The Girl He Replaced, The Woman He Can't Reach

I gave up billions to help my boyfriend Liam for six years.

He repaid me by sharing a hotel room with his childhood sweetheart.

When I needed him most, he told me I was a bother because "Chloe needs me."

So I left. And I got engaged to the man my family wanted for me all along.

Turns out my new fiancé is the powerful investor Liam has been begging for a meeting with.

Now Liam is the one on his knees. He wants me back.

My answer?

"Sorry, I’m busy planning a wedding... with the man who holds your entire future in his hands."

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1

"Mom... tell Grandpa I'll do it. I agree to the marriage."

"Really?” My mother’s voice was electric with surprise before she quickly checked herself.

"Wait, what about that long-term boyfriend of yours? We want you to find someone of our station, but if..."

"We broke up. Mom, you can make the arrangements."

My mom didn't press for details. "Just think about it for a few more days," she said. "The man your grandfather picked out for you is Julian Hawthorne, the heir to the Hawthorne family."

"Marriage is a big deal. I don't want you to be so impulsive."

"I'm not being impulsive, Mom. I'm certain."

I only found out yesterday that our family's company, Vance Inc., was on the verge of bankruptcy. My brother let it slip during a phone call.

An arranged marriage was the best solution.

Of course, the old me—the one willing to disown my family for love—would never have considered it. But things change.

That hopelessly romantic Amelia Vance is dead and gone.

It was time to wake up.

I glanced through the floor-to-ceiling window in the direction Liam had been staring, a self-mocking smile touching my lips.

Once upon a time, he used to look at me like that.

He chased me for three whole years in college. When I asked him what he liked about me, he beamed like a fool and said I was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.

I didn't like fools, but his sincerity eventually won me over.

Even then, I didn't agree to date him easily.

But Liam didn't care. He brought me breakfast every morning, rain or shine.

He even tracked my cycle, always having herbal tea and painkillers ready for me in advance.

If I so much as glanced at a necklace, he'd work multiple part-time jobs to save up and buy it for me.

When I was upset, he would rack his brain for jokes to make me laugh.

If I even furrowed my brow, he’d anxiously ask if I was feeling unwell.

But in the end...

Childhood sweethearts always win.

Two months ago, his childhood friend, Chloe Reed, suddenly showed up in New York looking for him.

From our very first meeting, I noticed Liam and this Chloe woman had no sense of boundaries.

I didn't think much of it. I figured she'd leave after a few days.

But she didn't. She landed a job as his personal assistant and stayed in New York.

When I asked, Liam just said the company was short-staffed and it was better to hire someone he knew.

After that, his business trips and late nights at the office became more and more frequent.

Staying out all night became the new normal.

The day before yesterday, I checked the attendance records in HR. That’s when I discovered the two of them were already inseparable.

They went on business trips together.

And on the expense reports submitted to finance, there was only ever one executive suite.

The late nights were even more obvious.

As I walked out of Liam's office, Chloe, whose desk was right outside, stood up.

She smiled brightly. "Amelia, you don't look so good. Did you and Liam have a fight?"

I didn't have the energy to argue. I just wanted to walk past her.

"Amelia Vance!"

She called out from behind me. "You're turning thirty next year, aren't you? Stop being so childish. The company's funding hasn't come through yet, and Liam is under a lot of pressure. If you can't help him, can you at least not cause trouble at a time like this?"

I frowned slightly and looked at her calmly. "Chloe Reed, Liam and I founded this company together. If he can let you stay, I can make you leave."

"You..."

She hadn't expected me to be so firm. She froze for a second, then her face crumpled, a mask of wounded innocence. "I was just trying to help. If you don't want to hear it, fine, but why threaten to fire me..."

"Who dares fire her?"

Liam walked out, his tone icy. "Amelia, Chloe is young. She just got to a new city. Can't you be more understanding if she misspeaks?"

Young.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Chloe was only three months younger than me.

I held back my tears and took a deep breath. "Liam, I'm giving you a choice. It's her or me."

"Amelia Vance, stop being unreasonable."

I froze.

A fog settled over me. I couldn't remember the last time he'd used my full name.

"Amelia, you must have misunderstood my relationship with Liam. We're just friends who grew up together," Chloe said, her eyes red as she looked pitifully at Liam. "Liam, I heard Amelia's family is very wealthy. She must be spoiled."

"Don't fight with her because of me."

"I... I'm used to walking on eggshells around people. It'll be the same at any other company. As long as Amelia is happy, I can even leave New York..."

"Chloe!"

The anguish in Liam's eyes was raw.

I forced a smile and turned away.

For years, my family had let me have my way.

After college, my dad wanted me to return to the Hamptons to gain experience so I could take over the family business.

But I was head over heels in love. I had a huge fight with my dad over Liam and insisted on staying in New York.

All because my dad had said, "He's just a poor boy. What can he give you?"

I worked day and night with Liam, often pulling all-nighters to close deals.

I never imagined that in return for my devotion, I wouldn't get his loyalty and love. All I got was a ruined stomach that now relied on medication.

My mom sighed on the other end of the line. "So when are you coming back?"

"In two weeks."

After hanging up, I looked back at the towering skyscraper, a bitter smile on my face.

Liam.

I built this entire stage for you.

You just chose the wrong leading lady.

Now, the performance is over.