The CEO's Betrayal: My Escape

After eight years, I watched the man I loved, Ethan Morgan, celebrate a success he' d stolen from me. He stood on stage with his assistant, Bella, giving her the credit and the massive commission that was rightfully mine. His CEO smile, once reserved for me, was now exclusively for her.

He claimed it was punishment for my mother' s engagement to his wealthy father, calling her a gold-digger and me a co-conspirator in her "scheme."

Later, he texted that he was "out of town for a few days." But on Instagram, I saw the truth: a selfie of him and Bella on his private jet, on a romantic getaway.

In the background of their photo was a small, silver-framed picture of us from our trip to Santorini. The violation was absolute. Our entire life together was a lie.

That was it. I sent my resignation, effective immediately, and booked a one-way ticket to Oregon. I was done being his victim.

Chapter 1

Alissa POV:

The bitter taste of betrayal had been a constant companion for eight years, but it solidified into a burning acid in my throat the moment I saw him. Ethan Morgan, the man I loved, was celebrating her success, a success he' d stolen from me.

I watched silently from the periphery of the bustling conference room. My stomach was churning.

This was supposed to be my moment, my project.

But there she was, Bella Russo, draped in a shimmering dress, basking in the spotlight.

Ethan stood beside her, his hand resting casually on the small of her back. His CEO smile, usually reserved for investors and the media, was brighter tonight, exclusively for her.

The air hummed with their shared triumph. A triumph that was mine.

I clutched my glass of sparkling water, the condensation chilling my palm. This wasn't even real champagne. I couldn' t risk it with my sensitive stomach.

He knew that. He used to know everything.

Bella giggled, a high-pitched sound that grated on my nerves. She leaned into Ethan, whispering something in his ear.

His head dipped, a slow, intimate movement. He laughed softly.

A private joke, shared between them. In public.

I felt a pang, sharp and sudden. Like a knife twisting in an old wound.

I tried to focus on the numbers projected on the screen. The impressive figures that represented months of my relentless work.

My effort. My late nights. My skipped meals.

Bella' s name was plastered next to the largest percentage, the commission that was rightfully mine.

My vision blurred. I blinked hard.

No. I wouldn't cry. Not here. Not now.

I felt a prickling sensation on my skin. Like a warning.

I looked up, across the crowded room. Ethan's eyes met mine.

For a fleeting second, his smile faltered. A flicker of something, guilt or discomfort, crossed his face.

Then, his gaze hardened. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

It was a silent message. A threat.

Don' t you dare ruin this.

My breath hitched.