Love Didn't Get Me Promoted

The next morning, my eyes were so puffy I barely recognized myself.

Eric glanced at me and actually asked, "You didn't sleep well last night?"

I gave him a weak smile. Said nothing.

Then he leaned in, like he was gonna kiss my forehead.

That's when I saw it—a hickey under his collar. My stomach flipped.

I stayed quiet all night and morning, but that did it.

"Let's break up."

He froze. His whole vibe changed.

"Madison Mercer, do you even know what you're saying?"

I nodded. Crystal clear. Just in case, I said it again—"We're done. Let's end this clean."

He laughed, like I was being dramatic.

"Madison, all this over a promotion for Shelly? Don't be petty. You're threatening me with a breakup?"

He tapped my cheek with the belt in his hand.

"Without me, could you even survive? Don't say stupid stuff like that again. There's a limit to jealousy."

Thinking I was just craving attention, he offered to drive me to work—for the first time ever.

Five years together, and he'd always used 'keeping it a secret' as an excuse not to.

He pulled me into the car, but when I slid into the front seat, I spotted a torn pair of stockings.

Disgust hit me hard. I shut the door and moved to the back.

Eric tensed. "Shelly spilled something on her clothes yesterday, so I let her change in the car."

I said nothing. Closed my eyes. I was done.

At the office, people who used to greet me were side-eyeing me like I was part of some messy drama.

Then I got to my office—files scattered, personal stuff trashed. Some of it broken.

Anger shot through me.

I turned to ask who'd done it, but Shelly walked in, bossing around two people carrying a desk.

I bent down and picked up one of my proposals—stomped on, twice. I'd spent half a month perfecting it.

I brushed off the dirt and looked straight at Shelly. "Was this you?"

She gasped, all fake innocence. "Oh no, Madison, I didn't think they'd be so careless. They really thought it was trash!"

She smiled like butter wouldn't melt, but her eyes? Pure smug.

"Anyway, Mr. Dempsey gave me this office yesterday. Trash like you should know where it belongs."

I smiled—cold and sharp—and raised my hand to slap her.

Before I could land it, Eric stormed in, eyes bloodshot, and shoved me hard.

"Madison! What are you doing!"

My head cracked against the desk's edge. A high-pitched ring exploded in my ears. Pain shot through my skull.

But that wasn't the worst part.

The worst was staring at him.

The man I once loved wasn't there anymore. Just a stranger in his skin.