A few weeks later, Frederick invited Jane to his company. She felt a familiar mix of nerves and excitement. The towering glass building, the hum of busy employees, and the precise rhythm of the office felt like stepping into a world she had never imagined for herself.
Frederick led her through the lobby, his hand lightly brushing hers for reassurance. "I want you to see something," he said softly, his voice steady. "And I want you to know you belong here, too."
They stopped in front of a sleek office space where people moved with purpose and confidence. Frederick turned to Jane, a proud smile on his face. "Jane, meet the team. This is where we do a lot of our work, but today, it's also where you'll start something new."
Employees looked up, curious but welcoming. Frederick continued, introducing her with care. "Everyone, this is Jane. She's not just joining us—she's someone special. Someone whose perspective, intelligence, and kindness I value greatly. She'll be working with us as an administrator."
Jane felt heat rise to her cheeks—not from embarrassment, but from the unexpected pride in Frederick's words. She had never been called "special" in such a professional, sincere way before. The warmth wasn't tied to flattery—it felt like recognition of her real abilities, her character, her worth.
One of the team members smiled and extended a hand. "Welcome, Jane. We're happy to have you."
Frederick gave her a gentle squeeze of encouragement. "You'll do wonderfully. I believe that."
Jane swallowed, her voice steady but soft. "Thank you… for believing in me."
Frederick stepped back, letting her take the lead. As Jane began to orient herself—learning schedules, assisting with communication, and organizing documents—she felt a sense of control she hadn't felt in months. Every small task she completed built a quiet confidence inside her.
Later, Frederick watched her from across the room. There was no hovering, no patronizing smiles—just a steady admiration, a reminder that he saw her not as fragile or in need of rescue, but as capable and valued.
During a brief pause, he came to her desk and handed her a small, neatly wrapped package. Inside was a pen engraved with her initials. "For the woman who will write her own story," he said.
Jane held it in her hand, feeling a surge of gratitude and quiet pride. She realized something important: this was more than a job. This was a place where she could rebuild herself, not in someone else's shadow, but in the strength of her own skills, her own heart.
Frederick smiled, sensing her shift in posture, her subtle confidence. "You're going to do more than just fit in," he said softly. "You're going to shine. And I'll be cheering from the sidelines—always."
For the first time since the divorce, Jane felt that spark of possibility flare brighter. She wasn't just surviving anymore—she was beginning to stand on solid ground, and someone she trusted believed in her all the way.
And that, she knew, was enough to start walking toward a future she could claim as her own.
If you want, the next chapter can explore:
Jane gradually taking more initiative at the company and gaining respect from colleagues.
How Frederick balances admiration with giving her space to grow independently.
Jane's inner transformation as she learns to recognize her own worth outside of external validation.
It started quietly. A few whispers at first—colleagues, friends, and social media posts speculating about Jane and Frederick. But like wildfire, the news spread: Jane, the woman who had left Carrick quietly and with dignity, was now seen by many alongside a billionaire.
Carrick came home one evening, exhausted from work, expecting the usual quiet of his apartment. Instead, he found his phone buzzing incessantly—messages from friends, news alerts, even a notification from a gossip website.
He clicked the headline, and his chest tightened: "From Heartbreak to High Society: Jane and Frederick Spotted Together."
For a moment, disbelief froze him. Then anger. Then something he hadn't felt in years: jealousy.
Elizabeth, his mistress, was waiting for him when he walked into their apartment. Her eyes narrowed the instant she saw the storm on his face.
"Carrick," she said sharply, "what is going on with you? You look like someone just insulted you personally."
He tossed his phone onto the table, his movements sharp. "Jane," he spat the name as if it burned him. "She's with Frederick… the billionaire."
Elizabeth's jaw dropped. "Wait… she's—? Carrick, she left you! You left her! You can't just… you can't act like this now!"
Carrick's face contorted, a mixture of rage and shame. "She's… she's happy, Elizabeth. With him. And everyone's talking about it. Everyone knows. And here I am… I'm a fool. A… a—"
Elizabeth cut him off, her tone icy. "You're a fool? You're pathetic. You acted like a coward when you left her. And now, because she's moved on, you're jealous? You want to drag her back? Do you even hear yourself?"
Carrick's hands clenched into fists. "I… I didn't know how it would feel. I thought I'd be free. But seeing her with him… seeing her admired, respected… it's unbearable."
Elizabeth crossed her arms, glaring. "You wanted freedom, Carrick. You got it. You can't suddenly rewrite history because your pride is bruised."
Carrick's voice dropped, quieter, desperate. "I can't… I can't bear the shame. I thought I'd moved on… but now… I don't want her gone. Not like this. I need her back."
Elizabeth shook her head, disgusted and frustrated. "You need to get over yourself, Carrick. Jane left you because you didn't deserve her. She's building a life you can't even touch. Stop this before you make it worse."
Carrick sank onto the couch, head in his hands. The apartment was silent except for Elizabeth's sharp breathing and his own ragged thoughts. Regret mixed with longing and jealousy, a bitter cocktail he couldn't escape.
Outside, Jane's life continued quietly, away from his shadows. She didn't know that every headline, every whisper, had reached him. And maybe, that was the point.
Carrick realized, too late, that some doors, once closed, never truly reopen.
If you want, the next chapter can explore:
Jane learning about the rumors and how she responds with dignity and calm.
Frederick's quiet support while Jane navigates public attention.
Carrick and Elizabeth's tension escalating, showing the consequences of their past choices.