Prologue

"How dare you betray me like this Genevive?" My boss, Lucien, the man I love accuses. I look at him with tears in my eyes, and I say, "I swear on my life Lucien, I did nothing of the sort. There is no way, I will ever betray you like that. I love you. I always have, and I always will. Why the hell do you think I will betray you in such a way? I love you, and I love this company. There is no way I would have planned such a thing. Especially when I'm in lo-"

"Enough," he shouts. "There is no way I can believe your empty words, and empty declarations of love. You took advantage of the feelings I had for you." I flinch at the use of the word had. He looks at me with obvious anger, and I am shaking because of the accusation, and the fact that my colleagues also think the worst of me.

"Park your things and leave this office. As you leave this office, make sure you go my apartment, and clear everything that belongs to you. My housekeeper will be made aware of this development." I whimper with tears running down my face, as his words break my already broken heart. "Lu-"

"You mean Mr. Blackwell, Miss. Evans. Do not refer to me by first name or middle name. I will not condone it."

I flinch at his coldness. I whimper silently. I steel my shoulders, clean my tears and straighten my posture. "Very well Mr. Blackwell." He looks at me, and I notice the concealed pain in his eyes until he hardens it once again. I am on my way out, when I turn. "I did not divulge any of the company's secrets especially the Howards, our major competition. I never lied about my feelings for you, neither did I get payouts for a crime I did not commit. The fact that you don't believe me is glaring as well, but I would like to thank you for the work experience I've had. I enjoyed my four years at this company, and it will always be a part of my life. I hope you can find a way to forgive for a crime I did not commit." I laugh sardonically, and he clenches his jaw. "There is nothing I can do to change your mind. This just proves you never loved me like you said you do. Goodbye Mr. Blackwell, I wish you success in all your endeavors. We both know you will bounce back."

I am about to go when he says, "I never want to see your face around this company, and of course my house. Make sure you pack every single thing that belongs to you because if you don't, they will be burnt. Goodbye Miss Evans. Thank you for showing me your true colors. I sigh at his last words, and he says, "Be grateful I did not throw your ass in jail. Be grateful you are able to walk out of here without handcuffs Now, if you will excuse me, I have to rectify the damages you caused me."

I sigh, walk out at the office, and go to my table to take my things. I notice the stares people send my way, and I know that a lot them think I sold some of the company's secrets. I pack my box, and I am escorted from the premises. I notice my best friend Ama is waiting for me in her car. The moment she sees me, she collects the box from my hand, puts in her car, and hugs me. I fall into the embrace, and let the tears fall. She sighs and continues comforting me. I stay in the backseat of the car, and she drives us both to his house so that I can collect my belongings.

When we enter his home, Alice, his housekeeper looks at me in worry and asks me what happened. I tell her everything, and she says, "Lucien has always been blind and blinded by his rage. Deep down, he knows you can't do this, but the asshole in him can not help it. I believe you sweetie, and I hope it won't take too long for him to as well." I shudder, and Ama, Alice and I go to back my belongings. I pack everything, and I'm thankful it is not much since I had sleepovers at his place, instead of completely moving in. I carry my things, and hug Alice. I tell her goodbye with tears in my eyes, and she mirrors my expression. When I finally go back to Ama's car, I am in a daze. I cannot believe this just happened to me. I hold in the anger I had been suppressing. When Ama and I go to our apartment, I sigh and flop on the couch. "Back to square one," I say.

Ama gives me a pitiful smile. "At least, you are just twenty-four, which is still pretty young. You will get a job. He probably has me blacklisted Ama. That is what will happen to me. I will go for interviews, and get denied for no plausible reason, asides one of the biggest tech companies blacklisted me. My career is over."

She sits beside me, and says, "It is not. Unless you decide it is. You are my best friend Gen, and I would appreciate it, if you acted like the strong woman, I've always known you as. I know it seems hard right now, but it will be easier."

I sigh. "You are right, but I can't live here anymore."

"Say less," Ama says. "We will start job hunting for houses that are at least three hours without traffic. I nod in affirmation, and she gets ice cream for the both of us to devour. I go back to my room, to think about my life, and where I went wrong. I also think about who would have framed me. I put my hair in a bonnet, and I go to bed, but instead of just sleeping, I cry myself to sleep.