Kicked Out by My Ex, Now I Am His Most Feared Rival

"Ma'am, should we get started?" The sales attendant asked Daphne Smith who had been sitting at the lobby of a bridal shop for almost an hour.

Daphne smiled, politely and replied.

"Let's wait a little for my Fiancé." Daphne replied.

She and Trevor had agreed to shop for bridal dresses together and she didn't want to start without him.

Bringing out her cellphone, she stared at the two texts she had earlier sent to him.

Was he stuck in traffic?

He must have been busy with work and didn't leave earlier. She knew how busy he could be so she wasn't upset.

And so she sent him another text.

Daphne: Are you close?

**********

Trevor Martin's phone beeped and he glanced at it.

Staring at the screen, he realized it was the third message that Daphne had sent.

It felt as if he was forgetting something so he picked up the phone.

He frowned on seeing that they were supposed to visit the bridal shop today.

Fuck!

Just as he picked up his jacket, a knock sounded on the door and before he could respond, the door opened.

"Rex, I'm stepping out for a moment..."

"Hello, Trev."

He froze, knowing that voice.

Shakily, he looked up to see the one person he had searched for the past ten years.

"Ma...Mabel?"

She had tears on her eyes. "It's been awhile."

Mabel and Trevor had been childhood friends turned lovers. They literally couldn't picture a world without each other and although very young, they had wanted to get married and spend the rest of their lives together but Mabel's family were against their relationship and ultimately to keep them apart, they had to relocate with their daughter to a far away country.

Trevor wasn't rich at that time and didn't have the means to stop them. He could still recall the last time he saw Mabel, they had both being in tears as they contemplated running away but her family stopped them before they had the chance to.

After her disappearance, Trevor had tried all he could to get rich, to finally have the means to find her and make her his again but his sources just couldn't find her.

But now...here she was.

Standing in his office. Looking as beautiful as ever.

"You...you..." Before he could complete that, Mabel ran into his arms, breaking into tears and telling him how much she had missed him and how hard she had tried to come back all these years.

************

Meanwhile, Daphne was still waiting for her Fiancé.

He was now almost three hours late. It showed that he had seen her texts. She tried calling him but he wouldn't pick up.

He couldn't possibly forget a day as important as this, could he?

The store was closing now.

"Ma'am, maybe you could reschedule your appointment for another day." The sales rep suggested.

Daphne nodded.

She was getting too upset to even try on any dresses now.

She had to go find out what went wrong and he's better got a reasonable excuse, plus he had to spoil her with lots of apologies and pampering.

Sighing, she headed for his company. She still had some thoughts that an important thing at work kept him busy.

If so, he should have called her so they could work on it together.

By the time Daphne got to the company, it was dark and most of the employees had gone home.

She headed up the elevator straight to his office floor.

As she got closer to his office, she could hear voices and by the time she got to the front of the glass door, what greeted her shook her to the bones.

Trevor and a woman were sitting on the floor, he had tears on his eyes and the sobbing woman in his arms.

"I never stopped loving you, Trevor, for the past ten years, I had been trying to break away from my parents' grasp so I could come back to you."

"Oh, Mabel." Trevor sobbed.

Daphne's eyes dilated and her heart throbbed.

Mabel?

This was the Mabel?

Before Trevor and her started dating, they had been friends and Trevor always talked about his first love. But over the years, Daphne thought he had moved on or at least, that was what he told her.

"But I guess you've forgotten all about me." Mabel let out.

"Of course not. I never for once forgot about you."

"Liar. I saw the news. You're getting married to someone else."

"I just...I don't love her."

It felt as if a house had fallen on Daphne when she heard those words.

Her legs grew weak.

"I was only going to get married to her out of obligation and because she...she had helped me over the years with the company and..." Trevor stuttered as if he couldn't describe what he was marrying Daphne for.

"That means she must mean a lot to you." Mabel pressed on.

"No. Mabel, I cannot lose you again. Since you're back now, there is no need for me to marry her and I have to make sure you stay by my side at all times. I never loved her. I was only using her to grow this company. The vice president position of this company is yet to be filled. If you're be my woman again, I'll give it to you. Together, we can run this company. Together, we'll be inseparable."

Daphne couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Trevor had promised her that position. He had promised her because of all the work she had put in since the company was founded.

And now, he was just going to kick her out because this woman was back.

He had been separated from this woman for ten years!

He had started dating her three years ago. He had proposed. They were going to get married. He was supposed to gush over her as she tried on beautiful dresses today.

How could none of that mean something to him?!

It felt as if Daphne was losing her mind while Mabel and Trevor were locked in each other's arms.

"Come, let me take you somewhere." Trevor suddenly let out, standing up.

Daphne quickly hid, not wanting the two of them to see her breaking down.

From her hiding place, she watched Trevor and Mabel leave the office and get into the elevator hand in hand.

Standing close to the floor-to-ceiling glass window, she watched as Trevor exit the company in his car.

Tears fell from her eyes.

How could she not mean anything to him?

Daphne spent the entire night crying her eyes out.

She just couldn't understand why and how easily Trevor could do this to her.

Just this morning, he had been all smiles, telling her how beautiful she would look in her wedding dress.

And now, by evening, he was already professing his undying love to another woman?

How could it be so easy for him?

And not only did he easily replace her in his heart, he also replaced her in the company.

She was going to be the Vice President. Everyone at that office already knew that. She could still remember running around with Trevor, looking for investors when he was just starting up his company.

She could still remember the many sleepless nights she had. She had poured her heart and soul into that company. Trevor always thanked her, telling her that without her help, the company wouldn't have achieved this much success.

But now? Now he was just going to cast her aside?

For someone who probably didn't know anything about business?

What was Mabel's qualification?

His first love?

Daphne sobbed even more, feeling worthless.

Her phone beeped. She hastily picked it up but once she saw that it was an email alert and not a text from Trevor, she wanted to hit herself.

What was she expecting?

That he would reach out? And say what?

Maybe break up with her over text.

She sniffed as a name on the email registered in her head.

King Group. It was a reminder of an email that was previously sent. It was an offer to become the CEO in one of King Group's companies, SG Tech.

The Kings were the wealthiest family in Boston.

Danica sniffed.

That's right!

She wasn't worthless.

She may have become worthless in Trevor's heart and eyes but she wasn't worthless to others.

Over the years, while she slaved away wanting to make Trevor's company a success, she had been approached by several other companies, offering her mouth-watering positions but she always turned them down.

She had been so in love with Trevor and she genuinely wanted to make his dream come true.

Daphne laughed at herself. Even though she had genuinely loved working for Trevor's company, even though she loved the people and everything they had built but this...this was an insult to her.

Daphne wiped her cheeks. She wasn't going to work under Trevor and his first love.

They had been together for three years, if he sincerely felt nothing for her, he shouldn't have dated her in the first place, he shouldn't have led her on to the point of almost getting married.

She wasn't just some toy one can discard at any time. Picking up her phone again, she canceled the bridal shop appointment and then began to write up a resignation letter.

At this point, she didn't know how her life would turn out or if she'd ever recover from this pain but crying wouldn't solve anything either.

**********

Daphne calmly considered SG tech's invitation and headed over there the following day.

Marco King, the heir to the King Group personally came downstairs to greet her.

"Hello, Miss Smith, it's nice to finally meet you."

Daphne nodded and shook hands with him.

"Likewise."

"I was glad to hear your feedback on the email. Having someone like you in my team is quite an honor."

If it were before, Daphne would have been glad at such compliment but she was still so heartbroken so she forced a smile.

"Are you okay?" Marco asked.

She quickly nodded. "I'm fine."

She had make up on to shield how haggard her face was after crying all night. But her mood somehow was still so sour.

Marco led her to the conference hall where he presented her a contract.

Daphne went over it, the cooperation term was quite generous, and she knew she'd have wider opportunities working under King Group.

Who could say no to this?

But her head wasn't in the right place right now. If she wanted to start working in such a grand company, she had to bring in her A game. Her mother's surgery was just around the corner. Her heart was currently in a shattered state. She just needed some time to regroup.

She previously wanted to take a month leave from TM, Trevor's company, to be there for her mom and also plan their wedding but she guessed instead of a wedding, she had to nurse a broken heart.

Daphne then told Marco about her planned one-month vacation, in exchange, she would also do a trial month at SG.

After completing her resignation from TM, she would officially sign the contract.

Marco was surprisingly understanding and agreed to whatever she wanted. From what she had heard about him, Daphne was surprised to find him quite polite.

He was known to be cold and cruel. If she wasn't in a devastated state right now, she would taken in how rakishly handsome he was.

But after getting dumped in this way, she wanted to stay away from handsome men at this point. She didn't even want to stare at them for too long, talk more of gush over their looks.

***********

Daphne brought some of her things as she prepared to accompany her mother during the period of her surgery.

Her mother, Susan was in good spirits. It was one of the things Daphne loved about her.

No matter the situation, her mother always tried to stay positive.

"Where's Trevor? I thought you were coming with him."

Not wanting to get her mother tensed before surgery, Daphne replied.

"He's busy with work. He'd come by once he's free."

Daphne wondered how she'd break the news to her mother. The woman really liked Trevor.

That thought almost made her want to cry again but she fought back the tears.

"I hope he isn't working too much. You two have been worried about me these past few months, working and also taking care of this old woman, once I get better, I'm going to make you two good home-cooked meals everyday." Susan said, excitedly.

Daphne nodded with tears filled eyes.

She wondered if Trevor had seen her resignation letter yet. She had sent it through courier service, she genuinely didn't want to see him ever again.

The resignation letter had indeed been delivered to Trevor's company.

His secretary, Rex received the letter meant for his boss and headed straight to the office.

"A delivery came in for you, sir." Rex announced placing the letter on the table.

Trevor only nodded, curtly, his full attention was on his monitor screen.

By the time he was a bit free, he picked up the letter and opened it but before he could read the content or know who it was from, his intercom rang.

"Hello."

"Sir, the clients are here."

Trevor immediately stood up. Those were important personalities he had been waiting for all day. In his haste to leave the office, he brushed past the letter, which flew and fell close to the trash can.

The cleaning lady came by and seeing the paper close to the trash can, she added it to trash and went about her day, cleaning and disposing of waste.

By the time Trevor returned from his meeting, he had completely forgotten about the letter.

He sat on his swivel chair and just then, a low knock sounded on his door. He looked up and smiled on seeing Mabel.

She walked in, holding some files.

"I wanted to discuss the company product development plans with you."

Trevor pulled her arm and made her sit on his laps.

He had just announced this morning to the employees that she was the Vice president and she was working already?

He felt he made the right decision but he didn't want to stress her.

"You know the vice president position can just be name only, sweetheart. You do not have to do much."

"Of course I have. I have to prove that I deserve this position, plus, I feel like I haven't been of much help to you these past years and I have to help you as much as I can now."

"You coming back to me is more than enough." He let out, lovingly.

"Still, I have to work." She insisted.

They both went over the plan together and after she left, Rex walked in.

He looked uneasy as if not knowing how to start.

"Get it out of your system, Rex."

"Sir, the board of directors are confused, and also majority of the employees. We all thought Daphne was going to be the VP, so suddenly making that woman..."

"That woman, Rex, is the love of my life. This is my company and I can make any decision I want."

Rex quickly nodded. "Yes...Yes, sir."

He then hurried out so he wouldn't get fired. But even as he got back to his desk, he was still so confused.

Everyone in the company knew how hard Daphne had worked especially those who started working here since the company was founded.

What baffled him even more was that most people knew they were dating and engaged.

What could have happened for another woman to come in overnight and not only steal Daphne's man but also her position?

Rex wondered if his Boss had been bewitched.

********

At the thought of Daphne, Trevor recalled she was yet to return his calls. He had tried calling her this morning but she didn't pick up.

He had wanted her to be here for when he made the announcement that Mabel was the VP. He had also hoped to explain things to her.

He was sure she'd understand. She had always been so understanding.

He picked up his phone and gave her a call again.

This time, the call connected.

"Daphne..."

"Hello, Trevor, it's Susan."

"Oh hello, Susan, how are you doing?"

"Good...good. Daphne tells me you're busy with work and that is why you're yet to visit, remember to take care of yourself, okay?"

"Yes, I will..."

He heard the sound of a door closing from the other end of the call.

And then Susan let out. "Daphne just came in. Daphne, it's Trevor..."

Daphne froze on the spot. She felt like turning around and running away. She should've taken her phone with her. She didn't want to speak to him yet.

But now, it was unavoidable. Her mother was smiling and stretching the phone to her.

Exhaling, Daphne took the phone and walked out of the ward. She didn't want to argue with him. If he felt she'd make a scene that he'd dumped her so suddenly, she wouldn't. She didn't even want him to pretend to be remorseful, she just wanted them to amicably part ways.

She might even offer to help him finish the new project because of her love for the company.

"Why weren't you at work today?!"

Daphne was surprised by his question.

"Anyway, you can't also take tomorrow as a day off. I need you to write a business trip summary of the last one we went to. It's urgently needed."

Daphne blinked, surprised by his shamelessness.

"And also...oh, I have to take this...we'd talk some other time." With that, he hung up.

Daphne gasped. He didn't even say anything about his first love or where she stood now.

He also knew her mother was about having surgery and didn't even ask about that. Instead, he was calling for her to come work.

Was she some kind of dog to him?!

Daphne was so furious and when she got home that night, she began shattering everything that reminded her of Trevor, picture frames, couple T-shirts, gifts he had given her.

How dare he treat her like this?! She wouldn't waste any more time dwelling on him, once her mother recovers from surgery, she would tell her the truth.

It would hurt her but they both had to move on from that jerk!

**********

The following day, Daphne received an invitation to Professor Alistair's birthday party. He had been her personal course adviser when she was in college but she had ignored his advice for her to go for her masters program.

She had given up graduate school to start a business with Trevor and now she felt guilty about attending. Professor Alistair had always praised her for being smart and resourceful. He'd often tell her that she would do great on her own.

Daphne knew he'd been against the idea of opening a business with Trevor. He'd wanted her to build one in her name. So she had kept her distance from the professor. Now, she felt stupid.

Bram, who sent the invitation, assured the professor had always missed her and was greatly looking forward to seeing her.

Daphne decided not to wallow in shame and pain forever, she had to keep her head high, she'd get over this and so she set a reminder for that day.

After arranging her mother's hospitalization, she joined SG Tech. Daphne worked all night on a detailed three-year IPO plan and proposed bidding for the Ismark Ventures project

After convincing Marco, she gained project leadership and decided to restart her career here.

A few setbacks and a failed relationship shouldn't diminish her dreams. She could still do great things!