Gabriella's pov

I heard Clara apologize to the man. I felt like I needed the earth to swallow me instantly. My world was breaking, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. How was it my fault? I mean I can't burn someone intentionally.

I groaned.

I glanced at the tall buildings; everyone seemed busy going to who knows what. I dialed Ben's number again. But it went straight to voicemail.

"Well, at least I can pay him a surprise visit," I said, sliding the phone into my back pocket. "He'll be there for me, as always."

I hailed a taxi with the last bucks I had in me. "Take me to the Harris Enterprise building, please," I said.

Ben and I had been together for six years. He had a sensible job and was very supportive—sometimes. He was my highschool sweetheart, the man I planned to have a future with.

I reached his office. The secretary desk was empty.

"That's odd," I said.

As I approached his office door and I heard muffled sounds—moans and groans. My blood ran cold, hoping it wasn’t what I thought it was.

I stood by the door, my hands trembling as I twisted the cold knob and saw Ben, screwing his secretary, Ivy.

They were so deep in the action that they didn’t feel my presence. I wanted to scream—and should have, but there was a huge lump in my throat.

I quickly closed the door, but my feet couldn’t move.

"When will you dump Gabriella?" Ivy said, her voice low and worn out from the heavy sex.

"Soon, my love. Right now, her savings are what's keeping my company running. If I leave her now, we may not survive," Ben said.

I cupped my mouth, tears daring to fall, but I blinked them away. That bastard!

Six years of promises, loving him and sacrificing for him, down the drain all because he can't zip his pants. I should have known, oh heavens...I wish there was a way I can unfeel this feeling.

I ran out of the building, my hands stumbling as I let the wind carry me. Had I not suffered enough? I thought Ben loved me, but this? This was out of hand.

I saw Emily's apartment and bolted inside. I knocked a few times, promising myself that I wouldn't cry. I wouldn't cry over a jerk like Ben.

The door creaked open, and Emily stood there. She instantly pulled me into a big hug.

"Gabriella, what's wrong? Come inside and tell me what happened." She ushered me inside and wrapped my arm over my shoulder, leading me in. Her big apartment was ever-styled, her pink walls standing out. I always felt at home.

I sat on the sofa, pulled my knees to my chest. "It's Ben. He cheated on me," a few tears streaming down, betraying me. "And I got fired at work."

"Oh, I am so sorry! You don't deserve that jerk! I always knew he was an asshole," Emily said, pulling me into a hug.

"You should have seen how he was fucking her—Ivy. I thought we agreed to wait till marriage. Maybe it's because I'm still a virgin," I sobbed.

"No, hun. It's because he's a jerk and a cheater." Emily pulled out of my embrace and took out a poster from her drawer.

"What's that?" I asked, sniffing.

"Well, I saw an ad. There is a company called 'The Smith's Group.' They are looking for a personal assistant for the CEO. I heard he is super handsome. I was about to try it out, but I'm so occupied with my current schedule. Maybe you'd try it out."

She gave me the poster. My hands slightly trembled as I scanned it.

"Thanks. I need an income anyways. My grandma's bills are increasing, and she's getting weaker." I slammed back into the sofa.

"How's she doing, by the way? Did the surgery happen?" Emily held my hand, caressing it gently. It made me feel calm every time.

"No, I haven't paid for the surgery yet, and she's getting weaker." I let out a tear before wiping it off and faking a smile. "Everything will be fine," I said. "Since the poster says the interviews are tomorrow, I will go early." I changed the topic instantly.

"I know you're hurting, Gabriella. But I will not force you to talk about it." Emily's big eyes bore into mine. I didn’t want to get my best friend worried.

I faked a yawn, stretching myself. "Let's make some cookies." I stood up and pulled her off the sofa.

Almost immediately, my phone rang.

Ben. His name flashing on my screen and I felt like throwing the phone across the room.

I cut the call, then a text came it.

*Can you send me a thirty dollars?* #Ben

Unbelievable jerk! Even with my situation, he had guts to ask favours from me?

I blinked away a few tears, making sure Emily didn't see me breaking.

I won't let him manipulate me this time.