Love Turned to Ashes

The next morning, I prepared breakfast for one.

Milk and a sandwich were just healthy and convenient.

Connor walked over to the dining table out of habit, only to find his glass empty.

"Where's mine?" he asked.

I hesitated for a moment. "I thought you didn't like milk."

Connor didn't respond. He was not happy.

He didn't like milk, but in the past, I would always heat a glass for him and insist he drink it, regardless of his preferences.

I did it because he had a weak stomach, and milk was good for it.

Ignoring his stare, I glanced at the schedule, downed the milk in one gulp, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and rushed to the door.

Behind me, Connor seemed to say he would take me, but my footsteps were too loud, and I thought I must have misheard.

Connor and I had been together for eight years, working at the same company, yet I took the crowded subway every day.

Today, because of my injuries, I had arranged for a car to pick me up half an hour earlier.

Connor, who was usually punctual, was late. He arrived with his secretary, Katie.

The printer in my office was broken, so I was in the public area copying some documents.

My colleagues' eyes darted back and forth between the three of us, eagerly waiting for some drama to unfold.

Their gossiping hearts had been burning since Katie arrived.

It was no wonder. Everyone in the company knew Connor and I were a couple.

But with Katie's arrival, they were no longer sure.

Connor was extremely fond of Katie.

The car that he had reluctantly let me ride in was now Katie's dedicated ride.

The man who was always focused on work and maintained a clear hierarchy in the office would now share a lunch box with Katie, take her out for meals during work hours, and watch movies she wanted to see.

Compared to me, Katie seemed more like his girlfriend.

Everyone was waiting for the moment I would explode, but some restraint was ingrained in my bones.

I could never make a scene in public. In the past, countless private arguments with Connor were always silenced by his words. "Don't act like a shrew."

Even after Connor and Katie entered the CEO's office, the anticipated drama did not occur.

The silence was broken by whispers.

As I walked back to my office with the documents, I overheard a male colleague gossiping about us.

He said, "I have told you. Ms. Levy is too strong-willed. What man likes that? Katie is delicate and lovable."

His colleague noticed me and nudged him. Both of them bowed their heads.

I kept walking and returned to my office.

I strongly disagreed with being called "strong-willed".

At work, my assertiveness reflected my abilities. I could manage these young employees and handle difficult clients.

In my personal life, if I were truly strong-willed, I wouldn't have let Connor treat me this way.

I picked up the resignation letter on my desk and a plastic bag before heading to the CEO's office.

Before I even knocked, I heard Katie's soft sobs.

I pushed the door open without hesitation and found Katie leaning against Connor, who was gently wiping her tears.

They quickly separated, and even Connor forgot to reprimand me for not knocking.

"Tara, I..." Katie stammered, unable to finish her sentence.

Connor asked her to leave first, afraid I might upset her.

She bit her lip and moved toward the door.

As she passed me, I handed her the plastic bag.

I said, "Ms. Ellis, next time you go to someone else's house, don't be so careless."

Katie blushed and stuttered, "Thank you, Tara. I'll be more careful."

Then she rushed out of the office.

Next time?

It was a blatant provocation. Yet people called her pure and innocent.

Men really didn't understand women.