Pay for Your Lies

Despite my parents' objections, I stay by Julian Grant's side for ten years. He goes from having nothing to building his own empire.

The moment it's time to fulfill our ten-year promise, I proudly tell my parents I'm going to marry him.

But then, he gives the vice president position meant for me to another woman.

I confront him only to overhear a woman's hesitant voice behind the door. "Mr. Grant... you gave me the VP role, but what about Ms. Jones? Aren't you two getting married?"

Julian's tone is cold and sharp, though his face is calm and unaffected. "Noelle's been with me for ten years. Who else would even want her? Relax—she won't dare make a scene."

The words hit me like a slap to the face. Without another word, I turn and make a call to my arranged marriage contact.

"Are you free?" I ask. "Let's get married."

The office door was left slightly ajar.

Inside, Julian Grant was claiming the woman in front of him with raw passion. She moaned, her cheeks flushed red with lust.

I clenched my fists, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Just last night, I had assured my mom that I was going to get married. But the moment I stepped into the office this morning, I found out that Julian had appointed someone else as the vice president—a position that was supposed to be mine.

I hadn't even made it to my office yet—I came straight here, demanding an explanation.

But as if taking the vice president position from me weren't enough, Julian had the audacity to make out with someone in his office.

As the woman in front of him panted, she flashed a provocative smile at me.

I wasn't familiar with her, and it took me quite a while to finally remember who she was.

It was Zoey Jenkins, an intern from one of our partner companies.

The only time we'd met was two months ago during a negotiation. She had taken the wrong contract and burst into tears when her boss scolded her in front of everyone. I remembered speaking up for her that day.

Who would've thought that two months later, she'd not only take my position but also get involved with my boyfriend?

I scoffed, hot tears suddenly prickling at my eyes.

Zoey glanced at the door and deliberately raised her voice. "Mr. Grant, Ms. Jones' absolutely smitten with you. What if she finds out about us and decides not to marry you?"

My heart clenched, and my fingertips trembled as memories of the ten years we'd spent together came rushing back.

When Julian was 20, he'd made a vow to my parents that he'd marry no one but me. Now, at 30 and with a successful career, he had promised them he would appoint me as vice president.

The room immediately fell silent. Then, his voice came through loud and clear.

"We've already been together for ages," he said with a scoff. "Marriage is just