Every Bet They Made, Every Line They Crossed Chapter 03

Every Bet They Made, Every Line They Crossed Chapter 03

When I arrived at the office the next morning, coffee had soaked through every document on my desk. My chair reeked of spoiled food.

Philip walked past me and frowned at the mess. “No food at workstations. Can’t you follow basic rules? Waiting for Selena and me to clean it up for you?”

This was sabotage, plain and simple. Everyone in the office was convinced I was the homewrecker coming between Philip and Selena.

I’d warned Philip about this harassment months ago. Either he didn’t understand, or he simply didn’t care.

He walked away and passed chocolate around the team. Selena stood beside him, blushing as she helped hand out treats.

When she reached me, she pressed the whole box into my hands. “Bella, this is your favorite brand. I picked it up for you yesterday.”

Without even looking at her, I tossed the box straight into the trash can.

Philip dragged me into the stairwell, barely holding back his rage. “Stop acting like a spoiled child. She’s just your friend; she doesn’t owe you constant validation. She went out of her way to buy your favorite chocolate, and you throw her gift away?”

My voice stayed flat. “These are liqueur-filled chocolates. I’m allergic to alcohol.”

Philip’s expression froze. “Should the whole office accommodate your allergies? Stop being selfish.”

My chest tightened painfully. I pulled free from his grip and turned to leave.

A coworker heading downstairs deliberately shoulder-checked me. I lost my balance and tumbled down the staircase.

Philip stood motionless. He only stepped forward to help once the coworker was gone. “You’re already isolated. If people see us arguing, the rumors will get even worse.”

The sharp pain brought tears to my eyes.

We’d joined this company together, yet Philip never publicly acknowledged our relationship, citing conflict-of-interest policies.

“You know everyone bullies me. Why won’t you set the record straight now?”

Philip looked troubled. “Everyone knows Selena and I got married. If we tell the truth, people will badmouth her. You’re her best friend. You wouldn’t want to watch her get harassed, right?”

I fought back a sob. “So you’re both fine watching me get bullied instead?”

He opened and closed his mouth, unable to find a response. “Think of it as toughening up. You’re far too sensitive. Once this month ends, after we get married and host the wedding, we’ll tell everyone the truth.”

A bitter laugh bubbled inside me. “Don’t bother. I’ve already handed in my resignation.”

Philip froze, his fingers tightening around my wrist. “You’re quitting? Where will you go?”

I pulled away. “Back to my hometown. Mom found a job for me. We’re done. Cancel the wedding.”

Philip’s tone darkened. “Don’t say things like that. Selena will get upset if she hears.”

Then his expression shifted. “Actually, your quitting might be for the best. Management is deciding between you and Selena for the supervisor promotion. If you leave, she gets the position easily.”

He exhaled in visible relief, a faint smile tugging at his lips as the implication sank in. “You have no idea how hard she’s worked on her project proposals. I’ve been bringing her lunch every single day.”

I pressed a hand to my stomach.

My chronic stomach issues were caused by skipping meals during all those overtime shifts.

Back then, Philip only bought me painkillers and told me to just pop them when it flared up. He’d never brought me food, not even a loaf of bread.

I spoke coldly. “I mean every word. We’re breaking up.”

Philip sighed irritably and stood up. “Enough with the breakup threats. It gets annoying hearing them repeatedly. You don’t look seriously hurt. Get yourself home. Selena has cramps. I need to get her a heating pad.”

Then he turned and walked out of sight.

I purchased the train ticket still open in my browser. Staring at the confirmation screen, I pushed myself upright against the wall.

There would be no future for Philip and me.