♡ Nia's POV ♡

I arrived at the office and noticed my colleagues staring at me as if there was something wrong with my face. I checked the time and realized I was ten minutes late. Ignoring them,I went straight to the eleveator .

Being the project manager of Sérail brand, a French luxury fashion brand in Los Angeles, I took the elevator to the third floor, where my office was located.

As I stepped into my office, I instinctively grabbed my pocket mirror, stealing a quick glance at myself. My siren eyes looked tired, surrounded by delicate eye bags,that betrayed the tears I had shed the night before. Despite the fatigue, my full, puffy lips managed to form a determined smile. Running my fingers through my long, black, silky hair, I neatly tucked it behind my ears.With a swift motion, i applied a soothing layer of lip balm, ready to face the day's challenges.

I organized the files on my desk and opened the blinds.There, on my desk, stood a picture frame – a relic of memories. As my eyes met the image captured within, a flame seemed to flicker and flare in my chest. The picture showcased us, happy and inseparable. I couldn't bear the weight of those memories any longer. With a surge of anger, I grabbed the frame, the glass showing my heartbreak, and slammed it down, the glass shattering like my heart.

The broken mirrored the shattered fragments of my heart. Each piece held the echo of our once beautiful connection. Those were the days when he showered me with flowers, when our dates were filled with laughter and joy. I remembered how he defied his parents, introducing me to his family, even as they harbored doubts about our love. They believed I was a gold digger, after his fortune. Little did they know, I loved him sincerely, with all my heart.

The pain intensified as I recalled the warmth of his touch, the way he made promises that now felt like cruel lies. He was my first love, and the wounds he inflicted cut deep. Getting over a first love is like mending a heart that's been shattered into irreparable pieces. His betrayal forever punctured the once-whole organ within my chest.

Pieces on the floor, I tried picking them up with my hands before someone walked in, the cut on my finger, blood seeping out.I grabbed a cloth and tied it around my finger.. Sometimes, it's not the physical pain that hurts the most, but the emotional wounds that refuse to heal.

Just as I was about to head downstairs to get some coffee, I heard my phone ringing . "Hello." The voice on the other end was my boss, Mr. Harper.

He urgently requested my presence in his office and asked me to bring the file for the completed project. "Alright, Sir," I said and placed the phone back, and immediately took the elevator to the fifth floor.

I knocked on Mr. Harper's office door and entered after he gave me permission. "Good morning, Sir. Here is the file," I said as I handed it to him. He looked at the file for a moment before returning it to me. With a grin, he commented, "Ms. Jackson, I've noticed that you've been working hard, but these designs are not suitable for the project. They seem outdated, and I'm looking for fresh inspiration.

Confusion filled my mind as I wondered what he meant by needing fresh inspiration.

Without waiting for my reply he moved on,"Ms. Jackson, you've been with us for over two years, and I've always admired your designs.

However, I would like you to meet someone," then he called out ,"You can come in Miss Rey".

Answering his call ,a woman walked in .She wore a red silky dress and high heels ,with long wavy hair and flawless skin .Her eyes were amber ,like her name .

Mr. Harper introduced her as Amber Rey, the new project manager, and informed me that I would be her assistant manager. Our task was to secure a contract with Intermezzo, the biggest ballet fashion brand in Paris.

Turning to Mr Harper, I said, "So, you're demoting me, right?" with a hint of a smile. Mr. Harper chuckled and clarified, "No, I'm offering you an opportunity to work with Amber. She's exceptionally skilled, and you can learn a lot from her." With a forced smile,I shook hands with Amber, and greeted her , "Nice to meet you."

With a smile, Mr. Harper continued, "For now, you will have to vacate your office so that Amber can have her own space. Nia, please get her some coffee," he instructed. He offered Amber a seat, and she sat down, exuding confidence and allure.

As I left his office, I couldn't help but think he's demoting me,tears welling up in my eyes. I entered my office to pack my belongings, feeling embarrassed and humiliated by the stares and whispers of my coworkers.

Malik, my only friend in the office, hurried towards me with a concerned expression. "What happened, Nia? Are you okay?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, even though I knew it wasn't true. Then I remembered I had to make coffee for Amber.

I went to the coffee stand, made the coffee, and returned upstairs to Amber's new office. Amber had already taken over the room that used to be mine. I knocked on the door and entered as soon as I heard Amber give me permission.

Amber remarked, "It took you a while." She stretched out her hands to receive the mug, "I don't like latecomers." She took a sip of the coffee and immediately spat it out, "Who made this?"

"I did,"I replied , wearing a puzzled expression. "It's too sugary. I don't take much sugar. Go make another one," Amber demanded, while smirking and extending the mug towards me. "Your coffee is like your designs,overly sweet."

I muttered, "You crazy b*tch," under my breath but quickly responded, "Fine,I can make another one ,just as bitter as you…..like" smirking back at her before leaving the office.

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

After Work Hours

♡ Nia's POV ♡

As I opened the door to my apartment, I was taken aback to find my boyfriend, Matthew, sitting on the sofa, his head in his hands. I stood frozen in the doorway, unsure of what to do.

Matthew slowly raised his head, his eyes red and swollen from crying. He looked up at me, his expression filled with desperation. "Please," he said. "Don't leave me. I'm sorry,I didn't mean to. It was a mistake,I acted on impulse.I didn't know she was going to send you the video."

I stood in the doorway, my heart pounding. I wanted to forgive him, but I just couldn't. Not after what he had done. I had been through too much to go back to him. "Twice, Matthew. This is the second time. You had sex with your secretary twice, and now she's pregnant with your child. What else do you want from me?"

"Please forgive me, Nia. I really love you, and I don't want to lose you. I don't love her; she meant nothing to me. I love you, Nia. Please don't leave me," he pleaded, holding my hands.

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I knew I had to be strong. I had to do what was right this time. "I'm sorry, Matthew," I said. "But I can't. We're done."

"Oh, really? We're done? After everything? Who do you think helped secure your job and gave you a better life? You were just a lonely pauper when I met you. I changed you because I loved you," he said.

"You did what?" I stammered, in disbelief.

"Yeah, I told Harper to give you a chance at Sérail. Well, since this is what you want, I'll respect your decision," he said as he slowly rose from the sofa and headed towards the door. As he passed me, he stopped and stared at me for a moment. "Goodbye," he said, and then he left.

I closed the door behind him and let out a sigh. I was relieved that I had made the right decision, but I also felt a pang of sadness for what could have been. "I really loved him," I said as tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn't even know Harper knew Matthew. I thought I got the job through my hard work. I lay down on the sofa and started tearing up. "Life is hell, love is hell," I whispered to myself, feeling the weight of disappointment settling in.