I STOLE MY EX’S LIFE

Naya Cole walked into the restaurant with a mixture of hope and nervous excitement twisting in her chest. Everything around her screamed wealth. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above like frozen stars, soft music floated through the air, and people in expensive clothes laughed quietly over glasses of wine she could never afford. She adjusted the small bracelet on her wrist and took a slow breath. Tonight mattered. Cassian had texted her earlier: Come to the restaurant. I want to talk about our future. Future. That word alone had kept her smiling the whole day. She spotted him immediately. Cassian Blackwood sat at the center table like he owned the entire world. Black suit, sharp jawline, cold eyes. Everything about him looked untouchable. But Naya still loved him. She walked over, forcing a smile. “Cassian…” she said softly. He looked up slowly, as if she was an interruption, not a person. “Naya,” he said flatly. She sat down quickly. “I came as soon as I saw your message.” Cassian leaned back, studying her like something unfamiliar. Naya’s smile started fading. “Is something wrong?” He placed his glass down carefully. “I brought you here because I want this to end.” Naya blinked. “…What?” The restaurant suddenly felt quieter, like even the air was listening. Cassian didn’t look angry. He looked bored. “Tired,” he said. “Tired of pretending you fit into my world.” Naya’s fingers tightened under the table. “Cassian, what are you talking about?” He finally looked at her properly. “You embarrassed me.” Her breath caught. Embarrassed him? She had given up meals for him. Walked miles to see him. Defended him when others called him cold and dangerous. Everything she had… was for him. Cassian stood. Every conversation in the restaurant slowly died. “This woman,” he said loudly, pointing at her, “has been clinging to me like she belongs here.” Gasps spread through the room. Naya’s face burned. “Cassian, stop—” But he didn’t stop. “She thinks dating me gives her status,” he continued. “But she’s nothing.” Laughter followed immediately. Naya’s heart cracked as whispers filled the room. Cassian pulled out a small box. Her heart jumped for a second. But when he opened it— It was her bracelet. The one she worked so hard for. He dropped it on the floor. “It means nothing,” he said. Laughter exploded around them. Cassian leaned in slightly, voice low only for her. “I never loved you. I just liked watching you try.” Naya froze. Her breath stopped completely. Then the door opened. A woman entered. Tall. Perfect. Red dress. She walked straight to Cassian and kissed him in front of everyone. Then she turned to Naya and smiled. “So this is her?” Cassian smiled coldly. “Yes. My mistake.” Something inside Naya snapped. She stood up so fast her chair fell back. But she didn’t cry. She walked out. Outside, the night air hit her face. And she whispered: “Cassian Blackwood… I will destroy you.”