Chapter 1
My boyfriend William Carter's first love framed me for plagiarizing her proposal, and at the company's annual party, he made me apologize to her in front of everyone.
"If it's not yours, why not just give it back to her?"
He was right. I should return everything.
So, I tossed the engagement ring, wiped his number from my phone, and walked away for good—letting his first love have him back.
I was convinced he had vanished from my world forever.
Nine years later, William caught sight of me at an international summit while I was chatting with another man.
With everyone watching, William—the man known as the "Ice King" CEO—broke down in tears and asked, "So you left me... just for him?"
*****
When I showed up at the annual party, my coworkers' glares were sharper than usual. They kept their distance as if I were some kind of trash.
To them, I was nothing but garbage—a useless nepotism hire and a copycat who couldn't do anything on my own.
Before, they had just treated me as if I were invisible.
Everything changed the moment Ella snitched to the boss, accusing me of plagiarizing her proposal.
They bought Ella's story instantly. In their eyes, Ella was the golden girl—talented, friendly, and almost saintly.
Unlike her, I was just the girl who used connections to drop into the department and snatch up a bunch of projects.
They absolutely loathed me.
Their hatred wasn't just about work; it was because I was dating William Carter, the office heartthrob.
I was seen as the only wall standing between William and his true love, Ella.
I was the one who had shattered the image of the "Golden Couple."
I clenched my fists under their scornful gazes, trying hard to suppress my rage.
They were just a bunch of fools who had been lied to, so I didn't need to waste my energy on them. I only cared about what William thought.
Just then, William and Ella walked in together, dressed in matching colors like a couple.
When William saw me, a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.
Ella smiled at the crowd and said, "Alright, the party's about to start. Have fun, everyone! I'm sure management will prove my innocence."
Her words were a death sentence for my reputation. She shot me a mocking look, as if ridiculing me for thinking I could compete with her.
Suddenly, William wrapped his arm around Ella's waist. She paused for a moment, then shyly leaned against his shoulder.
I couldn't hold back my rage any longer—I lashed out and slapped him across the face.
William shrieked, "Sophie, are you nuts?"
I laughed bitterly. "You're parading your mistress around, and you're asking if I'm the one who's crazy?"
William rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "Ella and I are just good friends. I treat her like a sister. Stop being so disgusting.
"I haven't even brought up you plagiarizing Ella's proposal yet—what right do you have to be angry?"
A cold wave washed over me as I listened to his words.
I stared at him in disbelief. We grew up together—did he really not know what kind of person I was?
Was he so blinded by Ella that he'd believe anything she said? Wouldn't he even give me a chance to explain?
I loosened my grip on the box in my pocket—the one holding the engagement ring.
I had planned to propose to William tonight, after proving my innocence.
Now, there was no point.
His heart was never mine to begin with.
I scoffed coldly and turned to walk away.
William called out, "Wait!
"Since everyone's here, apologize to Ella publicly right now—or I'm breaking up with you."