Fiancée Chooses Secretary Over Me

My father rasped on his deathbed, saying his only wish was to see me married.

I was sobbing uncontrollably. My entire family's gaze fell on Peyton Sterling, who stood right behind me.

She sighed, gently wiped away my tears, and led me out of the hospital room.

But the moment the door clicked shut, her expression turned icy.

"Jasper, we've been together for seven years. You know I hate being pressured."

"Relationships should happen naturally. They shouldn't be dictated by anyone else's opinion."

Her hand stroked my cheek, a gesture meant to be soothing, yet it felt hollow.

"The wedding can wait. Let's talk about it once my company's IPO is stable, okay?"

"I have a meeting tonight. Handle your family yourself. I'll bring you a gift when I get back."

Before I could say a word, she turned and walked away with her male secretary, Sheldon Weston.

As they disappeared into the elevator, I saw Sheldon lean down. He naturally tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

She didn't pull away.

I wiped my tears and walked back into the ward. I smiled and took my father's hand.

"Dad, don't worry. I'm getting married in three days."

"I'll need you to tie my necktie before the ceremony starts."

Hearing me say that, everyone in the room let out a sigh of relief.

My father's eyes reddened. He whispered "Good" over and over again.

That night, after I drove my mother home, she pulled me into the study.

"Jasper, there's something I've been holding back. I need to tell you."

She hesitated, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at me.

"On your birthday last month, Peyton came over with a gift but left after five minutes, saying she was busy."

"Half an hour later, a friend of mine saw her at a private lounge downtown. She was drinking in a corner booth with a man... I think it was that secretary of hers, Sheldon."

My mother pushed a photo toward me.

In the picture, Sheldon was wearing a trendy designer suit. He looked relaxed, leaning in and saying something with a smirk.

Beside him, Peyton was looking down, listening intently. The admiration and dependence in her eyes were almost overflowing.

Even without any physical contact, they looked like they were tied together by invisible threads. They were in a world of their own, separate from everyone else.

Looking at Peyton like this, I felt a momentary daze.

Once upon a time, she used to look at me with that same intense passion. Every emotion I had used to affect her deeply.

She wasn't like the woman today, who demanded I be sensible before my tears had even dried. She only cared about her own convenience.

"Jasper, you've been with her for so many years. You've proposed countless times."

"If she truly wanted to marry you, she would have said yes long ago."

"Forcing her hand like this makes me worry about the future. Maybe you should..."

Before my mother could finish, I interrupted her in a calm voice.

"Mom, I am getting married. But who said I was marrying Peyton?"

I returned home from my parents' place late that night.

To my surprise, Peyton wasn't asleep. She was in her loungewear, sitting on the sofa watching the stock market.

Seeing me enter, she closed her laptop and took off her glasses. She gave me a searching look.

"Why are you so late today?"

The corners of my mouth twitched. I wanted to say that she had plenty of nights where she stayed out later than me.

But the words felt pointless now. I gave her a perfunctory answer.

"It's nothing. I just stayed a bit longer to talk to my mother."

Peyton nodded. She picked up a shimmering watch from a jewelry box on the table and walked toward me.

"Jasper, thank you for handling the marriage pressure for me."

"You know I've always seen you in my future. It's just that the timing isn't right yet."

"I still have so much to do. I'm not ready to step into a domestic life just yet."

As she spoke, she tried to take my hand to put the watch on me, just like she always did.

Ever since we started dating, Peyton would always give me a gift to compensate whenever she hurt me.

In the past, even if the gift was expensive, she would feel guilty. She would hold my hand and apologize sincerely, hoping to make me happy again.

But now, her face was a mask of calm. Her eyes held only the steadiness of someone in control, with no trace of tenderness.

She had become a complete stranger to me.

I tilted my head, avoiding her hand and her embrace.

"Peyton, there's no need for this anymore."

"Let's end this. We're done."

Peytons face darkened instantly.

Jasper Vance, you were never one to act on impulse like this.

Is this because I didn't agree to the wedding? Did you conspire with your family to use this to force me?

I looked up at the anger in her eyes. I felt incredibly peaceful.

Im not forcing you, Peyton. Its just that I don't want to be with you anymore.

Her expression grew even more grim.

Weve been together for seven years. No one knows your feelings for me better than I do.

Dont play hard to get with me. Im not falling for it.

She was convinced I was just throwing a tantrum. She thought I was using my fathers illness to make her succumb to my proposal.

I looked at her and suddenly found it hilarious.

I laughed at my years of persistence. I laughed at how long it took me to see how cold and selfish she really was.

Im not playing games, Peyton. Youre just too self-centered.

You only ever think about yourself, your company, and your reputation.

Youve never considered me. You never cared about my familys wishes.

It was as if I had hit a nerve. Her face contorted, and her voice rose.

I work like crazy to take this company public! Isn't that for our future?

I delayed the wedding so we could enter the next stage of our lives with more stability!

Jasper, why can't you be more understanding? Stop trying to force me into things I don't want to do!

Understanding?

My nose felt a sharp sting.

Had I not been understanding enough?

Shortly after we started dating, she told me I was too sharp. So, I learned to hide my edges and constantly compromised.

For years, I desperately wanted to get married. But I convinced myself and my family to wait because of her endless excuses.

Even now, I had suppressed my anger over her intimacy with Sheldon. I kept brainwashing myself that she still loved me.

I loathed myself for being that way.

Peyton, whether you believe me or not, Ive had enough.

I don't want to wait anymore. I don't want to revolve around your schedule.

Most of all, I don't want to watch you be inappropriate with Sheldon Weston anymore.

At the mention of Sheldon, her eyes flickered. Then, they were consumed by rage again.

Ive told you a thousand times. Hes just my subordinate. Stop being unreasonable.

The marriage isn't up for debate. We wait until the IPO is stable.

No matter how much you fuss, the result won't change!

She threw the watch onto the sofa and stormed out.

The door slammed shut with a bang. A framed photo in the hallway fell and shattered.

We bought this place in our third year together. I handled every bit of the renovation. Every corner held my past hopes.

But now, it was filled with nothing but disappointment. The warmth was gone.

I opened the closet and took out my clothes. I folded them one by one and packed them into a suitcase I had prepared.

I only took my essential documents from the study. I didn't touch anything else.

After packing, I called a courier to send the suitcase to the apartment I had secretly rented.

I sat on the sofa, dazed. My phone vibrated twice.

It was a notification. My special contact Sheldon had posted on his social media.

Working late and feeling hungry. Someones cooking a midnight snack for me. So blessed.

The photo was of a kitchen.

A slender woman in a high-end designer suit was wearing a teddy bear apron. She stood at the stove with her back to the camera.

Even without seeing her face, her relaxed posture was obvious. It was a side of Peyton she never showed me anymore.

In the past, Sheldons provocations would make me lose my mind. I would demand an explanation from Peyton.

Now, I simply tapped the like button. Then, I blocked both Peyton and Sheldon.

Not long after, a knock came at my door. I received a package.

Inside was a deep red invitation with gold foil accents.

At the same time, a message popped up from Giselle Sinclair.

She was the daughter of a family friend, introduced to me by my elders. She was steady and reliable.

Three days ago, when I decided on the wedding date, I reached an agreement with her that same night.

Jasper, did you get the invitation? This is the style you chose. Does the sample look okay?

I blinked. I didn't expect her to be so efficient and thorough.

This attitudeDof two people moving toward each other to solve a problemDwas something I never got from Peyton.

I snapped out of it and sent a confirmation to Giselle.

I looked at the date on the invitation. Three days left. That was enough.

The next morning, I went to the office.

I wanted to wrap up my current project.

As I walked into the work area, I heard hushed whispers.

Did you see Sheldons post last night? The CEO personally cooked for him.

The whole company is talking. She didn't deny it, so its basically official.

I think Sheldon and Boss Sterling look great together. Theyre a perfect match.

I paused. Peyton once told me office romances were bad, which is why we hid our relationship. Is she not caring anymore?

Several colleagues saw me, and the gossip stopped instantly. They looked awkward and panicked.

Before Sheldon showed up, they knew Peyton and I started the company together after college. They used to ship us.

I understood their reaction. I spoke up to comfort them.

Don't be nervous. They really are a good match.

As soon as the words left my mouth, a furious voice boomed from behind me.

Jasper Vance!

Peyton was radiating cold fury. She marched up to me, her face dark as she glared at the other employees.

Everyone immediately looked down, not daring to make a sound.

In my office. Now.

She turned and led the way. I followed her in.

After closing the door, Peyton stared at me in silence for a long moment.

What was that like on Sheldons post? And what do you mean by blocking me?

I leaned against the door, looking indifferent.

The like was a sincere blessing. The blocking is because weve broken up. Theres no need for private contact.

Peytons anger flared even higher.

Blessing? Do you have any idea how guilty Sheldon felt because of that like? He spent the whole night apologizing for causing a misunderstanding!

I found it absurd and couldn't help but laugh.

Peyton, if he were truly guilty, hed apologize to me, not perform in front of you.

But its over between us. What you and Sheldon do is none of my business.

His guilt isn't my concern.

Peyton stared at me, her teeth clenched.

Fine, Jasper. Youve got nerve. Lets see how long you can keep up this act.

She told me to get out.

Less than ten minutes after I sat back down, a company-wide memo was released.

My position as Director of Projects was revoked. Sheldon was to take over the core project I had spent six months on.

I was reassigned to the logistics department to handle trivial administrative tasks.

My heart twinged for a second as I read the text.

I had already planned to resign. I just wanted to see this project through since it was my lifes work.

I thought that even if the love was gone, the professional history we shared would matter. It was just wishful thinking.

But this was fine. It made the clean break even easier.

I opened my laptop and finished my resignation letter. Then, I got a message from Giselles assistant.

Mr. Vance, Ms. Sinclair says your suit is ready. You can go for a fitting after work. Let me know if there are any issues.

After work, I headed to the tailor shop.

The staff greeted me warmly. Mr. Vance? Ms. Sinclair mentioned you. Your suit is in the fitting room.

The suit was sleek and sharp. It made me look tall and elegant.

Standing before the mirror, my thoughts began to swirl.

Peyton once promised that once the company was stable, shed help me pick a suit for a wedding everyone would envy.

I believed her. I waited year after year, from hope to heartbreak.

My eyes burned, and a tear escaped.

I wasn't crying for Peyton. I was crying for the version of myself that had foolishly given seven years of his heart away.

Just then, I heard the staffs respectful voice outside.

Welcome, Boss Sterling.

I froze and slowly turned around.

Peyton stood at the entrance. Her eyes widened as she saw me.

She noticed my red eyes. Her expression softened with a hint of pity, and she walked over.

The suit looks good on you. If you like it, Ill buy it for you.

She paused, then continued. I have neglected you lately, but its because you were being difficult. You kept forcing me.

Just be good. Once the IPO is settled, Ill definitely marry you.

She seemed to think I had come here to try on suits because I was desperate to marry her.

Before I could explain, Sheldons voice drifted in.

Peyton, Ive picked my suit. Have you chosen your gown yet?

Sheldon, dressed in a white tuxedo, walked over and slid his hand around her waist.

Peytons body stiffened. she wanted to push him away but feared it would look too obvious. She tried to explain quickly.

Jasper, don't misunderstand. Sheldon just wanted to experience wearing a wedding suit. He doesn't have any female friends.

You know how young guys are. They see things on TikTok and want to follow the trend.

Back when I had practically begged her to do a photoshoot with me, she called me brainwashed. She said a wedding suit was just a piece of cloth.

Yet here she was, making time to play dress-up with Sheldon.

I didn't want to talk to her anymore. I turned to leave.

Sheldon stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.

Jasper, what Peyton said is true. If youre still mad, just hit me!

Before I could even react, he lurched to the side and collapsed onto the floor with a soft cry.

Ow!

He clutched his ankle, his face turning pale as if he were in agony.

Peyton, I think I sprained it. It hurts so bad.

Peyton immediately pushed past me and rushed to Sheldons side. She looked at me with pure rage.

Jasper Vance, youve gone too far!

She didn't hesitate. She helped Sheldon up and led him out.

I watched her hurried departure and felt like laughing.

This wasn't the first time Sheldon used such cheap tricks to frame me. I used to think Peyton was just being deceived. Now I realized she wasn't blindDshe just didn't care.

She never had me in her heart. That was why she always took Sheldons side without question.

I went back to my rental. My phone kept pinging with messages from Peytons work account.

Jasper, get to the hospital and apologize to Sheldon right now. Or Ill delay our wedding indefinitely.

Even if your father is truly dying, I won't go easy on you this time!

Every word was selfish and cruel.

She even brought up my dying father as a threat. I felt sick. I blocked her work account too.

Then, I logged into the companys HR system and officially submitted my resignation.

The moment the email was sent, the clouds in my heart finally cleared.

On the other side, Peyton had just finished sending her angry texts.

Sheldon spoke up in a weak voice.

Peyton, is Jasper really mad at me? Its all my fault. This shouldn't have happened.

Its not your fault. Hes being unreasonable. Don't worry, Ill make sure he gives you an apology!

Peyton comforted him, her tone confident.

In the past, whenever she threatened to delay the wedding, Jasper would always bow his head. She believed this time would be no different.

But the next morning, she got a call from HR.

Boss Sterling, Jasper Vance has submitted a formal resignation. Hes very firm about it. We cant talk him out of it.

Furious, Peyton drove straight to our old apartment.

But when she opened the door, every single one of my belongings was gone.

She tried to message me on her work phone, but she was blocked there too.

A strange sense of panic began to rise in her chest.

That anxiety reached its peak when she saw a bright red invitation sitting on the table.

In the slot for the Groom, it was my name.

But in the slot for the Bride, it wasn't hers.

Peytons face turned as white as a sheet. The invitation slipped from her fingers and hit the floor.