Echoes Of A CEO's Hidden Love

Break Up

“Eleanor, I’m getting married.”

…?

My smile froze. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. “...What?”

“Don’t worry, babe. It’s just for business,” Adrian added quickly. “I’m not moving out of the villa or anything. I’ll still come back and see you. Nothing has to change between us…”

“Hold on, Adrian.” I cut him off, his words crashing into me. My hands shook. “You’re getting married, and I know I’m not the one. You seriously think things can stay the same? Are you asking me to be your mistress after you’re married?” I looked at him incredulously, trying to keep my voice steady. “That's impossible!”

“Babe, you know I love you. I didn't mean to make you my mistress, but I have to marry someone who’s a good fit for my family,” he explained, staying calm. “The Sterlings are on the rise, and if our families team up, it’ll be huge, unstoppable. It’s all about business. You’ll still have everything you want, and I can give you even more.”

“Adrian, I’m Eleanor Gracewood,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Yes, my dad is gone, but I’m still the only daughter of the Gracewood family. You can’t treat me like this.”

“Come on, Eleanor. Your family has been in decline for a while… Your mom’s got no power in the company, and your uncles? They don’t care about you, do they?” He reached for my hand. “Forget about all that. Let me take care of you. I swear, Isabella and I are just a business deal. You’re not the other woman here.”

I felt a wave of humiliation. I couldn’t believe he was saying this so confidently. “Is this what you tell Vivian? And all the other girls? So they’re fine being your side chick while I’m your girlfriend?”

I pulled my hand away. “Adrian, I’m not like them. I’m not falling for this.”

“What… what are you talking about?” Adrian looked stunned.

I grabbed my phone and showed him the photos Vivian had sent me. His face went pale, shifting between guilt and anger. “Eleanor… I was drunk, okay? It was a mistake. You’re the one I’m serious about.”

“Adrian,” I stood up straight, my voice steady, “we’re done. It’s over.”

There was a moment of silence. Adrian’s expression went from shock to anger, but I stood my ground. The illusion between us had finally broken, and I knew there was no going back.

“Eleanor,” he snapped, “you’re gonna regret this. You’re just upset right now, and I’ll give you some time.”

He stood up, storming out, but before leaving, he turned back and said, “We’ll talk once you’ve calmed down.”

What Adrian didn’t realize was that there wouldn’t be a “next time.” He probably thought I was bluffing, trying to force him into marrying me. But in that moment, I knew I’d made the right decision, one I should’ve made years ago. I’d held on for too long, clinging to his empty affection.

After he left, the weight in the room lifted. I felt drained, but at the same time, a wave of relief washed over me.

I decided to quit Adrian's life tonight. I sat on the couch and called Claire. Claire Bennett was my best friend since childhood, and our families were close long before we were born. Even when my family hit hard times, our bond never wavered. Though the Bennetts weren’t in a position to help with business matters, they gave my mom and me the support we needed.

Claire was shocked when I told her about the breakup, but she quickly became excited for me and came to help me move. I led Claire upstairs to the second bedroom. The villa was huge, but the only place that held any of my things was this room. I didn’t have much—just some clothes, toiletries, and a few boxes of random stuff. It didn’t take long for the two of us to pack it all up. I picked up all my things carefully, took one last look at the room, and left without a second thought.

As the car pulled away, I glanced back at the villa where I’d spent the last few years. Adrian’s face flashed in my mind, resembling him but not like him. The villa was still as grand as ever, and there was no sign that I had ever been there.

I moved into an apartment on the other side of the city, one of the properties my dad left me. When night fell, Claire stayed the night to keep me company. I sorted out the clutter and put the old box, the one with the note I’d kept all these years, carefully into the cabinet. Claire seemed surprised to see the old box, “You still keep this box? I thought you were ready to forget him?”

We both knew who the 'he' referred to, and I shook my head, “I’m not trying to forget him. It’s just that… Adrian is not that person after all. And it’s time for me to move forward.” As I said that, I deleted all of Adrian’s contact info.

Claire didn’t say anything, just gave me a gentle pat on the shoulder.