A Job Offer Started My Revenge Against My CEO Ex

Chantelles POV

After I hung up the phone, my gaze drifted down to the terms written on the divorce papers in my hands. But my mind was already slipping somewhere else.

I wasnt just the CEOs secretaryI was his wife. Wed been married in secret for seven long years.

I still remember the morning of our anniversary. That day, I found out I was pregnant.

Id tucked the test into my bag, rehearsing how Id tell him over dinner. But on my way back to the estate, a car came out of nowhere and slammed into me.

The world spun in a blur of screeching tires and shattered glass, and the first thing I did was to shield my belly.

Blood was everywhere. I could barely hold my phone, but I managed to dial his emergency number.

It rang. And rang. But Lachlan never picked up.

By the time I stopped calling him, darkness pulled me under.

When I woke up, the first thing I did was to feel my belly.

It was flat.

Remembering what my baby bump used to feel like shattered my heart felt like someone dug it out of my chest.

I didnt need to ask. The pity in the doctors eyes told me everything.

Somehow, I made it home and moved on autopilotshoes off, coat hung, laundry started.

Thats when I found ita crumpled receipt in my husbands pockets. And beside it a photo.

There he wasmy husband, smiling, arm around Kirsten. Standing beside them were two children, a boy and a girl, who looked identical. Probably twins.

Their features were unmistakablethey looked like him. And the four of them together looked like a family.

My legs nearly gave out from the pain. Still, I caught myself on the edge of the washing machine and unfolded the receipt with shaking hands.

It was from an amusement park, the same one located near where my accident happened.

So Lachlan already has kids with Kirsten

So that day, while I was bleeding in the ER, they were at a theme park enjoying a family day

So while I was losing the baby I hadnt even gotten to tell him about he was having fun with his two kids

The realization hit like another collision, the pain so sharp I couldnt straighten up. My vision blurred again, but this time from tears.

I wiped my face, shoved the photo and receipt back where I found them, and forced myself upstairs.

By the time Lachlan stepped out of the shower, towel slung low, displaying his abs, I had already braced myself.

Thats when I saw themscratches running down his back. Long, thin, fresh.

He paused when he saw me, just for a second. Then, as if nothing had happened, he reached into a bag and tossed me a necklace.

Dont be mad, he said lightly. I just took a clients family to the amusement park that day. Ill make it up to you, alright?

My heart clenched.

A client, I repeated in my head. As if any client needed a billionaire CEO to personally escort their wife and kids to Disneyland!

If he cared about me at all, he wouldnt lie to my face with something that ridiculous.

I caught the necklace without a word. My hands felt numb.

That night, he climbed into bed and pressed against me.

Babe, Ive been away on business so long. Did you miss me?

His deep voice was seductive, but the scent of jasmine clung to his skin.

That familiar feminine perfume made me feel like I was suffocating; I had to push him away to breathe.

Seeing the confusion contorting on his face, I said flatly, Im not feeling well tonight.

He frowned but didnt push. He just kissed my forehead, got up, and when he came back, he handed me a cup of chamomile tea.

He still acted like the perfect husband. But as I sipped the warm tea, all I felt was cold. The warmth didnt melt the dread in my heart.

I closed my eyes but all I could see was blood. The crash. The way it felt to lose everything in one breath.

The trauma robbed me of sleep that night.

Sometime in the middle of the night, his phone rang. He answered quickly, dressed even quicker, and slipped out the door without a sound.

The soft click behind him was the only goodbye.

I opened my eyes. The room was silent again. Too quiet.

In my hands, I was still holding both agreementsdivorce and resignation.

I stared down at them, the paper trembling slightly in my grip when suddenly, a voice came from behind me.

Chantelle? Whats that youre holding?

Chantelles POV

Youre just in time. Sign this, its

Before I could finish, Lachlan snatched the documents from my hands.

Forget it, he replied, not even looking at me. We agreedno work at home. Your efficiencys just too damn poor anyway.

I froze mid-motion. The sting in my chest spread fast, bitter and cold.

Well he wouldnt have to worry about my work performance much longer.

Just as he was about to flip through the documents, his phone rang. He moved quickly to answer it, but not quick enoughI caught the caller ID.

[Kirsten]

Just like that, he dropped the papers without a second thought and rushed out the door.

I bent down to gather the scattered pages. Just as I was about to stand, he came storming back inand kicked me, hard, right in the stomach.

Pain exploded through my abdomen like needles stabbing into my flesh; I had just suffered a miscarriage.

I swallowed the taste of blood rising in my throat and shot him a look in disbelief.

Chantelle, you shouldnt have done this, he said calmly, but there was ice in his eyes. You kidnapped my kids, just because I took them to an amusement park?

A cold shiver ran down my spine at that accusation.

Before I knew it, he already grabbed me by the neck, his fingers digging in. I was like a wounded animal, barely breathing, completely at his mercy.

Stop messing around. Where did you hide my twins?! he demanded.

My vision swam with darkness as his grip tightened. I used what little strength I had left to croak out the words from my dry throat.

I I dont know.

The Lachlan I once knewhe wouldve scooped me up, panicked and worried.

No. The Lachlan I used to love wouldnt have laid a hand on me in the first place.

I trembled violently, like someone already on the brink of death.

His eyes flickered with what looked like pitybut his grip didnt ease.

Youve been bad, Chantelle, he murmured. And bad women need to be punished.

Then he dragged me out of the house. I didnt even have the strength to fight back.

Next thing I knew, we were on a helicopter, rising fast above the clouds.

Ten minutes later, the ground was nothing but a blur beneath us.

Chantelle, Lachlan said, his voice weirdly gentle, you still have time. Just tell me the truth.

He gave a soft, almost amused laugh, only to pull the cabin door open.

The wind roared, and my knees buckled.

Lachlan! I gasped. Please! It wasnt me! You know Im terrified of heights!

But he didnt listen. Instead, he strapped a parachute tightly around me as he said in a coaxing voice, You went too far this time, he said. Tell me where they are, and Ill bring you down safely.

He knew about my phobia. Hed seen me freeze on third-floor balconies. And now here we werethousands of feet up, strapped in, terrifiedbecause of Kirsten. And her children.

I was crying now, unable to stop shaking. Lachlan it wasnt me. I swear. Ill say it one last time.

His eyes narrowed. And then came that cruel, icy laugh.

Without a word, he shoved me out of the helicopter.

And as I fell, as the air screamed around me, everything just felt nothing.

At a moment I used to fear the most, ten years of love flashed through my mind.

How did we end up here?

When I first became his secretary, I warned myself every day. Dont fall for him. Keep it professional.

But Lachlan spent three years tearing my walls down, one sweet moment at a time.

On my birthday, he lit up the entire Las Vegas with fireworks just for me.

He even knelt and proposed ninety-nine times. Nine-nine! I was not exaggerating if I said the villa was full of his giftsevery room, every corner.

I tried to suppress my feelings until he said, Dont be afraid. Ill fight against the world just to love you.

It was that promise that made me say yes on his hundredth proposal.

And once we were married, he meant every wordat first.

Whatever I liked, hed get it for me before I even asked.

He even agreed to keep our marriage a secret, just because I didnt want public attention.

I thought what we had was different until I heard Kirstens name.

She was the one whod saved him oncehis so-called first love.

But when Lachlans family went bankrupt, she ditched him and ran off to Berlin.

Four years ago, her own life tanked, and suddenly she was back in Nevada, clinging to what used to be.

Since then, she started inserting herself into every private moment I had with my husband.

All it took was a phone call, and he would leave me behind to run to her.

I fought with him so many times over it. And every time, hed hold me close and gently explain, Its not like that. I just owe her for saving me back then. But she left me once, too, without thinking twicehow could I still have feelings for her? Besides, I have you now.

Blinded by love, I chose to believe him. I played dumbfour years passed like that.

And now their twins were already four.

When I woke up in the hospital, I stared at the ceiling in a daze.

Youve just suffered a miscarriage, the doctor said quietly. And your body endured heavy trauma. It might be hard for you to conceive again.

My lips twitched as tears spilled uncontrollably down my face.

When I finally made it home, I didnt even step inside before I heard her voice.

Locke, you really want me and the kids to move in? What if Chantelle gets mad when she comes home? What if she hurts the kids again? I just I dont know what Id do, she sobbed.

Through the cracked door, I saw him. Lachlan. Pulling her into his arms like she was the one who needed saving.

Dont be scared, he whispered. I wont let her touch you or the kids. If she tries Ill make sure she suffers even more.

That made me scoff. So, throwing someone with a fear of heights out of a helicopter wasnt harsh enough?

Just then, a gust of wind blew the slightly open door wide, and my eyes met Lachlans.

He quickly pulled away from Kirsten, guilt flashing in his face.

I said nothing. Just walked past them, heading upstairs.

Chantelle, wait, he said calmly.

I turned around, only to see him frowning like I had done something wrong. Arent you going to ask why theyre here?

Right on cue, the twins ran over and timidly hugged his leg.

Pain flickered in his eyes.

His eyes darkened with pain. Because of you, they still cry at night. Kirstens anxiety attacks are worse. Dont you feel any guilt?

Before I could respond, Kirsten tugged gently at his sleeve. Let it go, Locke. Im sure Chantelle didnt mean it.

That deserved a cold laugh.

But then, out of nowhere, she shrieked and flung herself into his arms.

Locke, Im scared

And he wrapped her up like some damsel and kissed her cheek. Dont be afraid. Im here. She wont hurt you.

I watched them. The act. The melodrama.

And I turned, heading upstairs without a word.

But before I made it far, Lachlan grabbed my hand.

Chantelle, he muttered, his eyes full of accusations, this time you really crossed the line. Youve seen what youve done to Kirsten and the kids. You should make it up to them.

I tried to pull free, but he held on. I could steady myself and look him in the eye.

He hesitated, then continued. Give me the amethyst pendant I gave you.

I froze in place, staring at him in disbelief.

He added, They just need it for a few days. Ill return it when theyre better.

My chest ached as if my heart had been ripped in two.

That pendanthe made it for me himself seven years ago.

Back in school, when I was barely keeping it together after all the bullyingand wouldnt go near a therapist or medshe disappeared for a week.

Turns out, hed spent days teaching himself how to solder and shape amethyst, just to make that pendant from scratch. Said if I wouldnt take meds, maybe Id wear something made with love instead. Something to hold onto when things got bad.

And now, because of a baseless accusation, he wanted to take it backfrom mefor the very person who used to make my life hell.

How could I say yes to that?

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kirstens gaze flicking to me, her lashes lowering just enough to hide the shift in her expression.

She took a slow step forward, and with a sweet voice I knew she was just faking, she said, If you dont want to, thats fine, Chantelle. The kids and I will just tough it out.

Her fingers brushed my arm. Then, without warning, she dug in and twistedright where the old injury still flared up on bad days.

She looked me in the eye, her fake sweetness slipping for half a secondlong enough for me to see the smirk hiding underneath.

And that was it.

No warning. No words.

I shoved her.

Hard.

Chantelles POV

Ah!

Kirsten let out a shriek as she stumbled backstraight into Lachlans arms.

He caught her instantly, his eyes burning when they snapped to me.

Damn it, Chantelle! His voice cut through the air like a whip. You still havent learned your lesson, have you? You laid a hand on Kirsten again?! Falling from ten thousand feet clearly wasnt enough to knock sense into you, huh?

I stood my ground, though my voice wavered. She was the one who bullied me. Back then in school.

For a second, something flickered in his eyes. Doubt? Memory? But it vanished almost immediately.

I I dont know what shes talking about, Kirsten whispered, her voice trembling.

Why would I ever do something like that? In his arms, she looked up at him with wet eyes. I I really dont know how else to prove myself, Locke.

Her sobs grew louder, as if on cue. A heartbeat later, the twins started crying too, clinging to her legs and wailing.

Lachlan looked torn for only a heartbeatthen wrapped them all in his arms like some kind of savior.

I know, he murmured gently. I know youre not like that.

When he glanced at me, his voice sharpened. Chantelles clearly lost it. I shouldve taught her a harsher lesson the first time.

The way he looked at meit was frighteningly cold.

Before I could move, two bodyguards stepped forward. I barely had time to flinch before they grabbed me by the arms and dragged me down the hallway.

Take her to the storage room, Lachlan ordered. And bring in nine hundred and ninety-nine jasmine flowers.

He didnt even glance my way. His voice left no room for mercy.

You hurt Kirsten and the children, and now youre trying to pin the bullying on her? Looks like you deserved it back then.

With that, the door slammed shut behind me with a heavy thud.

Within seconds, the scent hit methick and suffocating. My throat closed up almost instantly, panic rising fast.

I staggered back, coughing hard, my lungs refusing to work. My eyes burned. My skin prickled.

Jasmine.

The one thing I couldnt be around. My allergymy worst episodesstarted because of the flowers Kirsten used to stuff in my locker every single day in high school.

Back then, the doctors called it stress-induced. Lachlan had called it cruelty when he found out. He banned jasmine from the estate and the company after we got married. Even patterns on curtains werent allowed.

Now hed locked me in with nearly a thousand of them.

Because of her.

My eyes swelled shut. I couldnt even cry.

Whatever part of me had still been holding onto hope for Lachlan

It broke.

I woke up in a hospital bed, throat raw, eyes swollen. My chest ached like it had been scrubbed raw.

Lachlan sat at my side, typing something on his laptop. Business as usual.

When he noticed I was awake, a flicker of something soft passed through his eyes.

He set the laptop aside and picked up a bowl of soup.

He brought it to my lips, but I turned my head away.

His hand froze mid-air. That brief flicker of warmth in his eyes? Snuffed out in an instant.

You went too far this time, he said quietly, the edge returning to his voice. Ive already been more than tolerant.

I didnt answer. Just kept my gaze on the ceiling, refusing so much as to glance at him.

The silence mustve gotten under his skin, because the next moment, he yanked the pendant from around my neck.

His tone turned cutting, bitter. You seem perfectly fine to me. From now on, this pendant belongs to Kirsten. Youre not getting it back.

He stared at me, like he was waitingdaring meto protest. To react.

I didnt give him the satisfaction. Just met his gaze and nodded once.

For a split second, something shifted in his eyes. Panic? Guilt? Whatever it was, it vanished almost instantly, replaced by rising fury.

Chantelle! How long are you planning to keep this up? Ive already humbled myself enough, and youre still acting like some victimstill playing hard to get?

I didnt answer. Just pointed at his phone on the nightstand.

The screen was lit up.

Kirsten was calling.

His expression changed immediately. He snatched up the phone and walked out without another word, voice soft and coaxing as he answered her call.

It never even crossed his mind that I wasnt talking because I physically couldnt.

Back then, he wouldve noticed the moment something felt offwouldve dropped everything to ask what was wrong.

Now? Even if I died right in front of him, I wasnt sure hed flinch.

Before he returned, I checked myself out of the hospital.

Back at the estate, I moved on instinct.

Seven years of memories with Lachlanall of them packed into drawers, boxes, albums. I dragged them out one by one.

Photos of us laughing at the beach.

Ninety-nine love letters, all in his handwriting.

The journals Id filled every single day we were marriedtracking the highs, the lows, the quiet mornings where I thought wed grow old together.

I stood by the fireplace and fed them in, page by page, memory by memory. Watched it all curl and blacken into ash.

I was tossing in the last journal when the front door slammed open.

Chantelle!

I turned, just as Lachlan walked in with Kirsten and the twins behind him.

His eyes landed on the fireand what was burning inside.

What are you doing?!

Chantelles POV

I kept my face blank as I casually dropped the journal into the fireplace. But my voice came out hoarse, betraying me.

Just burning something.

Lachlan frowned, clearly unsettled. He looked like he wanted to say something, but Kirsten tugged at his sleeve.

After a moment, he finally spoke, his tone stiff.

The twins will be staying here for a while. Well let them use the nursery we set up.

My body went still, only my fingernails moving, digging into my palm.

That nursery was meant for our child.

His expression didnt change. Theyre my children too.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips at that announcement. I could only rest a hand over my belly, a habit I hadnt quite shaken.

Seeing I didnt reply, he softened his tone like he was trying to be kind.

They can be your children too, you know.

I looked him in the eye. Theyll never be mine.

And with that, I turned and headed upstairs, ignoring the fake whine of Kirstens voice drifting behind me.

Back in my room, my phone wouldnt stop buzzing.

Every notification was from her.

[That necklace he gave you after your miscarriage? Just a freebie I didnt want.]

[Every time he told you he was on a business trip, he was actually with me. You didnt know? Hes already introduced me to his friends, business partners, even clients. In their eyes, Im his wife. You? Youre just the secretary he married in secret!]

One photo after another followedher with Lachlan.

The most recent one was from last night.

While I was trapped in a dusty storage room, struggling to breathe through a cloud of allergens

He was with her. In bed.

Time and again, at my worst moments, he had been with her.

The realization hit hard, but the pain didnt linger.

It faded fast, swallowed by numbness.

By the time Lachlan returned, it was already midnight.

He smelled faintly of jasmine. Red marks were still fresh on his neck.

When he saw me sitting in silence, he pulled a crooked smile.

Hey, I know what happened today was a bit much. But think of this as me atoning on your behalf. Look, Kirsten has already agreed to forgive youjust apologize tomorrow, and itll all be over.

I let out a soundless laugh.

He hadnt even asked what really happened.

Didnt need to, I guesshed already made up his mind.

So this is how he sees me nowa malicious woman through and through.

But Id stand my ground. Im not apologizing for something I didnt do.

His jaw tightened, but before he could shoot back anything, his phone lit up.

Through the glare of the screen, I saw a photoher in a sheer, lacy nightgown, barely covering anything.

Something flickered in his eyeslust. And just like that, he shut the phone and moved straight for the door.

Stop making this harder than it needs to be. Think of your moms medical bills. Just apologize and it all goes away.

He didnt wait for a response. The door slammed behind him.

Ten minutes later, I got a video from Kirsten.

In it, Lachlans eyes were filled with hunger as he ran his hands over her body.

I turned off my phone and shut my eyes tight.

The next morning, just as I came downstairs, Lachlan grabbed my arm.

Like we talked aboutjust apologize, and its over.

I couldnt shake him off. He was forceful enough to drag me in front of Kirsten.

He pressed a bowl of steaming soup into my hands, his voice soft but edged with warning.

Think of your mom. Say sorry and give this to Kirsten, and Ill keep covering your moms medical bills.

The heat from the bowl stung my palms, but it was nothing compared to the cold settling in my chest.

Swallowing the last of my pride, I stepped forward and held the bowl out to herbut no apology left my lips.

Kirsten smiled, a flicker of triumph in her eyes. Ill make sure youre out of the picture for good, I heard her mumble.

The next second, she suddenly knocked the bowl from my hands, sending a scalding soup splash across my front. Before I could react, she let out a sharp screamas if shed been the one burned.

Lachlan turned on me instantly.

Damn it, Chantelle! he shouted, shoving me to the ground. I told you to apologizeand now youre attacking her again?!

The pain hit fast, stealing my breath. I could only curl in on myself, trembling.

Kirsten clung to his sleeve, tears flowing freely.

Forget it, Locke I dont need her apology anymore. Ill take the twins and leave. Im pregnant now. I I dont feel safe.

His expression shifted in an instantfear, anger, protectivenessall for her.

After making sure she was settled, he came back.

He didnt speak. Didnt hesitate.

He just yanked me up by the hair and dragged me into the kitchen.

Then he forced my hands into a bowl of boiling soup!

The agony stole my voiceI couldnt even scream.

He looked at meeyes full of cold judgment, with the faintest trace of pity that meant nothing at all.

Only when I was on the verge of passing out did he finally let go.

From now on, he warned, whatever you do to Kirsten, Ill make sure you pay it tenfold.

He then kicked me aside like trash and rushed Kirstenperfectly unharmedto the hospital.

I made my way there alone, half-stumbling, half-limping, looking more like a madwoman than a patient.

Once they finished treating my burns, I didnt go home.

I went straight to the office, resignation papers in my hand.

When I saw Lachlan, I tried to hand them over. He didnt even look at me; he just stepped around me like I wasnt there.

An assistant glanced over awkwardly.

Secretary Segerblom President Gurfinchel said if you have something to say, please wait until after the meeting.

I numbly nodded and stood off to the side.

Midway through the meeting, the projector flickeredand suddenly, photos of me and Lachlan appeared. Some of them far too intimate.

Under everyones stares, I shook with humiliation, rushing to shut it off.

So its true the secretary really is sleeping with the CEO.

Didnt see that coming

Lachlan turned toward me, frowninglike I was the one responsible.

The slideshow kept going behind me, each photo more damning than the last.

Suddenly, the door burst openKirsten walked in, holding the twins by the hand.

The boy and the girl broke into smiles the moment they saw the familiar face of Lochlan in the room.

They ran straight to him.

Daddy!

Chantelles POV

Gasps echoed through the room as every head turned, eyes wide in disbelief.

If shes the real wife, then Secretary Segerblom must be

I used to think she was just sharp at work. Turns out shes just as skilled in bed.

The air thickened with sleazy whispers. One man openly leered, while another reached toward me from behind.

Shes got a body like that and still acts innocent? Id pay ten grand for a night with her.

The murmurs swirled around me like a storm, each one more venomous than the last. I stood there, frozenhumiliated, powerless.

Lachlans brows drew together. For a brief second, something flickered in his eyesanger, maybe even pity. He looked like he was about to say something.

But before he could, Kirsten slipped her arm around his and whispered, Locke, the kids are here. Her eyes were soft, pleading.

Lachlan hesitated. Then his expression hardened, turning cold and unreadable.

Secretary Segerblom, he said, voice cold, please have some self-respect. Stop spreading fake photos. Im loyal to my wifeonly my wife.

And just like that, he took Kirstens hand and walked out, their two children trailing behind. He didnt spare me a single glance.

It felt like lightning had struck me straight through the chest. I couldnt move.

I had always known Lachlan didnt love mebut I never imagined hed be the one to strip away even the last shred of my dignity.

Just before leaving, Kirsten cast a brief glance at one of the women across the room.

Minutes later, I was dragged into the break room by a group of women.

They were familiar faceswomen Id once helped, even covered for. Now they looked at me with thinly veiled guilt and disgust.

Sorry, Secretary Segerblom. Orders from the presidents wife, the lead woman said coldly.

Then her hand swung through the air and slapped me across the face.

The others followed. Slap after slap, like falling rain.

By the end, they werent just obeying ordersthey were enjoying it. I could see it in their eyes.

Only after what felt like the 990th slap did they finally stop.

The lead woman looked at me with a strange mix of pity and contempt.

If youre gonna blame someone, blame yourself. You ruined a family.

I couldnt even argue. Every ounce of strength drained from my body. My knees buckled, my vision blurred, and I collapsed.

When I opened my eyes again, it was night.

No one had taken me to the hospital. Id been locked in the break room, left to freeze on the cold floor.

I was starving, bruised, in unbearable pain.

It wasnt until the cleaners arrived the next morning that someone finally opened the door.

Under the judgmental stares of my colleagues, I stumbled out and made my way to the nearest hospital.

After getting patched up, my phone buzzed. I received another message from Kirsten.

[Last night mustve felt familiar, right? Well, today, Ive got a special surprise just for you.]

A second message came ina photo.

It took me a moment to realize what I was looking at.

Moms hospital room!

Not long after, another notification popped upa payment alert from the hospital.

Lachlan He actually cut off payments for Moms medical expenses?!

Ignoring the pain in every step, I rushed to the hospital, using the last of my strength.

When I burst into the room, I saw my mother slowly open her eyes.

Relief flooded mebut before I could take another step, Kirsten appeared at the bedside.

She looked smug and victorious.

Old hag, she sneered, look at the daughter you raisedso cheap she ended up as my husbands mistress. Ive got two kids with him already, and now shes the one being torn to pieces. Honestly, if I were you, Id die of shame. After all, your husband had a mistress too, didnt he? Im sure of all people, you understand how that feels.

I rushed forward and slapped the phone from her hand, trembling with rage. But it was too late.

Mom turned to look at me, her eyes filled with nothing but heartbreak and disappointment.

The next thing I knew, she was clutching her chest, gasping for air. Within seconds, she collapsed back against the pillow.

Mom! I screamed, seeing her breathing grew faint.