After my resignation, the CEO's partner knelt before me begging for a reconciliation.

Clara maintained a secret five-year casual relationship with her boss, Zane, the president of CH Group—but on her 28th birthday, she reached her breaking point. Zane pushed her toward a business partner, leaving her harassed and nearly assaulted; his fiancée leaked their private photos; Clara was publicly strip-searched and falsely accused of theft; and finally, Zane personally whipped her ninety-nine times before abandoning her in the wilderness. After barely surviving, she returned to her small Southern hometown, where she reconnected with Teddy, a gentle surgeon who healed her heart and helped her start a new life. Only then did Zane realize he truly loved her—he broke off his engagement, apologized publicly, and tried desperately to win her back, but could only watch as she walked toward happiness with another man, left alone to face his belated regret.