"Yara, Mr..." - Read Full Novel
Three days into the silent treatment, Julian Ashfordâmy fiancĂ© and CEO of Sterling Horizon Corpâgreenlit his assistant's pitch for a self-driving road trip.
He expected me to flip, like always.
A month later, he came back and saw itâI wasn't the same.
He backed Vanessa Croft, stole my project, and thought I'd explode.
I didn't. I just helped her draft the proposal.
He trashed everything I built, just so she could snag her year-end bonus.
I didn't fight back. Took the blame, took the hit.
Vanessa was all smug. "See? Told you. You can't go at Cassandra head-on. Give her the silent treatmentâshe folds. She's scared of losing you. That's why she's playing nice."
Julian ate it up. Called her smart.
Then he pulled me asideâoffered a raise, a promotion, even a fancy wedding. First time he'd ever brought it up.
But he missed one detail: he'd already signed off on my resignation while he was off playing road trip king.
And I'd already dumped him.
That was it. Clean cut. Nothing left.
"Cassandra, Mr. Ashford needs this proposal ASAP. Sorry to bug you, but finish it before you head out."
Vanessa Croft, Julian's assistant, dropped a fat stack of papers on my desk, all chipper like we were besties.
She wasn't done. Still smiling, she threw in, "Mr. Ashford and I have a client meeting later. Just leave the docs on his desk. Ohâand tidy up his office before you go."
Then she strutted off like she owned the floor, heels clicking, mood sky-high.
Around me, the office fell quiet. My coworkers shot me that awkward lookâhalf pity, half helpless.
Everyone knew Julian Ashford, CEO of Sterling Horizon Corp, was my fiancé. Everyone also knew he blatantly played favorites, and Vanessa was his number one.
He'd yanked her from another firm, made her director, then handed her a million-dollar project I'd busted two months bringing in and prepping.
When I pushed back, he called a team vote, thinking everyone would back him.
Wrong. The whole team voted for meâexcept him. Vanessa got one vote. His.
He lost it. Accused me of stirring up cliques. Didn't just take the project awayâhe demoted me in front of everyone and slashed the salaries of the people who'd backed me.
Later, he apologized. Said he didn't want it to look like favoritism. Claimed Vanessa might feel left out.
I used to believe that crap. Now? It's a joke.
Vanessa couldn't even keep up with our interns.
"Didn't want it to look like favoritism"? Please. He was straight-up playing favorites. Everyone saw it but him.
I heard footsteps upstairs and looked up. Julian.
He showed up at the stairwell, glanced my way, then walked out without saying a word. Changed into some casual suit. Even from here, I caught that cedar cologne.
He never used to wear cologne. That one? Vanessa's gift.
Yeah, he knew exactly what he was doing.
He'd been pulling this kind of stuff for years.
It started after I found their goodnight texts. Couldn't stay quietâI confronted him.
Julian said I was being petty. Then, like it proved some point, he used it as an excuse to "make it official" and moved Vanessa to work directly under him.
The more upset I got, the harder he leaned inâdragging her to every social event, serving her food, even wiping her mouth at company dinners.
When we fought, he'd ice me out. When I apologized, he'd round up his buddies to lecture me like I was some jealous mess.
For a while, I actually blamed myself. Thought maybe I wasn't generous enough. Thought maybe that's why we ended up here.
But on day three of one of his silent treatmentsâwhen I was too sick to even sit up and he still packed his bags for a trip with VanessaâI gave up.
That's when it hit me: he wasn't trying to be noble. He just used my "pettiness" as a shield so he could keep doing what he wanted without feeling guilty.
Even if I hadn't caught those late-night chats, he would've just found another excuse to be with her.
After their latest business trip, they were still grabbing dinner, drinks, playing tennisâsame routine. But something between them had changed. I could feel it.
Five years together, and it was done.
This whole mess had dragged on long enough.
I was the last one in the office, finishing up the proposal. Checked my phoneâVanessa had been busy posting.
Candlelit dinner at some fancy spot. Two plates of steak. Julian, all polished and perfect, cutting hers for her.
Caption: "Steak cut by the CEO himselfâit has to taste better."
The comments were full of heart emojis and fangirling. A few clueless people even asked when the wedding was. Julian replied with three dots. Vanessa followed up with a cheeky emoji.
No clarification. Just like always.
But this time, I didn't blow up. Didn't call him, didn't get scolded for "overreacting."
I just texted him: proposal's done. Dropped the docs in his office, refilled the water like he asked, then drove home.
The second I walked in, my phone rangâJulian's number.
I picked up, but it wasn't him.
"Cassandra, it's Vanessa. Thanks for your help with the project. I'll treat you to dinner sometime." Her voice was all sugar.
Before I could answer, Julian cut in. "No need to thank her. It's her job."
Vanessa teased. "Mr. Ashford, she's your fiancée. Can't you talk to her a little nicer?"
They sounded like the real couple.
Julianâwho used to freak out if I even glanced at his phoneânow handed it to Vanessa like it was no big deal.
And honestly? I felt weirdly calm.
What used to feel like the end of the world suddenly felt... small.
They kept joking for a bit, then Julian finally remembered I was still on the line. "I'll be back soon. No need to waitâget some rest."
His "soon" usually meant four, five hours. I used to pace the whole time, worried sick.
But this time, I didn't bother.
I just walked to the study and looked at the calendar on my desk.
Not long ago, Julian and Vanessa turned a business trip into a vacation. While they were off playing house, I slipped in my resignation. Julian was too distracted to noticeâhe approved it without even reading.
Once the handover's done, I'm out.
I paused, then called Dr. Elena Marsh, my old research supervisor, now overseas at a top institute.
Back when I graduated, I landed a high-tier spot there straight out the gate. But Julian said he needed help starting his company, and like an idiot, I dropped everything and ran back to Meridia City. Dr. Marsh told me not to. I didn't listen.
Looking back now... yeah, I was dumb.
Feelings? They shift. Career? That never stabs you in the back.
When the call went through, I explained why I was reaching out. I braced for a lecture. Instead, Dr. Marsh sighed.
"I already heard... was thinking about asking you to come back. But this time... are you actually sure?"
"I'm sure. The resignation's done."
"Resignation? What resignation?"
The voice didn't come from the phone.
Julian stood in the doorway.
I locked my phone without a word.
While I was still trying to figure out what to say, his phone buzzed. Vanessa again. She'd found a stray kitten and stopped to buy it a sausage.
"So cute," Julian said in a voice message.
She shot back right away: "The kitten's cute, or I'm cute?"
Then came a selfieâher holding the kitten, pouting with a peace sign.
Julian smiled. "The kitten's cute, but you're cuter."
Then, like suddenly remembering I existed, his face shut down. He turned to me, all cold.
"Didn't I tell you to get some rest? Why are you still up?"
The tone shift was whiplash. Nothing like how he talked to her.
And he'd already forgotten I said I resigned.
I gave a faint smile. "Just wrapping up a few things."
He frowned deeper. "It's late. What's even left? You seriously need to manage your time better, Cassandra. This procrastination thing is getting out of hand."
I didn't bother saying it was his constant last-minute crap that caused it. No arguing. No justifying. I stayed quiet.
He didn't push. Just walked off to the bedroom.
A minute later, I heard him laughing. Like, actually laughing.
Hadn't heard that sound in forever. He only laughed like that with Vanessa.
I tuned it out, sat at my desk, and pulled out some research journals I hadn't finished.
The institute had changed a lot in five years. Even with Dr. Marsh backing me, I'd have to prove I still had it.
Good thing my foundation was solid. I'd catch up fast.
"You're reading research journals?"
I hadn't even heard him come back in.
He picked one up, flipped through it, then tossed it back with a smirk. "Why are you reading this stuff? Do you even get it?"
I stacked the papers. "Just browsing."
I asked, "Did you need something?"
Back then, I used to light up when Julian dropped by just to chat. Not this time. He froze like he didn't expect me to be so blunt.
His face shiftedâawkward, like he'd stepped in something. "Yeah, actually. Vanessa just wrapped up a big project, so I'm thinking of promoting her. Should give the team a boost. What do you think?"
He looked straight at me.
Sure, he said he wanted my opinion, but we both knew that wasn't true.
I just nodded. "I don't mind."
Then he added, "But rewards should come with penalties too. You haven't finished a project in a while, so I'm thinking of moving you to a lower-level position. Just for now.
"Once things calm down, I'll bring you back. Don't worryâit's for the greater good. You're my fiancĂ©e, so you'll support me, right?"
I laughedâsilently, in my head.
He still had no clue I'd already quit.
He could read Vanessa like a bookâknew her mood from a glance, remembered every little thing she liked. But his own fiancĂ©e handed him a resignation letter he signed, and he didn't even realize.
That's what it looks like when someone just doesn't care. You can tell in one or two lines.
When I stayed quiet, Julian assumed I was gearing up to argue, like always. His face darkened. "Even if you disagree, it won't change anything. The announcement's already out. Your office belongs to Vanessa now."
"Either accept the transfer or leave," he said. "But just a heads-upâthe company's going public. Might wanna think twice before walking away."
He really thought I'd stay.
It wasn't new. I'd been shoved down the ladder more than once, all because of Vanessa's petty comments.
I took it back then. Julian figured I'd cling even harder now.
I gave a dry smile. "I didn't say I disagreed."
"Then it's settled," Julian said, sounding relieved.
To him, silence meant agreement.
He was halfway out the door when he turned back. "Didn't you used to keep our photo on your desk? Where'd it go?"
It wasn't just the desk. I'd plastered our photos everywhereâmy phone, the bedroom wall, my wallet. Little reminders that no matter how cold he got, he still loved me.
He used to laugh at that. Said I was obsessed with those "silly little things." He never got it. Never understood they were the only thing keeping me from walking.
Later, I saw them for what they wereâproof of how pathetic I'd been.
"I broke the frame," I said flatly. "Put it away."
He frowned, immediately scanning the floor. "Try not to be so clumsy. Make sure you cleaned it upâdon't want anyone getting hurt."
His tone softened a little, probably because I wasn't arguing. Then he left the study.
I watched him go and almost laughed.
That warning wasn't about me.
It was about not letting Vanessa get hurt.
This was supposed to be our home. I'd been the one keeping it togetherâuntil a few months ago, when I found a hair tie in his study. Pillows on our bed, out of place. That's when I knew. Vanessa had been here. More than once.
I called him outâI had to. Like he saw it coming, he slapped down proof they were just talking business, then turned it on me, calling me jealous and dramatic. To punish me for "overthinking," he started bringing Vanessa over like it was nothing.
She didn't even try to hide the way she looked at meâlike she wanted a fight.
Thing is, they never technically crossed a line.
After a while, I started questioning myself. Every day felt like a loop of, "What if it's just me?"
Honestly, if I'd put that energy into literally anything else, I'd be way ahead by now.
The next morning, Julian proudly announced Vanessa's big promotionâright after dropping me to the bottom rung.
He hesitated at first, but once I stayed chill and acted like it didn't faze me, he bought it. Thought I'd accepted everything.
He was riding high. So was I.
While he threw Vanessa a fancy banquet, I was getting my visa approved.
While they chilled at an amusement park, I was packing. One suitcaseâthat's all I needed.
While they toasted clients at some club, I wrapped up my final handover.
Two days laterâmy last day at Sterling Horizon CorpâI wrapped things up with Diane in HR.
Without even glancing up, she said, "Before you go, stop by the CEO's office. Mr. Ashford wants to see you."
I was about to say no, then stopped.
I was flying out tonight. If Julian went out with Vanessa like usual, this'd be it. No more run-ins. No more anything.
After five years, maybe a final goodbye was fair.
Right as I reached for the door, I caught a glimpse through the glassâJulian kicked back on the couch, and Vanessa, in a long dress, was lying with her head in his lap. Way too close for "just business."
He said something, and she cracked up, covering her mouth like it was the funniest thing ever.
Was about to turn back when Vanessa saw me. She shot up, startled. "Cassandra, what are you doing here?"
Julian's jaw clenched. He yanked his wrinkled suit into place and barked, "Cassandra Vance, who said you could come in? Didn't I tell you not to come upstairs without permission?"
He had said that onceâbut back then, the rule was "no one but me" could disturb him up here.
I used to think that meant I was special. Now I knew better.
Not that it mattered. I was already out the door.
I kept my voice steady. "Diane said you were looking for me."
He scoffed, stomped to his desk, and hit the intercom. Diane showed up minutes later.
"You told Cassandra I needed to see her?" he asked, cold as ice.
Diane clocked the tension. She glanced at Julian's face, then at Vanessa's guilty one, and hesitatedâway too longâbefore mumbling, "I don't remember."
Julian let out a dry laugh, smug as hell. He turned to me, all frost and venom. "Wow, Cassandra. Thought you'd grown up, but you're still the sameâalways plotting.
"If you're that paranoid, why not just move in upstairs? Better yet, plant a camera on me. Then you can stalk me 24/7 and finally give that nosy little brain of yours a break."
Nothing I said would've changed a thing.
"Mr. Ashford, don't be upset. I'm sure Cassandra just got a little emotional because she cares," Vanessa cooed, running a hand down his back like she owned the place.
Then she turned to me, all fake-sweet. "Cassandra, don't get the wrong idea. I just had a headache, and Mr. Ashford was helping me relax so I could keep working. Everything we do is for the companyâyou really don't need to overthink it."
I didn't know the full story, but I could feel itâthis whole setup had Vanessa's fingerprints all over it.
Diane, always the diplomatic one, knew better than to speak up. Vanessa was Julian's favorite, and she wasn't about to get caught in the crossfire.
Not that it mattered. Even if she told the truth, Julian wouldn't have listened.
I kept quiet, but he wasn't finished. Still pissed, he snapped, "No need to explain anything to her. Personal matters stay personal. This is a workplaceâwe follow the rules. Since Cassandra broke protocol, cancel her bonus this month. And dock half her salary."
Diane blurted, "Mr. Ashford, Cassandra alreadyâ"
She probably meant to mention my resignation, but Julian shut her down with a glare. "I don't want to hear excuses. Do as I said."
Diane didn't push it. She just turned and walked out.
I was about to do the same when Julian suddenly called out.
He sounded calmer nowâmaybe yelling helped him feel better. "Cassandra, I'm not targeting you. These are just the rules. If I don't enforce them, no one will respect them."
Vanessa jumped in, all helpful. "Exactly, Cassandra. Next time something's unclear, just ask Mr. Ashford. Or me, if he's busy."
Julian nodded like she'd solved world peace. "Vanessa really puts the company first. She knows more than anyone."
Then he turned on me, cold. "Unlike you. Always jealous. Always dramatic. Maybe you should try learning something from Vanessa."
Learn what? How to slide into someone else's relationship? Fake innocence while poking the bear? Steal credit, sabotage others?
I let out a quiet laugh. No point calling her out.
Julian took my silence the wrong way. Thought I was feeling guilty.
He stepped closer, reached up to adjust my collarânothing was wrong with itâand said, all serious, "I know what this drama's really about. I'm disappointed in you.
"But hey, you've matured. So here's your rewardâlet's take our wedding photos tomorrow.
"We'll move the date up. But don't get too excitedâmarriage is justâ"
"Marriage?" I cut in, laughing under my breath.
I brushed off his hand and handed him the resignation form I'd prepped. "Julian, we're done. I've already quit. Starting today, we have nothing to do with each other."
Julian stared at the resignation form like it was a grenade with the pin already pulled.
"This isn't funny, Cassandra."
His face went through five shades of red in three seconds. "You can't quit. I didn't approve this."
"You did. Three weeks ago. While you were buying Vanessa lobster in Boston."
Vanessa went pale behind him. "Mr. Ashford, I had no ideaâ"
"Shut up," Julian snapped, but his eyes never left me. "You think you can just walk out? After everything I've given you?"
"Given me?" I laughedâactually laughed. "You gave me a demotion. A front-row seat to your love story. And a signed resignation letter you were too distracted to read."
"Cassandra, don't be dramatic. You're my fiancĂ©eâ"
The word hit him like a punch.
"You can't do this," he said, stepping closer. "You need me. This company needs you. The weddingâ"
"There is no wedding, Julian."
Vanessa's voice cut through, all honey and concern. "Mr. Ashford, maybe we should let Cassandra cool down. She's clearly not thinking straightâ"
"Don't," I said, turning to her. "Don't pretend you're helping."
Julian grabbed my wrist. "You're not leaving. I forbid it."
"Forbid?" I looked at his hand on my arm, then back at his face. "You don't get to forbid anything anymore."
"If you walk out that door, I'll blacklist you. Every firm in this city. You'll never work again."
"Then I'll work somewhere else."
"Your research papers? Your reputation? I'll destroy it all. You're nothing without me."
"I was nothing WITH you."
The silence was deafening.
Vanessa tried again. "Cassandra, don't be rash. Think about what you're giving upâ"
"Five years," I said, cutting her off. "I gave up five years. That's enough."
Julian's voice cracked. "You can't leave. I love you."
"Love?" I picked up my single suitcase from beside the door. "You don't love me, Julian. You love what I did for you. And Vanessa? She loves what you give her. We both got exactly what we deserved."
I walked to the door. Turned back one last time.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Vanessa. Hope you enjoy doing your own work now."
The door clicked shut behind me.
Julian stood frozen in his empty office.
Vanessa reached for his arm. "Mr. Ashford, she'll come back. She always does."
His eyes landed on his deskâwhere the photo frame used to sit.
The one of him and Cassandra at their engagement party. Her smile. His arm around her waist.
He'd asked about it last night. She said she broke the frame.
Vanessa was still talking, her voice a distant hum. "We should call security. She might have taken company propertyâ"
She scrambled away, heels clicking against the marble floor.
Julian stared at the empty spot on his desk.
The spot where their photo used to be.
The spot where she used to stand, handing him coffee, smiling like he was her whole world.
He grabbed his phone. Called her number.
His hand trembled as he threw the phone across the room.
It shattered against the wall.
And for the first time in five years, Julian Ashford realizedâ
The intercom buzzed. Diane's voice, strained.
"Mr. Ashford? The quarterly report is due in an hour. Vanessa said she'd handle it, but she's... unavailable."
He looked at the shattered phone on the floor.
At the door she'd walked through.
The first crack in the world he'd built on her sacrifice.
She was already on a plane.
And she wasn't looking back.
*Three days later, Dr. Elena Marsh received a package from Meridia City. Inside: a signed contract, a passport copy, and a photo of a woman smilingâreally smilingâfor the first time in years.*
*Attached note: "I'm coming home."*
*She didn't write Julian's name anywhere.*
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