Someone Else in His Heart

For ten years, I stood by my boyfriend as he built his business from scratch.

But now he tells me he wants to give his first love a home.

1

The storm outside had stopped, but there was still no reply from Julian to my message.

Aaron, the company assistant, had secretly informed me that Mr. Barrett had bought a DR diamond ring and was busy setting up a proposal scene these past few days.

"On a rainy day like this, you should head home first!"

I sat at the dressing table drying my hair. Although I was a bit upset, the thought of him proposing when he returned filled me with a warm sense of anticipation.

After ten years together, this man, as clueless as a rock, had finally come around.

While I was lost in thought, my phone on the table suddenly buzzed. It was a message from the company group chat, filled with congratulations.

Had the news leaked?

Why were they congratulating us before the proposal even started?

I patiently scrolled to the top of the messages and saw a photo Julian had posted three minutes ago.

A delicate white hand adorned with a diamond ring rested in his large palm.

But it wasn't my hand.

"I never knew the boss's wife's hand was so beautiful!"

Aaron's innocent voice message chimed in.

With trembling hands, I mustered all my strength to reply without my voice shaking, "The hand is indeed beautiful, but it's not mine."

The congratulations in the group chat came to an abrupt halt.

After a long pause, Julian sent me a private message.

"Cheryl, the photo was accidentally posted in the company group by Cara. Don't be mad."

I stared at the words "don't be mad," feeling both cold and furious, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Cara... Julian's childhood friend.

She had once left him, disdaining his poverty, to study piano abroad.

So, it was her he bought the ring for!

Before I could fully process this, Julian sent another voice message, accompanied by the soft sound of piano music.

"Cheryl, let's break up. I want to give Cara a home."

2

Being with Julian for ten years, it was impossible not to worry about this woman named Cara.

When he was abroad for meetings and I received flower order confirmations on my phone, when he took me to piano recitals on our anniversaries...

I thought that since I was the one who stood by him through thick and thin, I would be the one to wear his engagement ring.

But I was wrong. And I won't make the same mistake again.

You want to give her a home, do you?

I won't let you have your way.

After ten years together, Cara's high-profile announcement in the company group was more shocking than Julian breaking up with me.

Of course, I want love, but if not, money will do.

The company was registered under my investment, and this house is in my name. After the property division, Julian would be left with at most a guest room and a bathroom.

I wonder if the woman who left him because of poverty will still marry him knowing he's still struggling after ten years.

...

The next day, I encountered a refreshed Julian at the office entrance.

He wore a shirt I didn't recognize, paired with a uniquely colored tie. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "Cheryl..."

I sneered inwardly.

Cara must be quite something to keep Julian pining for her all these years.

"Mr. Barrett, let's not be so familiar. Call me Ms. Morley. I'm here for the property division!"

I maintained my last shred of sanity, smiling alluringly.

He was taken aback but changed his tone, "Ms. Morley, the company just secured funding. It's not the right time for a property division."

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. It would be even more troublesome after the second round of investment," I replied firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

3

I had stayed up all night preparing the property division contract, detailing everything down to the last penny.

Julian held the contract for a long time, unable to utter a word, finally resorting to emotional appeals, "Cheryl, you helped build this company with me. How can you bear to see it destroyed by your own hands?"

"Julian, get it straight.

The one destroying this company isn't me, it's you."

I glanced at him coldly, as if discussing cooperation with an incompatible partner.

Of course, from now on, Julian and I would have no cooperation.

I would target him at every turn until he was out of this circle.

Although the property division was complete, I still needed to hand over my work at the company.

The meeting room was packed with people, all aware of my impending departure, their faces filled with reluctance.

I had led the team through countless late nights, and my influence in the company was deeper than Julian's.

They probably wanted to persuade me to stay, but before they could speak, Aaron burst in, interrupting, "Ms. Morley..."

"Cheryl Morley!

Come out here!"

It was Cara. I hadn't sought her out, yet she had the audacity to provoke me.

"Everyone, please leave..."

"Leave for what?

Get to know me. From today, I'm your boss's wife, Cara."

She strutted around like a peacock, her gaze lingering on me.

"Even a three-year-old knows you can't force love. Cheryl Morley, why make things ugly with a property division to disgust us?"

Her words made it sound like the whole situation was my fault.

"Cara, do you know why I never sought you out all these years, even though I knew about you?"

I crossed my arms casually, looking at her with a critical eye.

Perhaps my gaze provoked her, as Cara's voice grew sharper, "You're afraid of me..."

"It's because I don't consider you worth my time."

I chuckled. Back then, I didn't care that he had an unforgettable first love, and now I have enough leverage not to fear him leaving me.

"You don't consider me worth your time, yet he's with me now?"

Cara continued to smile smugly.

"Yes, and I should thank you for taking out the baggage for me!"

I feigned realization, "And to think, after ten years, your worth hasn't increased much..."

"What do you mean by that?"

Cara's face turned even paler.

"Ten years ago, Julian's money could buy you a bathroom. Ten years later, he can add a guest room. Honestly, your worth hasn't increased much over these ten years."

With that, I left, watching Cara's face darken.

It felt great.

But this was just the beginning!

4

For me, breaking up had its perks.

For instance, the next day, news spread that Julian's company had failed to secure funding, and my wallet suddenly felt much fuller.

My friend Krista invited me for drinks to celebrate my escape from misery.

Krista showed up in a deep V-neck, drawing the attention of the men in the bar like wolves.

Naturally, some couldn't resist coming over to flirt.

"Hey ladies, just the two of you?

Isn't it a waste to occupy a booth?

How about we join you?"

Krista had no patience for such forward men, "Get lost, don't ruin our vibe."

She was feisty, and the men were persistent, almost leading to a fight.

I frowned, ready to step in, when a tall figure appeared, restraining one of the men.

"What, bullying people?"

It was Jonny!

Jonny was still the same carefree spirit, relying on his good looks and privileged background.

His sudden appearance left me a bit stunned.

Perhaps sensing he was not to be trifled with, the troublemakers left, grumbling.

Krista glanced at him, "Thanks, kid."

Jonny smirked, casting a playful glance at me before calling over a waiter, "Could I get a cup of hot Earl Grey, please?"

A cup of hot Earl Grey, hitting my preference right on the mark.

I had avoided cold drinks since childhood, but after being with Julian, who loved iced Americanos, I gradually stopped drinking tea.

Breaking bad habits is good, but who orders a cup of hot Earl Grey in a bar?

Krista burst into laughter, hooking her arm around my neck, "This boy toy suits you."

"..."

I found it amusing.

Not necessarily.

Jonny, Julian's long-time rival, had lost to me in a bidding competition three years ago.

Rumor had it that he went abroad to study after that defeat, and I never expected to run into him here today.

Whether he was a friend or foe was still unclear.

Jonny sat down nonchalantly, his eyes sparkled with intensity as they fixed on me.

"Cheryl, it's been a while!"

"Yes, it has," I nodded awkwardly, feeling more sober.

Krista, surprised that he knew me, sat silently with a drink in hand, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

A waiter appeared out of nowhere with a cup of hot tea.

"I heard you left the company, Cheryl?"

Jonny got straight to the point.

I took a sip of tea, swallowing my words of thanks. "Yes."

"Interested in joining my company?"

"..."

It seemed he was a friend after all.

I looked at Jonny, wondering if he intended to use me against Julian.

I remembered our encounter three years ago vividly.

If it hadn't been for my intervention, Julian might have lost.

Everyone saw Jonny as a carefree heir, but I knew this young man was unfathomable.

I enjoyed working with such people and had no reason to refuse, but I needed to calm down before giving him an answer.

"Excuse me, I need to visit the restroom."

As expected, when I came out, Jonny was leaning against the wall, looking at me lazily.

"Cheryl, the position of partner in my company is still open."

Partner.

I admit I was tempted.

Collaborating with the renowned Gu family was an opportunity too good to pass up.

"She won't be your partner."

Before I could respond, a familiar voice shattered the silence.

It was Julian and Cara.

Seeing them here, despite the company's failed financing, made it clear that Cara was back to ruin Julian.

Before we could speak, Julian, confident as ever, continued, "Cheryl only partners with the strong. You lost to me four years ago, so she naturally wouldn't consider you."

I scoffed internally.

Julian was truly arrogant.

"Julian, we've broken up, and besides, Jonny isn't your defeated opponent."

My tone was light, but my gaze was cold.

The music outside was deafening, yet the space around us felt eerily silent.

Julian probably didn't expect me to embarrass him like this. "Cheryl..."

Cara tugged at him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Cheryl, even if Julian dumped you, you shouldn't be so downcast, right?"

I narrowed my eyes, about to retort, when Jonny's mocking voice cut in, "Did you really replace Cheryl with someone like her?

Julian, you need a reality check."

Jonny's sharp tongue was relentless, leaving Cara fuming.

He wanted to say more, but I stopped him. "Why bother arguing with them?"

This was between us; there was no need to involve others.

"My business partnerships and company choices have nothing to do with you, Julian.

If you see me within a hundred meters, please take a detour. And remember to keep your entourage in check."

With that, I shot Julian a cold glance and pulled Jonny away from the scene.

I hadn't expected to shake off one annoying Julian only to attract an equally persistent Jonny.

He followed me home, even thoughtfully arranging a ride for my friend.

"Jonny, I'm home."

My tone clearly indicated I wanted him to leave.

Jonny seemed oblivious, pulling out a contract and handing it to me. "New company. Just sign, and you're a shareholder."

Wow.

He was well-prepared.

I glanced at the company's name, a thought flashing through my mind. "Coast Project?"

"This is the project Julian's company is focusing on for their next major bid."

I looked into Jonny's eyes, hoping to discern something more.

"Is that so?

What a coincidence."

Jonny smiled, charming and harmless, but I sensed a hint of conspiracy.

However, with the opportunity to bring down Julian right in front of me, I had no reason to refuse.

And so, I became a major shareholder in Jonny's new company.

All the paperwork was taken care of for me, and a week after signing the contract, Jonny placed the completed paperwork on my desk.

"How do you like it, Cheryl?"

Jonny asked, showing me the office he had spent days setting up for me.

It was in the monochrome style I loved-simple yet elegant.

I nodded, but my gaze halted at the small table by the door. "What's that for?

My future secretary?"

"That's for me," Jonny replied matter-of-factly.

Leaning against the desk, I crossed my arms and scrutinized him. "What does Mr. Reed mean by sitting in my office?"

Jonny suddenly leaned in, his tall figure looming over me, his deep eyes hinting at something more.

"To make things more efficient and convenient for our talks."

The sunlight cast two shadows on the floor that seemed to intertwine.

With just a glance, I took a step back.

It was getting a bit warm.

"Indeed, the Coast Project is something we must secure," I responded, acknowledging his point.

As we moved to the main topic, Jonny's expression turned serious. "Reed Group will also be participating in this bid."

"Friend or foe?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Friend," Jonny answered decisively.

I didn't understand why he wouldn't just bid under his own company's name, but I figured he had his reasons.

In the days that followed, Jonny somehow recruited a team of experienced and efficient employees, ready to tackle any task.

After more than half a month of preparation, our bid proposal was beginning to take shape.

During this time, Jonny was always by my side, driving me to and from work and providing thoughtful meals, which resulted in me gaining a few pounds.

Aaron even quit his previous job to join me, unable to suppress his curiosity. "Cheryl, is young Mr. Reed interested in you?"

"Have you finished your work?"

I glanced at him, keeping my tone calm.

Rumors about Jonny and me had been circulating in the company, but I paid them no mind now.

"I found out most of the staff here were poached from Reed Group by young Mr. Reed with high salaries."

No wonder they were so competent; that explained it.

"Stop gossiping and redo this section," I instructed, pointing casually, though my mind was inexplicably unsettled.

As we moved forward, both companies entered the final bidding stage.

"Cheryl, you can start thinking about what to have for dinner," Jonny said nonchalantly, but I knew he was confident of victory.

I looked at him without speaking.

I heard Cara had been spending lavishly, following my standards.

But I earned my money, while she was just using Julian's limited resources.

Just then, Cara walked in, her high heels clicking, her hips swaying like they were on springs.

She glanced at me, snorted disdainfully, and casually flaunted her diamond ring.

Jonny chuckled, "Clueless idiot."

I smiled, "If you can talk, say more."

Jonny had a keen eye.

The diamond ring on Cara's finger was large but likely not very valuable.

Julian probably spent all he had to deceive her.

Cara clearly heard us and blocked my path. "Didn't expect you to latch onto the Lu Group so quickly after leaving, did you?"

I smirked inwardly, shielding Jonny behind me, my expression cold. "Why did Julian bring you out to embarrass yourself today?"

"Few know me here, but plenty know you, Yan Lu. Turning against your former employer so soon, who would dare work with you in the future?"

Cara's words were sharper than before, suggesting she'd gained some insight while with Julian.

Yet, her comment amused me.

"You broke the rules, not me. Why wouldn't anyone work with me?

If Julian's deeds were exposed, people might even praise me for my integrity, for not tearing you two apart."

I casually closed the contract in front of her. "Cara, remember, I was the one who didn't want Julian.

You're just scavenging for my scraps, so don't get too cocky."

Cara left with a livid face, and Jonny took the contract from my hand. "Sister, your tactics are impressive."

I glanced at him. Yes, I had intentionally opened the contract to let Cara see my bid price.

I didn't expect Jonny to see through my little trick so easily.

Suppressing a smile, I asked him, "Do you think Cara has your level of cunning?"