I Gave Him Everything, He Gave Me Regret

After nine years together, Caesar Wallace, usually lost in his work, surprised me by taking me shopping for the first time. With a dramatic gesture, he booked out the entire luxury wing of the mall.

“Zelia, happy birthday!”

The smile on my face faltered as I realized he’d gotten my birthday wrong. His lavish gesture was all over the internet, with everyone admiring my luck.

But his secretary's voice cut through, laced with sarcasm. “These are all for me! Some poor fool is just soaking up my spotlight!”

That’s when I realized, it was her birthday, not mine. Caesar had even gifted her a seaside villa as an apology.

I didn’t break down or create a scene; instead, I gathered up every gift and sent it to her.

But when I arrived, I found Caesar holding her, both barely clothed.

His voice filled with irritation as he snapped, “Can you stop reading too much into this? What’s wrong with celebrating an employee’s birthday?”

“Only someone with a filthy mind sees filth everywhere. Stop being so dramatic!”

For the first time, I didn’t cry or raise my voice.

With determination, I tossed the gifts at them, saying, “Perfect. Here’s wishing you two a lifetime together.”

——

Caesar stepped protectively in front of her, the luxury bags and clothes spilling across the floor.

His eyes darkened with anger, and he glared, gritting his teeth. “Still playing hard-to-get? Don’t think I’m falling for it this time!”

He stomped over the gifts without a second thought, as if he were grinding my love for him into dust beneath his feet.

Even the report I had poured my heart into was torn to shreds without a hint of regret. My heart twisted in pain, but I fought back the tears, turning away to project an air of strength.

When I got home, I began packing, realizing that most of my belongings were nothing more than kitchen utensils.

For eight years, I had morphed from a culinary beginner into a dedicated caregiver, all to ensure Caesar’s happiness.

As I rifled through a collection of worn-out clothes, it dawned on me that I had forsaken my own life in those years; every ounce of energy had been devoted to him while my dreams faded like the fabric before me.

I uploaded the undeniable proof of his betrayal to the family group chat, firmly stating my intent to walk away. The chat ignited instantly, with his mother leading the attack.

[What do you mean? How dare you even think of breaking up with my son?]

[You’ve enjoyed eight years of luxury, and now you think you’re a high-society lady? Getting a bit too full of yourself, aren’t you?]

[If you’re not keen on being part of the Wallace family, trust me, countless others would jump at the chance!]

Other voices joined the fray, each more critical than the last.

[Exactly! Don’t be so ungrateful!]

[Eight years with him? You’re just used goods that no one else would want!]

After everyone had their say, Caesar finally stepped in. As always, he offered no defense for me.

Over the past eight years, his silence had only fueled the Wallace family's contempt.

He chatted, [There’s nothing between Gaia; it was just a birthday celebration for an employee.]

[But what about you, Zelia? What were you doing at the hospital with that man? Were you sneaking around for a check-up?]

He displayed a photo of me with another man at the hospital.

A wave of bitterness surged in my throat, not just because he had me followed but because he could easily twist the truth.

My heart's obsession shattered, leaving only a deep sense of humiliation.

[Don’t think accusing me will cover up what you’ve done,] I retorted.

The family erupted in chaos, his mother shouting curses. [Look at you, Zelia. After all the support our family gave you over the years, this is how you repay us. Tomorrow, pack your things. I never want to see you again!]

I was abruptly kicked out of the group chat before I could defend myself.

A cold laugh escaped my lips as I surveyed the vast expanse of the house, realizing that none truly belonged to me.

Caesar’s mother had a point.

I had been orphaned at a young age, and it was only through the Wallace family’s support that I had been able to attend Willow Creek and Silverwood University and study abroad.

Eventually, I joined the family’s company, falling for Caesar at first sight during a meeting.

I had always felt my background fell short of the Wallace family’s standards, yet to my surprise, he chose me.

With unwavering conviction, he clasped my hand and boldly proclaimed in front of his family, “I’ll marry Zelia and no one else; I’m certain of her.”

Their acceptance came with reluctance, convinced that my status as an orphan made me easily controllable.

I had once believed I had found true love, only to discover I had stumbled into a dark pit of despair.

Caesar reserved his affection and warmth solely for Gaia, while I faced nothing but his wrath and unending deceit.

Time and again, he publicly humiliated me, taunted my tears, and dismissed my pleas, leaving me alone with my reflections.

This time, he intended to wield his silent treatment, expecting me to grovel for his return.

But this time, I was resolute, I would never look back.

Just as I was about to step out with my suitcase in hand, he swung open the door, the scent of alcohol wafting around him.

“Where do you think you’re going? Still sulking like a child?”