A deal with the ceo

Irene

In the residential neighborhood of West Brunswick, it was ten o'clock at night when I opened the door and stepped into the house. Everything was pitch-black. I pressed the switch, and the crystal chandelier lit up, its light reflected on the large bay windows, casting my shadow onto the floor.

Tomorrow, this house would become my marital home.

My fiancé, Perry Bart-department director, handsome, always attentive. I was so lucky to have met such a man in my life. According to tradition, we weren't supposed to see each other the day before the wedding, so Perry was staying here while I stayed at my best friend Liliana's home.

Right before going to bed, I had checked the things I needed for the next day and realized I had forgotten my wedding veil. So I slipped quietly into the house without calling Perry first, just to surprise him. Thinking that after tomorrow Perry and I would live happily together forever, I was all smiles. I put on my slippers and walked toward the living room.

As I walked, I heard a woman's moans of pleasure. I froze in shock. The master bedroom door was slightly ajar, and those sounds... were coming from there. Suddenly, a furious fire erupted inside me, and my legs went numb. Yet I still walked toward the door, almost involuntarily. Standing in front of it, I could clearly hear the cries of pleasure inside; they grew clearer and louder, and with each sound, my heart tightened painfully. The door wasn't even closed. I pushed it lightly, and it swung open without resistance. I saw a woman's high heels, underwear, and stockings scattered on the floor. It was impossible not to imagine what was happening.

Forcing down my anger and panic, I looked toward the bed. One glance, and heartbreak nearly suffocated me.

My dear cousin was straddling a man in ecstasy.

And the man beneath her was my fiancé Perry, who was supposed to marry me tomorrow.

Courtney threw me a glance from the doorway, a hint of provocation in her eyes, and her moans grew even louder. My vision blurred; even breathing hurt with heartbreak. My fiancé was passionately giving himself to another woman-someone who wasn't me. Rage and humiliation hit me like a slap. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to run in and stop them.

Courtney: "Baby, you're marrying Irene tomorrow and you're still sleeping with me-don't you feel guilty?"

Perry: "Why? Guilty about what? We do this all the time. Besides, she'll never know."

Perry's deep voice floated through the room as his hands wandered over Courtney's body.

Courtney: "And what if she comes and sees us making love? What would you do then? She'd call off the wedding, wouldn't she?"

Courtney looked at me provocatively again, an arrogant smirk on her lips.

Perry: "She won't come. And even if she finds out, so what? Forget the wedding. I never planned to get married this early anyway-she forced me into it."

He smiled carelessly and continued sleeping with Courtney.

Courtney: "If you don't want to get married, then why keep pretending? After tomorrow, you'll never see me again."

Perry: "Stop... don't talk like that, please."

Courtney: "Baby... your fiancée is really here."

Courtney lifted herself off Perry's chest and pointed at the door.

Perry: "How is that possible? I just sent her away, why-"

He turned toward the door mid-sentence.

Me: "What are you doing here?"

The moment he saw me, he froze. Panic filled his eyes as he scrambled away from Courtney. His desire instantly evaporated; he didn't even have time to cover his naked body. Courtney wrapped herself in the blanket and stared at me calmly, an ironic smile tugging at her lips.

My tears burst out uncontrollably. Anger and hatred surged through me. I wanted to scream, to lash out, but all I could do was turn my back and walk away. The truth was crushing me.

With a bath towel around his waist, Perry rushed after me with a guilty expression.

Perry: "Irene, listen to me..."

Me: "What is there to explain? I saw everything with my own eyes. What else is there to say?"

Heartbreak choked me, but a tiny part of me still hoped his explanation might offer something-anything.

Courtney had slipped into Perry's shirt. Her wavy hair was messy over her shoulders, making her look even more seductive. She walked toward me with that provocative look in her eyes.

Courtney: "We've been together for three years, you know."

I turned toward Perry, but he lowered his gaze. I couldn't believe it.

For seven years, I had loved him. I had trusted both of them-my fiancé and my cousin-and yet they had been together behind my back.

Me: "You bitch!"

Smack! I couldn't hold back anymore and slapped Courtney fiercely. The force numbed my own hand.

Perry: "Courtney!" he shouted, full of concern for her. Courtney turned her face away dramatically, then threw herself into his chest, glaring at me with fury.

"Courtney, are you okay? Does it hurt?" Perry asked anxiously, and the sight broke my heart even more. My fiancé, protecting the woman who ruined our relationship-how could I not feel hatred?

Courtney: "Perry, it hurts... she hit me..."

She clung to him pitifully, fake tears running down her cheeks. Seeing this made my anger explode again.

Me: "Courtney, get out! This is my house-get out!"

Perry: "Stop! Irene, don't make a scene!"

Perry rushed toward me, pushed me to the ground, and held Courtney in his arms. The physical pain was nothing compared to the heartbreak of watching that scene.

I stood up and looked at Perry with a sad smile. At that moment, I finally realized his mistress meant far more to him than I ever did.

Me: "Perry, I hate you!" I screamed hysterically, as if draining the last of my strength. Then I ran out of the house like a madwoman.

Everything I had seen kept replaying in my head.

The night before my wedding... my fiancé slept with another woman-my cousin. I thought that kind of drama only happened on TV, but it happened to me.

After seven years of love, I truly believed we would live happily after marriage. All my dreams shattered in a single night. The man who once said he loved me and wanted a life with me... no longer existed.

In a bar, the smell of smoke and alcohol filled the air. Loud music made the walls vibrate, and a man danced wildly on the dance floor. Sitting in a corner, I drank glass after glass, trying to drown my emotions. The night before my wedding, I had seen my fiancé and my cousin sleeping together.

My mind was a mess. I took a large gulp of strong alcohol. It burned my throat and made me choke, but inside I felt nothing-just numbness.

Suddenly, my gaze fell on a man not far away. Wearing a black suit, he sat alone at the bar with a cold expression. I recognized him-it was Perry's boss, Nathan. Perry had taken me to his company's banquet once, and I remembered Nathan because he had given a speech. But I didn't know why he was here. Do people from high society also come to bars like this? A crazy idea crossed my mind.

Since Perry had betrayed me the night before our wedding...

I wanted to forget, to take revenge somehow-even if it meant nothing. He loved someone else, that was obvious. Holding my glass, I stood up and staggered toward Nathan, drunk. I tripped and fell right into his arms.

He looked young, around thirty. The collar of his white shirt was unbuttoned, and his sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing tan skin. He had a high nose bridge, seductive lips, and a pair of deep, captivating eyes-but cold. So handsome, yet so indifferent.

Nathan stared at me with a cold, disgusted look and immediately pushed me away.

Me: "Spend the night with me."

Drunk, I looked at Nathan's attractive face and spoke weakly.

Nathan: "What?"

His eyes widened; clearly, he hadn't expected such directness.

Me: "I said spend the night with me. Don't you understand?"

I hooked my arms around his neck and whispered against his lips. The alcohol made me bolder; normally I would never dare do such a thing. But after the pain I went through today, I let myself go.

Nathan: "Girls these days are getting bolder."

He looked at me indifferently, filled with disdain. He probably thought I was some cheap woman who flirted with strangers in bars.

Me: "What? Or is it that you can't?"

I let my gaze drift downward to his crotch, provocatively.

No man accepts being called impotent. Nathan was no exception. The moment I said those words, his face darkened and his eyes grew even colder.

Nathan: "I hope you won't regret what you just said."

He immediately dragged me out of the bar and booked a room at the hotel across the street. I had drunk too much, my legs were weak, and I couldn't help leaning against him. As soon as the door closed, Nathan lifted my chin, stared deep into my eyes, and crushed his lips against mine. I melted under his dominant, rough kisses.

It was a chaotic, passionate night. When I woke up the next morning, my whole body ached as if my bones were breaking. I cursed Nathan quietly. He must have been insane last night-he had been an absolute beast!

I sat up and looked down. When I saw the hickeys on my chest and the pinch marks on my arms, I grew even angrier. It was just sex-did he really need to be so rough?

Nathan: "Satisfied with my skills?"

I snapped my head to the side at the sound of his deep, sexy voice. Nathan was staring at me with cold eyes. Panicking, I wrapped myself quickly in a blanket. Even if I had been the one who initiated everything last night, it was still embarrassing to have a stranger staring at my naked body.

Nathan: "Pretending to be innocent now? You were bold and vulgar enough last night."

He stood and walked closer, his tone full of contempt. His arrogance made me uncomfortable; he spoke as if I were some cheap prostitute.

All I could do was play the role I had created for myself. I grabbed my clothes from the floor and put them on in front of him.

Me: "Well, you're very skilled, your thing is pretty big, and I'm very satisfied," I said with a flirtatious glance at his crotch.

Nathan's expression darkened immediately, anger flashing in his eyes.

Nathan: "I knew you were a shameless, vulgar girl, but-"

He suddenly stopped speaking and stared at the bed. Confused, I followed his gaze... and saw the bright red stain on the sheets. I wasn't surprised-I knew very well that I had been a virgin.

I had loved Perry for seven years.

I had always believed I should save myself for our wedding night, but before the wedding, I discovered the truth-how disgusting he really was, betraying me with my cousin. And I ended up giving my virginity to a stranger by accident.

Nathan: "Is it your first time?"

Still shaken by what he had just seen, Nathan shifted his gaze back to me.

Nathan: "Yeah, so what? Do you have a problem with virgins?"

He frowned and looked at me with an expression I couldn't decipher.

Nathan: "Go on, tell me what you want. Money?"

After a long silence, he spoke again with the same indifference as before.

Me: "So every woman who sleeps with you asks for money, is that it?"

I felt insulted and glared at Nathan. Last night... I had only wanted to release everything I was feeling, and now I almost regretted doing something so stupid.

Me: "Do I look like a prostitute to you? We just answered a need. I don't need your money. And now, we go back to being strangers. Period."

That meant I didn't want to say anything more to Nathan, and I quickly left the hotel. Once I arrived at Liliana's place, she dragged me straight into my room.

Liliana: "Irène, you didn't come home last night. Do you know how worried I was? I called you but you didn't answer... So you were with Perry, right?"

Liliana raised her eyebrows and looked at me. She snapped her fingers, and I naturally understood what she meant.

Me: "You're wrong. Yes, I slept with a man. But not Perry."

Just hearing Perry's name made me sick.

Liliana: "WHAT?! You slept with another guy? But... what happened?"

Liliana's eyes widened, visibly shocked by what I said.

Looking at her shocked expression, I remembered the night I found Perry and Courtney together on the bed. Then I told Liliana everything.

Liliana: "What? He really did that? He's such a piece of trash!"

After hearing the whole story, Liliana cursed Perry every way she could.

Liliana: "By the way, what are you going to do now? Today is your wedding day!" she asked anxiously, as if something had suddenly hit her.

Me: "The wedding is canceled," I said coldly. I could clearly feel the pain in my chest as I whispered those words.

Liliana: "Smart decision. There's no way you were going to marry that idiot."

I had been looking forward to that wedding for so many years. I had personally arranged every detail. I had put endless effort into it, and now everything had gone up in smoke right before my eyes.

Me: "Liliana... I'm tired. I just want to sleep."

Right now, I just wanted a good sleep to forget my problems for a moment.

It seemed like I slept for a long time. When I woke up, I heard voices in the living room. It sounded like Perry. I heard Liliana-she seemed to be arguing with him. When I opened the bedroom door, I saw Perry sitting on the couch and Liliana angrily standing beside him.

Liliana: "Irène, Perry called me over when he saw me."

Me: "Perry, what are you doing here? You're not welcome here. I want you to leave this house."

I resisted the urge to ask him why he had betrayed me and pretended to be indifferent on purpose.

Perry: "Irène, what happened last night was..."

He stood up and walked toward me.

Liliana: "Oh, right, you want to explain HOW you were screwing her cousin in HER bed last night?"

Sarcasm dripped from Liliana's voice. Meanwhile, I felt my anger rise again. After all, he was someone I had loved deeply. Every time I remembered that he had cheated on me and lied to me, I couldn't help but feel hurt and humiliated.

Perry: "I know I messed up, Irène... but Courtney and I... we love each other. I..."

Perry's mouth was open as if he wanted to continue, but I cut him off.

Me: "Stop! It's over, Perry. You don't have anything left to explain. Didn't you say I was forcing you to marry me? Then let me tell you now-you don't need to marry me anymore."

He was the one who cheated and slept with my cousin. How could he have the nerve to tell me they were in love? What a joke! If they were truly in love, then what did he think I was for the past seven years?

The problem was that I was his girlfriend. And today was supposed to be our wedding day, yet he came to tell me they were in love. I couldn't believe how shameless he was-the man I had loved for so many years.

Perry: "Irène, thank you..."

Maybe because of guilt, Perry spoke softly and seemed unsure of himself.

Thank you? Ha... Perry looked relieved. Seeing him like that made me suffocate. He was thanking me because I canceled the wedding. This was the man who once told me he loved me and wanted to make me happy for the rest of my life.

Me: "Get out! I don't want to see you again!" I screamed, pointing toward the door.

Liliana: "Are you deaf? Get out!" Liliana hit Perry with a broom, furious.

After Perry left, I felt like all my strength had drained out of me, and I sat on the floor with empty eyes. Even if he was trash, he was still the man I had loved for seven years.

Liliana: "Irène, cry! You'll feel better."

Liliana came over and hugged me, her voice full of compassion.

Me: "Why should I cry? I won't cry for such a shameless jerk. Don't mention him again."

Liliana: "Irène, I know you're hurting. Cry. Let everything out. And afterward, we'll start over. I'm here."

Liliana held me tightly. I could hear her voice breaking as she spoke. She was my best friend. Seeing me like this must have hurt her too.

After crying for a long time, my eyes were swollen and burning. My head felt heavy, as if crying had drained all my energy. Then I went back to the bedroom and fell asleep again. I spent nearly the entire day and night in bed. Even in my dreams, I saw that bastard Perry desperately trying to sleep with Courtney on the bed.

Liliana came into my room to wake me up; she probably couldn't stand seeing me torture myself anymore.

It was the third day since the breakup.

Liliana: "Come on. Get up and eat something."

I pulled the blanket over my head, not wanting to talk. I had no appetite at all. For the last two days, I had barely eaten. Every time I closed my eyes, I could only think about Perry's betrayal and lies.

Me: "I'm not hungry," I mumbled.

I just wanted to lie in bed and do nothing. But Liliana had had enough. She yanked the blanket away and looked at me angrily.

Liliana: "That's enough! Irène, when did you become so useless? Is he really worth destroying yourself?"

I stayed silent, but my heart still hurt. Even if he was trash, I had loved him for seven years. For seven years, I had given everything just to be with him forever. I thought marrying him was my path to happiness, but in the end, I had fallen into a bottomless pit.

Me: "Liliana, what do you think I should do now?"

I stood there, staring blankly out the window. For years, Perry had been my entire world. Everything I did revolved around him. Now that he was gone, I felt like I had lost all purpose. I didn't even know why I woke up in the morning anymore.

Liliana: "Irène, he's just trash. Thank God you realized it before it was too late. Imagine finding out after the wedding."

Sitting next to me, Liliana wrapped her arms around me to comfort me. I could see the worry in her eyes, but my heart... it hurt even more.

I had cried every tear I had these past few days, but the heartbreak refused to disappear.

Liliana: "Irène, you'll forget him eventually. And you'll find a man a million times better than him."

I was really lucky to have her by my side at that moment. Without her, I wasn't sure I would've survived this far.

Liliana: "Get up, get dressed and put on some makeup. We're going shopping today. It'll do you good. You'll see-after this, Perry will be nothing but a bad memory."

She literally dragged me out of bed, forced me to change clothes and put on makeup. Then we headed to the nearest mall.

I knew this mall belonged to the company Perry worked for. Just thinking about it made me want to leave, but Liliana pulled me straight inside without hesitation. I knew she was only trying to help me move forward, so I stayed even though I really didn't want to.

We walked around, picking things out, and soon Liliana's hands were full of shopping bags. As for me, I hadn't bought anything-I just wasn't in the mood.

Suddenly, I spotted a couple not far away. It was Perry and Courtney. My heart twisted painfully and I immediately turned around, panicked. I just wanted to disappear.

Liliana: "Irène, why are you pulling me? I'm not done shopping."

Me: "Liliana, let's go somewhere else. I don't want to stay here."

I turned my back toward Perry and Courtney who were approaching, desperate not to be seen by them. Liliana frowned, puzzled by my sudden change-but she didn't have time to say anything before they reached us.

Courtney: "Irène, what a coincidence. I didn't think you'd get over the breakup so quickly. Only a few days, and you're already in the mood to go shopping."

Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, especially hearing her mock me like that. But I refused to show even a trace of sadness or weakness. They weren't worth it.

After seeing them together, Liliana finally understood why I wanted to leave. She immediately stepped in front of me to shield me.

Liliana: "Well, look who it is... The mistress. The boyfriend thief. Figures."

Courtney's face darkened instantly under Liliana's contemptuous stare.

Courtney: "Liliana, watch your mouth! Perry and I truly love each other. If it weren't for Irène, we would've been together long ago!"

Liliana rolled her eyes in disgust.

Liliana: "Every mistress says the same thing since the dawn of time. 'We truly love each other'... Please. You're just a slut who dared seduce her cousin's fiancé. It's disgusting."

Courtney glared furiously at her.

Courtney: "Who are you calling a slut, Liliana? You'd better take that back. Who's the slut here?"

Liliana: "You, obviously. You're a shameless slut."

Liliana shot her a defiant look.

I quickly grabbed Liliana's arm as their argument began attracting stares from people around us.

Perry: "There's no need to argue with her. Let's go."

Courtney: "Perry! They insulted me! Do you even care?!"

Perry: "Irène, your friend..."

He looked at me with an annoyed expression, as if Courtney were the victim.

A sharp pain stabbed my chest when he said my name. I turned toward him with indifference, holding back the tears.

Perry: "Your friend, Liliana? Shouldn't she apologize for those abusive insults?"

His voice was cold. Distant.

The man who once loved me, protected me, reassured me... was now defending another woman against me.

So to him, I mattered less than a mistress.

Me: "Liliana didn't say anything wrong. You're the one who cheated on me. You betrayed me for seven years. And now you want my friend to apologize to... that? How dare you, Perry? How dare you ask for an apology?"

In that moment, I didn't care who was watching. I answered loudly and stepped closer to him. I had tolerated his betrayal, but asking for apologies? Did I look that easy to intimidate?

People around us began whispering quickly, almost all of them accusing Perry of cheating. I had always been so gentle... I had never raised my voice at him. But today was different. Today, I was furious. And Perry never expected me to call him out so openly, so loudly.

Courtney: "Irène, why are you doing this? Perry and I love each other! If you hadn't been in the way, we'd be married by now! How dare you play the victim? You're the one who forced Perry to stay with you!"

Me: "I forced him to stay? Ha... A scumbag like him- even if he begged me now, I wouldn't take him back. He disgusts me."

A sarcastic smile curled at my lips as I stared coldly at the pathetic couple. I could never tolerate betrayal. No matter how much I once loved Perry... everything ended the moment I saw them in bed together.

Me: "I would never forgive a man who cheated on me!"

Courtney: "You're saying that because no one wants you. Look at yourself-what man would even be interested in someone like you?"

Her arrogant, disdainful tone almost made me laugh.

Liliana: "Oh, there will be men who want Irène, trust me. But you? Aside from Perry... no one. A guy would have to be blind to fall for a slut like you."

Liliana snapped back instantly. She couldn't stand Courtney's arrogance toward me.

Courtney: "Oh yeah? You're sure? Then show me! Show me what kind of man would want her!"

Courtney knew how much I had loved Perry. Back then, when we were close, I used to talk about him all the time. I thought she cared about me. I trusted her entirely, told her everything.

Thinking back now... I had been so stupid. She wasn't listening because she cared-she was gathering information to seduce him.

What an idiot I had been...

Me: "You want to know what kind of man would be interested in me? Fine. I'll show you."

Without thinking twice, I marched straight toward Nathan, who was standing a bit farther away. I had no idea why he was there, but it didn't matter. I was fueled by anger, pain, and wounded pride. I grabbed his arm and looked up at him with a smile.