her. "I can't stress enough how good of a boss you are, Leo." I pursed my lips into a thin line and pushed the plate to Maya. I shrugged the praise off, I had doubts infiltrating my mind. The catering reeled us in to sit around the big table as I was pulled to sit beside my PA, Maya. My eyes were searching for Felicia and she was sitting in a dimly lit corner with unknown folks. My gaze locked with Felicia and her eyes were screaming that she was uncomfortable. But when she noticed me, her look turned into one of annoyance and she huffed before looking away. That made my heart bump with a pang. Why was I feeling guilty for nothing I did? I was quick to brush it off. It wasn't my fault anyway. But I couldn't help but think about her odd behavior. She was never this incongruous with me. So angry and so hurt, it was as if she wanted to make me feel something for her. Suddenly, I caught her getting up and excusing herself. Where is she going? "Maya I'll be right back." Saying, I made my escape and caught Felicia right on time. "Where are you going? We need to talk." I held her arm and stated assertively. She shook my hand off, her eyes scaring me. "No, we don't. I'm going back home." "Your home is with me, Felicia. We built that together." "That's just a house with walls now, Leo. I— what's the point in explaining?" She shook me off again and tried walking away. "Hey guys! Is everything alright?" Neil came up behind me and assessed the tension in the air. "Happy birthday and Goodnight, Neil." Saying, Felicia took her leave and I couldn't do anything about it. Something was holding me back. "She doesn't look okay to me, Leo. Did you do something?" "Except for helping my employee, I didn't do anything against her wish. She'll be fine. Let's go back." Urging us back in, I pulled my phone out and texted Felicia, -Let's talk after. But lemme know when you reached home. I'm concerned- When I hit the button to send, I scowled to see the single grey tick. Her profile picture wasn't visible to me either. My mood was ruined when I realized she'd blocked my number.

第5章

~Felicia~ I reached back home and went to sleep right away. I applied for leave today and hoped some rest would revive me. As soon as I woke up, I checked my formal emails and responded to one of them. Meanwhile, our Company's group chat was buzzing in the background which kinda distracted me. I decided to check it out. Most of the pictures and texts were from Maya, of course. I rolled my eyes and tried to get to the recent messages. But her pictures got my attention because she was posing with Leo in every. single. one of them. My heart sank to my stomach as I fell back onto the headboard. There he was, flaunting his gentleman's behavior as he held the door open for her. I recognised the porch, it was Maya's house. -Feels so safe when Boss Leo drops me back to my house. He goes to such lengths for me~- That wasn't even the worst part. Yet. The grip on my phone was tightened when I read the comments that followed, -That's such a cute photo!- -Yes but i like the 1 where he's adjusting her hair! They look so cutesy!- -ikr! Like a real couple! They'd make such a power couple in our company!- My chest tightened uncomfortably and teats threatened to dampen my cheeks. It looked like Maya and Leo were the new hot couple in town. They didn't even consider my presence in the group chat. As if I was invisible! That didn't stop there. The pictures and following comments were a mile long in the chat. All were Maya flaunting poses and scenarios with Leo and he seemed so comfortable and unbothered in every single one of them. I toughened myself up and decided to distract myself with TV. The news channel flashed breaking news, "BEST CEO OF THE YEAR WAS SEEN ESCAPING THE CONFERENCE TODAY TO TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN OUT OF THE BLUE! WHAT IS THIS NEW IMPROMPTU BEHAVIOR FROM THE BEST CEO?" Michigan? That's where I was! As if to knock me back into my senses, there was a knock on the door. I feared who it might be. "Err...yeah?" I looked at the pizza delivery and he smiled brightly. "This is a gift pizza from an ADMIRER." I tilted my head to the side. I wanted to reject it but I could skip lunch with this. I took it and closed the door. Wondering who my admirer was, I opened the pizza. On the lid was a note attached, -My love, we need to talk. Please forgive me. I've delivered your favorites. XOXO- When I looked down at the veggie-filled pizza, I lost my cool. I hate vegetables on my simple Margherita pizza. But guess who else loved veggies on their pizza because they're health conscious? Maya. Almost immediately after, the furious knocks on my door made my bones jump out! I looked through the peephole, upset to find Leo standing there. He was drenched in the rain and had his top buttons undone, sleeves rolled up. "Why? Why can't you just leave me alone?!" I yelled. "I wasn't taught to severe bonds, Felicia. I only how to make them!" He retorted. "That's very nice of you but you gotta leave." "That's not happening unless you're coming with me." His eyes briefly glanced inside my house, "Look at the way you're living. Please come home, Felicia. You're making this harder for me!" "No, Leo. You're making this harder for yourself. His shoulders relaxed as he breathed out. "At least apologize to Neil and Maya. They were hurt because of your actions last night." I jumped my eyebrows in the air. "Apologize?" I asked increduloudky. "Yes. They're coming here for a dinner." "Why...why would you always put others before me?" My lips wobbled and I saw his eyes flash with concern. Just for a jiffy. Then it was gone, wiped away. "I- I have to get rest. I'm too tired for anything related to you. Go home, Leo." "I can't. I already booked the private cabin at WonderLeaf. Come by at 8pm sharp. I don't want any excuses or I'll keep knocking at your door. And i won't leave Michigan back to NYC." "Are you freaking kidding me!? You're threatening me, Leo!" "I'm fully aware of that. Bye. See you there." Saying, he looked at my apartment with disgust once again and turned to leave. "Whatever. FINE I'M COMING!" i yelled into the corridor...and he didn't even turn back to acknowledge me. I pretended to be strong and tough superficially but deep down I was crippling with emotional agony.

第6章

"Thank you," paying up for the cab, I looked at the grand restaurant. I was totally aware I was late, but didn't bother because I wanted the dinner to get cancelled. But i was convinced that Leo wouldn't let that happen. He was stubborn to make this work, as if it was to fix everything between us. I caught myself staring at the lift's mirror. My simple maroon bodycon hug me like my second skin. I felt pretty after a long time. Despite my body looking decent and sexy, my face looked deprived of life. Eye bags due to sleepless nights, stress lines and a balding patch in my scalp. I turned away from my reflection, sighing. The outcome expected of this dinner was unclear to me. What were Leo's intentions with dragging me out on a dinner like this? This was more than me apologizing to Neil and Maya - which I wouldn't be doing anyway. As I exit the lift, I found my head held high. Because I didn't want them to get off analysing my sadness. "Private cabin E-8, please. It's under Leo Herring." "Oh, Leo Herring!" The receptionist was a little too excited and showed me to the cabin herself. Pointing to the cabin, she smiled and took her leave. I walked past, closing in on the door when I heard their familiar voices conversing. "If there was anyone better suited for my best friend, it should be you, Maya." My hand stopped at the doorknob. It was Neil's voice. Neil was poise and didn't slur, meaning he meant what he said without even thinking that someone could walk in at any moment. He was speaking the truth consciously. I left a shaky breath as I let anger consume me, but sadness quickly replaced it. I shouldn't put myself through this and walk away with pride intact. But something stopped me to listen. "You've been by Leo's side for as long as I can remember. You know him inside out. And he definitely smiles a lot when he's around you." Neil continued, I could see his hand resting over her knee. "I get it, Neil. But he's in a relationship with her. I don't want to be a homewrecker." Maya was more rational than Neil, it was pissing me off. "You're kidding!" Neil let out a laugh, "You're not coming between them. You always were a part of Leo's life! Because he still has you in your heart, Maya. He never let you go." I felt my whole world shatter. Leo still had feelings for her? That meant they were together in the past. Tears threatened to fall and my feet were ready to run. But I fought the urge and stood there to be insulted more. "I don't know where I'm supposed to be, Neil." Her words didn't match her tone, she was dishonest with herself. "Felicia's a good girl. She's a nice match for him. I mean...Leo and I were THE couple back then but it's over." "You really think Leo is capable of severing bonds? He only knows how to make them." Planting that seed in both of our heads, Neil took pride in his words and continued, "She's not as successful as you, not prettier than you and She's got no connections. On a professional level, you're the perfect match for Leo! You'd be the power couple again, Maya. Think about it." My throat went dry as the words haunted me. Not as successful, not as pretty, no connections... Neil was rubbing my wound with salt and other spices altogether wasn't he? Maya remained quiet, assuming that was the truth. I leaned closer, anticipating what she'd say to Neil. "I mean...Leo is an amazing guy, i can't forget about us. And maybe...you're right. Maybe we were meant for each other and she was just a standby. It was fate." Standby... Standby... I felt used and betrayed. Maya's voice was so deceptively sweet that a third person would think Im the villain in their relationship. "I know what I speak, Maya. I can guarantee no one knows Leo as much as I do. That man is still in love with you and I can prove it. He's done a mistake by jumping into a relationship with Felicia. We all make mistakes. Hard to believe the perfectionist Leo did one too." And that mistake...was me. He chose me to be his standby and that was Leo's first and biggest mistake. I get it, Neil. Real smooth at insults you are. "I know it sounds complicated, but Leo's gotta accept the truth. That he loves you truly and Felicia, only superficially." That was enough confirmation to let tears run down my cheeks. I couldn't take the humiliation anymore, it was breaking my heart. Out of all other reasons, it had to be that I was his MISTAKE. "Ah!" While running back, I bumped into a well built chest and gazed up. It was Leo! "Why are you cr- Felicia!" He called after me but I spitefully turned around and spat, "Why!? Why didn't you tell me you couldn't stay with me!? You still have feelings for her!" I shouted. Leo stood flabbergasted, but his silence was what baffled me the most. It took everything in me to not punch him, make a commotion. When he wasn't able to utter ever a single word, it was my cue to believe the truth and run away with my heart forced bare in my hands.

第7章

"Felicia!" By now, the hotel guests' attention was on me. The damsel in distress running away from her prince charming. My heart was drumming out of my chest. What if he caught me up to!? "Felicia, stop!" He shouted after me but I sprinted like my life depended on it. I broke my heel, and was limping and running the same time! The fuel to my fire was the fear of being caught up in his vicious cycle of lies again. My heart can't handle it this time. I know exactly what he'd do to me if I gave him a chance to amend. "Ah!" My fears came true and he caught up to me. He spun me around under the dewy tree. I almost fell, but he caught my waist tightly and pulled me upto his chest. Pressing our bodies closely. "What...a runner..." he mumbled, his breath hot on my face. "Let go of me! Help! Mphmm!" He covered my mouth and looked around. I was trying to embarrass him so he'd unhand me, but he dragged me to a more quiet location between buildings. "What is wrong with you!? I just wanna talk, dammit!" He hissed, acting unlike himself. He gave me some space as I could finally breathe fresh air than his breath. "There's nothing to talk about. You left me to the streets and that's what im doing right now. If you want to fire me, fire me." I stated. "Wha— that wasn't why I wanted to talk! Why are you behaving like this!? What's changed?" He was in so much distress that I thought I was in the wrong. "YOU changed, Leo. You're making everyone else your priority. You don't love me anymore and it's so evident!" "I do love you!" "Then why would you ditch me at the celebration!? You don't even know how embarrassed I was, because surprise surprise! You weren't even there! You chose Maya again!" I got the words out of my chest. "Felicia...oh my god you're exaggerating everything. Maya needed me. She was hurt. I would've done the same to you in a heartbeat." "So she's equal to me in terms of a relationship? Your words, Leo." I pressed. "Whoa...you're turning me into a villain." "I don't have to. You're already one. In your own story." I said and turned away refusing to look at him. "Baby...what else should have I done? She was hospitalized and- and she was scared." "You could've come to the ceremony after awhile, Leo. I can't believe I have to give an adult options. There was no need to cancel it." He sighed in defeat after that. His hands resting on his waist. For a brief second, I took in his appearance. His tall, slender stature sported a neat black and white tuxedo. I shook my head, "I had to beg people to stay despite waiting for two hours for you. Your employees, my colleagues. Things were different at Neil's birthday party, too, because they kept staring at me, judging and gossiping about me. After all, I'm not a good fit for you." His eyes softened as mine started tearing up. "I just wanna break up and not feel so insecure all the time, Leo. Lemme break up with you, please..." At that point, I was just begging. "Don't do this to me, Felicia. I love you...you know I can't cut people out of my life. I'll keep loving you, no matter what." I let out a single sob, my heart pinching at a thought. If he really meant that, he never stopped loving Maya too then. Neil was damn right. "You don't get it, do you? I've waited for months, years for you to understand me. But you're always about company and Maya. Maya this, Maya that, everything about her. It makes me sick." "If you want me to stop talking to Maya, I will. But you have to take her place as PA—" "Oh my god!" I burst out! "You still don't get it! I've given you more chances than a normal woman would. Heck! I was being an understanding goddess! But you failed each time, Leo. I'm done." My knees were giving out on me, but I stood still. The silence was so dense between us that it fogged up his face for me. Leo tried to cut the distance between us, but I stepped back and broke his heart. "Don't touch me. Don't even look in my direction from now on. You're pathetic, Leo." Spitting at him, I turned around and this time, he wasn't able to stop me. He was feeling the pain I inflicted with my words the same way his actions did to me. I reached home and collapsed on the couch. My legs gave out and I sobbed uncontrollably. All the memories came rushing, hurting me more than it should. They didn't lie when they said breakup hurts like shit. After awhile, I wiped my tears and turned to my phone buzzing. It was a message. I hoped it would be Leo, because I could ignore it. But it wasn't Leo. -Felicia, you're being too hard on him. Try to understand his point of view.- I stared at Neil's text in disbelief. Quickly, I shuffled to send a voice message. "Fuck you both!" And I blocked his number for good. I didn't need Leo's subordinates to tell me what to do. *ring ring!* I grunted and looked at my screen. This time it was Leo who was calling me. Pressing the red button, I found peace in blocking his number too.