chapter 6

The following morning, Colton steeled himself and headed to work.

At the 9 a.m. meeting, he struggled to present the plan I'd once outlined for him, awkwardly stumbling through it.

Unexpectedly, the room burst into applause, with his boss showering him with accolades.

He thought he had it made. Excitement soared within him.

"Colton, you’re fired."

David Hammond strode to the head of the table and settled in.

"Mr. Hammond, is there a problem with my proposal?

"I can make any necessary fixes."

Forcing a smile, Colton fought to stay composed.

"No issue with the proposal. The problem is, it wasn’t yours from the start.

"Your ex-girlfriend was the mastermind all along, wasn’t she? Don’t think I’m unaware.

"The only reason you even stepped into my company is because Cassidy vouched for you.

"Do you truly not recognize your own value?

"Pathetic!"

David shot him a scornful glance.

"Mr. Hammond, how do you know my girlfriend?

"What did she tell you?

"She’s fabricating lies; I can clarify!"

Colton desperately attempted to defend himself.

"Someone like you? Forget about working in this industry again. You’re blacklisted everywhere.

"Get out!"

David summoned security, and they unceremoniously escorted Colton out.

That was the second farewell gift I presented him.

After Colton finished school and entered the workforce, he was diligent and sincere. He aspired to provide a home for me, often working tirelessly through the night.

He was perennially in the shadows of his colleagues. My sympathy led me to assist him with refining his proposals.

I even reached out toDavid Hammond, the industry giant, securing Colton a position there.

He progressed steadily, evolving from a junior employee to near project department manager.

He always relied on me.

But he never appreciated it.

After work, David invited me to dinner.

"To celebrate your liberation from that draining leech, that's the first drink.

"Toasting your promotion and newfound self-focus, that’s the second drink.

"And the third drink, for at long last I can pursue you with abandon.

"To my queen, cheers!"

Grinning foolishly, David clinked glasses with me.

"Hold it, I’m savoring my independence!" I gestured playfully.

Just then, a familiar voice reached me from behind.

"Colton, everything is fine. There’s a world full of other companies.

"Worst case, I’ll look after you~"

Amelia did her utmost to console Colton, but he appeared more defeated than the day before.

"You’re a kindergarten teacher earning three grand a month. How do you plan on supporting me?"

Colton wasn’t buying it, even throwing in a jab.

"Colton!

"I realize you’re upset, so I won’t argue.

"At least now we can be open about being together, right?

"Finally, we can declare our love openly, correct?"

Amelia approached Colton, entwining her arms around his. Her happiness was evident.

Colton remained unmoved. He disengaged from her grip.

"I asked you here today…"

He hesitated, then continued, "I wanted to say, let’s end this…"

Amelia’s eyes widened, frozen momentarily.

"Colton, you mean you’re just tied up with job and apartment hunting, right?

"It’s alright, I won’t disturb you. We’ll connect when you’re free, okay?"

She feigned ignorance, though her face burned with anger.

"That tramp Cassidy, who does she think she is evicting you? That was Colton’s apartment!

"She should be the one to leave. Tomorrow I’ll gather some folks to evict her!"

I couldn’t help but chuckle. "That place wasn’t purchased by Colton…"

My sudden remark caught them both off guard.

"Colton, I dare you to repeat it to me once more—am I truly the fiancée who’s been sponging off all these years?"

I fixed him with a steely gaze.

"Sweetheart!"

The instant Colton saw me, he leapt up.

Back when he decided to purchase that apartment, his parents had tragically passed, with a portion of his inheritance going towards their funeral.

Post-funeral, he scraped together every penny to buy me a place. I pitied him, so I emptied my savings for the down payment.

Feeling indebted, he handed over the remaining funds, promising we’d upgrade to a better home for our wedding once enough was saved.

Yet, he conveniently forgot. Just days ago, he requested the money back, plowing it into the stock market.

I was never the so-called "freeloading fiancée" he proclaimed.

Does he even realize the depth of his descent?

"Cassidy, you’ve got some nerve following us!

"Hurry and hand the apartment back to Colton."

Amelia jabbed a finger towards me, irate.

"Amelia, are you so wrapped up in sweet-talk"

I smirked, tapping my phone screen : "You haven’t checked your phone?"

A trending headline appeared: [Kindergarten Teacher Seduces Cousin’s Fiancé, Acts Like a Siren!]

That was my congratulatory gift to Amelia.