After over three years of being together, Nora never imagined things would come to this…
Their relationship was beyond repair, and Nora had no intention of giving that unfaithful man any chance to redeem himself. That day, it felt like her world crumbled, and her life took a drastic turn in a completely different direction.
"What are you doing? Do you miss me?" Nora took a moment during her break to send a text to her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend's name was Elias, two years older than her. They attended the same high school, and Elias was her senior. At seventeen, Nora accepted Elias's confession, and the two had now been together for three years. In everyone's eyes, they were the "perfect couple," a "match made in heaven," the kind of couple people admired and envied.
Talking about their backgrounds, they could very well be considered a "Cinderella and Prince Charming" pair.
Nora's parents were both retired teachers, relying solely on a meager pension. When she entered university, she had to cover all her expenses, from tuition to living costs, by working part-time jobs.
Elias, on the other hand, was the young master of the prestigious Anderson Corporation. Well, technically, not exactly. His mother remarried, and the man she married was the head of the Anderson Corporation. And just like that, their entire family skyrocketed to the top. It was peculiar, really—Elias's mother was a divorced woman with a grown son, yet somehow, the head of Anderson Corporation fell head over heels for her. Not to mention, there was a significant age gap between them. Elias's mother was twelve years older than his stepfather. When they were out together, many people even mistook them for mother and son.
Nevertheless, people only dared to gossip behind their backs. Both Elias's mother and his stepfather were influential figures with wealth and power—who would be foolish enough to mess with them? If there's anyone to blame, it's just that the rich these days seem to have a rather peculiar taste.
"Of course I miss you! How could I not?" After about two minutes, Elias replied.
Nora couldn't help but smile as she read his message. She loved Elias. She truly did! It was because she loved him that she didn't want to become a burden. She kept her part-time jobs a secret from him and always put on a show, making it seem like she was living comfortably.
"I'm out shopping with some friends. What are you up to?" Nora typed back.
Three minutes later, his response came: "I'm working a part-time job, just trying to experience something new. Plus, your birthday is coming up. I want to buy you a gift with the money I earn myself!"
Nora's cheeks flushed red. Maybe the luckiest thing in her life was falling in love with such an amazing man like Elias!
"I miss you so much! I love you!"
"I love you too, Nora."
Before she could respond, a sharp voice interrupted her conversation. It was Jenny, one of her colleagues.
"Nora, what are you doing still sitting there? Lunch break's over!"
"Yes, I know!" Nora quickly slipped her phone back into her pocket. She would reply to Elias's message after work.
Nora hurriedly stood up, smoothing out her uniform to make sure everything was neat before stepping out of the break room.
"I know! I was just too tired and dozed off!" Nora made up an excuse.
"Take this up to room 1314!" Jenny said as she shoved a tray of items into Nora's hands.
"Okay."
When the elevator stopped on the 13th floor, Nora stepped out and made her way to room 1314. She politely knocked on the door and waited.
"Hello, I'm with—"
Before she could finish her sentence, her face froze. She couldn't believe her eyes.
The person who opened the door was none other than Elias. Nora stood there, staring at him, utterly stunned.
"Elias? What… what are you doing here?" she stammered, her gaze vacant as she looked at her boyfriend.
"Nora…"
"Didn't you say you were working a part-time job? What is all this?" Nora tried to stay calm as she spoke, but her mind was buzzing, and a splitting headache threatened to overwhelm her.
Elias also looked shocked, unable to hide the fear in his eyes: "Nora, I can explain…"
Before Elias could say more, a woman's voice suddenly called out from inside the room.
"Elias, who's at the door?"
Nora felt as if she'd been struck by lightning when she heard that voice. It was all too familiar! The person who confided in her day and night, who always sat beside her in class, who shared every joy and sorrow—Anna Smith, her childhood best friend!
"Anna? You two…"
Everything around her seemed to crumble. Nora didn't scream, didn't curse, didn't cry. She just stood there, staring at them with empty eyes.
"Do either of you feel guilty at all?" Nora gritted her teeth, forcing herself not to shed a single tear.
"Nora, it's just a misunderstanding! It's not what you think!" Elias quickly reached out to grab Nora's hand, desperately trying to explain.
His touch made Nora sick to her core. She flung his hand away and pointed directly at Anna, her voice icy and cutting: "A misunderstanding, right? Then explain! Why is she here? Why are you two in a hotel room together? Didn't you say you were at work?"
"I… it's just…"
"Ha! If you can't explain, then let me help you. You and she lust after each other, sneaking around behind my back doing dirty things! And that so-called job you mentioned? You're working on a bed, and your business partner is my best friend!" Nora sneered, her eyes blazing with fury.
Elias and Anna were left speechless. They could only mutter, "No… it's not…"
"Did I say something wrong, Elias?"
"Nora, it's really not what you think! I was just borrowing your boyfriend for a bit to ease my loneliness! I never meant to steal Elias from you!" Anna shamelessly chimed in, her attitude disgustingly arrogant and smug.
"Fine, if you two are so desperate for each other, then make sure to hold on tight! Trash belongs in the trash!"
Nora threw the tray she was holding onto the ground, turned around, and walked away. She ignored Elias's shouts—someone like him wasn't worth her time!
"Don't cry, don't cry! Someone like that isn't worth your tears, Nora!" Nora muttered to herself, biting her lip hard to stop the sobs from escaping her throat.
But no, her heart refused to listen! All the pent-up emotions burst forth, and she broke down in tears. It felt like her heart was being torn into a thousand pieces. Just moments ago, she had felt like the happiest person in the world, and now, in return for her love, she received betrayal.
Her best friend slept with her boyfriend!
Nora hurried toward the elevator, repeatedly pressing the button. At that moment, she didn't even know what she wanted or what she was doing. She just knew that she couldn't let those undeserving people hurt her any longer. But at that moment, all she could feel was overwhelming pain and utter despair.