You Want Her? I'll Have Her

Elena's POV

I stared at the email on my screen, my hands trembling.

“Congratulations! You have been accepted as a Fine Art Curator with us. See you in Paris in a month.”

I should have been ecstatic. This was my dream job. My ticket to freedom.

But all I felt was a hollow ache in my chest.

Today was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life—my graduation. The moment I had worked for, the day I thought Nathan Sterling, my boyfriend of three years, would finally stand by my side, proud to call me his.

Instead, he wasn’t here.

No calls. No texts.

Just a courier delivery this morning—a neatly wrapped gift box containing an expensive diamond necklace.

And a note.

“Elena,

Congratulations, baby. I’m so proud of you. I wish I could be there, but I had to fly out for an important business deal.

Enjoy your day. We’ll celebrate when I return.

Nathan.”

A business trip. Right.

I smiled through dinner with my mother, pretending everything was fine. Pretending that Nathan missing my graduation was just another small sacrifice I had to understand.

I had spent three years understanding.

Understanding when he canceled dates.

Understanding when he told me to keep our relationship quiet.

Understanding when he always chose his company over me.

But tonight, I had no understanding left to give.

Not after I saw her post.

My fingers trembled as I scrolled through Instagram again, staring at Sophia Laurent’s latest update.

A picture of Nathan.

On a yacht. Shirtless.

With Sophia—his secretary and childhood sweetheart—sitting on his lap.

The caption?

“Business trips aren’t so bad when you’re with the right company. #Greece”

My stomach twisted so violently that I thought I might be sick.

I swiped through the rest of the photos, each one worse than the last.

In one, Sophia’s lips hovered near Nathan’s neck, her fingers resting on his chest, her expression intimate.

In another, Nathan’s arm curled around her waist—a touch too familiar, too possessive.

A rush of memories crashed into me—the nights I had spent alone, waiting for him to come home. The moments he had reassured me that Sophia was nothing more than an assistant. The promises he had made, telling me I was the only one he loved.

I felt like an idiot.

For years, Nathan had told me Sophia was just a friend. His assistant. His trusted right hand.

“Sophia? Don’t be ridiculous, baby. She’s like a sister to me.”

I had believed him, like a fool.

I clenched my phone, my vision blurring with rage.

I didn’t even think. My body moved on autopilot as I stood, walking toward Nathan’s office.

I knew the passcode—had always known it.

Because Nathan never bothered to hide anything.

Because he thought I would never check.

My hands were steady as I pulled open his desk drawer, flipping through folders, searching for something—anything.

And then I saw it.

A thick stack of legal documents with an official seal.

I scanned the first page, my breath catching.

Marriage Agreement between Nathan Sterling & Sophia Laurent.

The words blurred together. I flipped through the pages frantically, my pulse roaring in my ears.

The contract had been signed six months ago.

Six months. That meant that while Nathan was telling me he loved me…

While he was kissing me, touching me, whispering empty promises into my skin…

He was already engaged to Sophia.

The entire time, I had just been a secret. Nothing more.

I pressed a hand against my chest, as if that could stop the sharp, gutwrenching pain spreading through me.

I had given everything to this man. And he had never planned to choose me.

A small, bitter laugh escaped my lips. It sounded almost hysterical.

Nathan had no idea.

No idea that I had just seen the proof of his betrayal.

No idea that in thirty days, I would be gone.

And when he realized it, it would be too late.

I carefully placed the contract back, smoothing the papers as if nothing had happened. Then, with icy precision, I pulled out my phone and opened my email.

I typed my response to the Paris job offer.

“I accept.”

Then, I sent Nathan a text.

“I saw the photos. Enjoy your vacation. I’ll see you when you return.”

No anger. No accusations.

Because I knew Nathan.

He wouldn’t take me seriously if I exploded at him. He would just charm his way out of it, gaslight me into believing I was overreacting.

But not this time.

I’m not going to cry.

I’m not going to fight.

I am going to disappear.

Nathan Sterling had always taken me for granted. He had assumed I would always be there, waiting for him.

But soon, he would wake up to an empty home, an empty bed, and an empty life.

And by then, I will be gone.

Elena's POV

I stood in the middle of Nathan’s penthouse, looking around one last time.

Everything was exactly as I had left it this morning. The marble floors gleamed under the city lights, the expensive furniture arranged perfectly, and the scent of Nathan’s cologne still lingered in the air.

For three years, this had been my home.

A home built on lies.

I tightened my grip on my suitcase. Nathan was still in Greece, laughing on a yacht with Sophia.

I walked into the bedroom—our bedroom.

His shirts were neatly folded in the closet. His expensive watch collection lined the dresser. All untouched. Because Nathan was always so sure of himself, so convinced that I would always be here, waiting for him.

I had let him believe that.

But he was going to learn that nothing lasts forever.

I grabbed the black credit card he had given me—the one he used to pacify me every time he let me down.

“I’m sorry, baby. Go buy something nice to make up for it.”

As if money could replace love.

I looked at the nightstand, and right next to the framed picture of us.

It was from two years ago—a rare moment when Nathan had actually taken me on a real date. We had gone to the beach, and I had been so happy just to be with him.

I stared at the photo for a long moment before finally picking it up and flipping it facedown.

Then, I turned on my heels and walked away.

Two days later, My new ID arrived in the mail, and for the first time in three years, I felt like I could breathe.

Elena Moreau.

I traced the name on the card with my finger, letting the reality sink in.

I had legally changed my name. I wasn’t just leaving Nathan—I was erasing myself from his world completely.

The next step was getting everything in order before my flight. I had already found a buyer for my car, ended my apartment lease, and booked my oneway ticket to Paris.

Thirty days.

In thirty days, I would be in a different country, starting over, chasing the dreams I had put on hold for Nathan.

I should have felt free. So why did my chest still feel so tight?

I shook my head, forcing myself to stay focused. There was one last thing I needed to do before I left.

I needed to see him one last time.

Not to beg.

Not to fight.

But to make sure that when I walk away, I will do it with no regrets.

One week later, Nathan had finally returned. The moment I stepped into his penthouse, he was standing in the kitchen, looking perfectly relaxed.

Like he hadn’t spent the past weeks betraying me.

He didn’t even look surprised to see me. He glanced up, his expression shifting into a smirk.

“Elena,” he said smoothly. “I was just about to call you.”

I leaned against the counter, keeping my face unreadable. “You were?”

He chuckled, setting his drink down. “Yeah. You’ve been avoiding me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Avoiding you?”

Nathan stepped closer, tilting his head. “Come on, baby. You’re upset about that photo, aren’t you?”

A small, humorless laugh left my lips. This was so typical of him.

“You mean the one of you and Sophia in Greece?” I asked casually.

He sighed, as if he was the one who had to be patient.

“Elena, you know how the media twists things,” he said. “It was just a business trip.”

I let his words hang in the air before giving him a slow, amused smile.

“Right,” I said. “Because it’s totally normal for business partners to sit on each other’s laps.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened for a fraction of a second before he recovered, flashing me that charming, practiced smile.

“You’re overthinking again, baby,” he murmured. “You do that a lot.”

I almost laughed. He was still trying to manipulate me.

Still trying to make me doubt what I had seen with my own eyes.

The old me would have fallen for it. The new me? I just smiled.

“You’re right,” I said lightly. “I overthink things.”

Nathan looked pleased with himself. “Exactly.”

“So let’s make this simple,” I said, reaching into my bag.

Nathan’s smirk faltered slightly as I pulled out his black credit card.

I placed it on the counter between us.

“I won’t be needing this anymore,” I said.

Nathan’s expression flickered—just for a second.

Then, he laughed, shaking his head. “Elena, don’t be ridiculous.”

I stared at him.

He still didn’t get it.

“I’m leaving,” I said, my voice calm.

Nathan’s amusement faded.

“Elena,” he said, as if correcting a child. “You’re being dramatic.”

I exhaled slowly. “No, Nathan.”

I met his gaze, making sure he understood.

“I’m done.”

Silence.

Then, a slow, amused smile spread across his lips.

He actually thought I was going to change my mind.

“Elena,” he said smoothly, stepping closer, “you and I both know this isn’t what you want.”

I tilted my head. “Oh?”

Nathan’s voice dropped into that soft, coaxing tone he always used when he wanted me to forgive him.

“You love me,” he said simply.

The worst part?

A part of me had loved him.

But love wasn’t supposed to be onesided.

So instead of answering, I gave him a small, knowing smile.

Nathan frowned slightly. “What?”

I picked up my bag.

“Have fun with Sophia,” I said lightly, turning toward the door.

Nathan grabbed my wrist, his grip tightening.

“Elena,” he growled. “You’re not thinking clearly.”

I turned back to face him, my voice eerily calm.

“I’ve never thought clearer in my life.”

Then, I pulled my arm free, turned around, and walked out the door.

Elena's POV

The moment I walked out of his penthouse, I felt lighter. Like I had finally cut the chain that had kept me bound to him for years.

But Nathan wasn’t the type to let go easily.

The next morning, he came looking for me.

I was packing my things at my mother’s house when my phone started vibrating nonstop.

Nathan Sterling: 12 Missed Calls.

I ignored them.

Then, a knock sounded at the door.

I already knew who it was.

I took a slow breath before opening it, and there he was—Nathan, looking completely wrecked. His usually polished suit was slightly wrinkled, his tie loosened, his hair not perfectly styled for once.

“Elena,” he said, his voice tight. “What the hell is going on?”

I leaned against the doorframe, unimpressed. “I told you. I’m leaving.”

His jaw clenched. “You’re not serious.”

“Think what you want to think.”

Nathan exhaled sharply, stepping closer. Too close.

“Look, I get that you’re mad, but you need to stop overreacting.” His voice dropped into that calm, persuasive tone he always used when trying to manipulate me. “We need to sit down and talk about this.”

I let out a short, humorless laugh. “Now you want to talk? Nathan, I gave you three years to be honest with me.”

His grip tightened around his car keys. “So what? You’re just going to throw everything away?”

“No,” I said calmly. “You did.”

Nathan’s gaze flickered with frustration. He took a step closer, his voice softening.

“Elena, I love you. You know that.”

I stiffened.

He always said the right words—the ones that made me secondguess everything.

But not this time.

“Nathan,” I said coldly. “I saw the engagement contract.”

His entire body went rigid.

For the first time, he looked caught.

I tilted my head. “Go on. Lie to me again.”

He exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this.”

I laughed. He really thought this was about my reaction?

“You didn’t tell me,” I said slowly, “because you knew what you were doing was wrong.”

Nathan sighed, his voice dipping into that familiar, condescending tone.

“It was just a business move, Elena. It doesn’t mean anything. Sophia’s father—”

“I don’t care about Sophia’s father,” I snapped. “I care that you planned to marry her while keeping me as your secret.”

Nathan looked irritated now. “I was going to fix it, Elena.”

I crossed my arms. “When?”

His lips parted, but nothing came out.

I let out a slow, bitter breath. That was all the answer I needed.

I stepped back, gripping the door handle. “We’re done, Nathan. You can marry Sophia and keep playing your little power games.”

I moved to shut the door, but Nathan slammed his hand against it, stopping me.

“Elena, don’t do this,” he growled.

I lifted my chin. “It’s already done.”

Then, a voice called from behind him.

“Well, this is awkward.”

I stiffened.

Nathan turned around, his expression shifting as Sophia Laurent stepped out of a sleek black car, smirking.

She was perfectly put together, her designer heels clicking against the pavement as she approached.

“I didn’t expect you to come running to your little girlfriend so soon,” she mused, glancing at Nathan before turning to me with a mocking tilt of her head.

“Elena, darling. You should’ve at least let me break the news to you properly.”

My fingers curled into fists. “What news?”

Sophia’s smirk widened.

“That Nathan spent the night in my bed after you walked out.”

The world tilted for a second.

I forced myself to stand still, to show nothing.

Nathan stiffened beside me. “Sophia, shut up.”

“Why?” she said, amused. “She should know, shouldn’t she? After all, you were so… eager that night.”

My chest tightened.

Nathan turned back to me, shaking his head. “Elena, it’s not—”

“Not what?” I cut him off. “Not true? Or not something you wanted me to find out?”

Sophia laughed lightly. “Oh, Nathan,” she said, linking her arm through his. “You should’ve been more careful. She might have stayed clueless a little longer.”

Nathan yanked his arm away, glaring at her. “Sophia, I swear to—”

I held up a hand.

I was done.

“Nathan,” I said, my voice calm. “I don’t care.”

His gaze snapped back to mine. “Elena—”

“Really,” I said, my lips curling into something close to a smile. “You two deserve each other.”

Sophia grinned like she had just won, as Nathan looked like he was losing control of everything.

I smiled as I stepped back inside, my fingers tightening around the door.

Then I looked Nathan dead in the eyes and said the last words I would ever say to him.

“I hope she was worth it.”

And then, I shut the door in his face.

Elena's POV

Nathan Sterling didn’t call again.

Not that it mattered.

I will erase him from my life, delete his number, and make sure my next steps would take me far away from him.

But before all that, there was one last thing I needed to do.

Nathan had built his empire on power and control, believing that he could have everything—his business, his fiancée, and his secret girlfriend.

For three years, I had let him.

I had been understanding when he would leave our date just to go to his office and to Sophia.

I had been patient not to tell my mom and my friends our relationship just because he wants it to be a secret.

I had been forgiving every time I found lipstick stains on his collar, perfume that wasn’t mine lingering on his skin.

And every time I doubted him, he reeled me back in.

“Baby, you know you’re the only one I love.”

“Sophia? Don’t be ridiculous—she’s like a sister to me.”

“You’re overthinking again, Elena. Don’t be insecure.”

I had been so stupidly loyal.

And Nathan had known it.

He had fed me lies wrapped in affection, just enough to keep me tied to him—never too close, never too far.

And I refused to let him walk away unscathed.

And thanks to Sophia’s oversized ego, I knew exactly where to strike.

Her birthday gala.

The biggest event of the year, filled with elite businessmen, investors, and media personalities.

The perfect place for a scandal.

The night that I’ve been waiting for finally arrived, I stepped into the grand ballroom, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

The room was filled with men in tailored suits, women in designer gowns, and waiters carrying trays of expensive champagne.

I moved through the crowd unnoticed like just another guest.

But not for long.

At the front of the room, a massive LED screen displayed a slideshow of Sophia’s life—her accomplishments, her charity work, her pictureperfect moments with Nathan.

I watched from the shadows as Nathan and Sophia stood on the main stage, the perfect power couple.

Nathan looked polished and composed, but his eyes scanned the crowd, searching.

Searching for me.

I checked my phone. Right on schedule.

As Sophia lifted her glass for a toast, the slideshow suddenly flickered.

The crowd murmured in confusion as the images on the screen glitched—then changed completely.

Instead of pictures of Sophia and Nathan’s glamorous life…

Legal documents filled the screen.

The engagement contract.

The terms of their arranged marriage.

The proof that their entire relationship was a business deal.

Gasps filled the ballroom.

A few reporters scrambled for their phones.

And at the center of it all, Nathan went deathly still.

For the first time, he looked truly afraid.

I watched as he turned to Sophia, his expression darkening. “What the hell is this?”

Sophia, for once, was speechless.

I had sent the files anonymously to the event’s media team, framing it as an “important announcement from the couple.”

Now, everyone in this room knew the truth.

Sophia recovered first. She straightened, forcing a smile. “Everyone, please, there seems to be a misunderstanding—”

“Misunderstanding?” someone in the crowd muttered. “So you mean you’re not actually engaged?”

“Or are you just pissed that we all found out like this?” another voice called out.

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

The investors in the room looked uneasy, whispering among themselves.

Nathan’s jaw tightened. He had worked years to build his reputation.

And in less than a minute, I had shattered it.

He scanned the room again, and then—he found me.

His eyes locked onto mine across the ballroom.

Shock.

Then realization.

Then rage.

I smiled.

Slowly, I lifted my champagne glass in his direction—a silent toast to his downfall.

His expression darkened, and he took a step forward, but Sophia grabbed his arm.

She was still trying to salvage the situation.

And that’s when it happened.

One of the investors, an older man with sharp eyes, spoke up.

“Mr. Sterling,” he said. “Is it true that this entire engagement is just a business merger?”

Nathan hesitated. Just for a second.

And that was enough.

Because in that second, everyone saw the truth.

One investor scoffed. “I don’t invest in people who lie.”

Another shook his head. “If you can’t handle your personal affairs, how can we trust you with our money?”

The whispers grew. The doubt spread.

Nathan was losing everything. His carefully curated image of power and control was slipping through his fingers.

His hands clenched into fists, but he couldn’t move.

I had once been the girl who waited for him to choose me.

Now, I was the woman who had just ruined him.

And God, it felt good.

I set my champagne down and turned away.

This time, he didn’t follow.

Because for the first time, Nathan Sterling had lost.

By the time I got home, my phone was already buzzing.

News outlets were running the story.

Social media was exploding with memes and headlines.

“Sterling Global CEO’s Engagement Scandal Exposed at Fiancée’s Birthday Gala!”

“Marriage or Merger? Nathan Sterling’s Business Deal Disguised as Love!”

“Who Leaked the Truth?”

I curled up on my bed, scrolling through the chaos.

Nathan’s silence was loud.

He hadn’t tried to call me.

Because he knew.

He knew that I had beaten him.

I turned off my phone and exhaled slowly.

I had taken everything Nathan cared about—his reputation, his control, his pride—and crushed it.

And in the morning?

I would board my flight to Paris.

Far away from all of this.

Far away from him.

Elena's POV

The next morning, I was packing the last essentials of my things at my mother’s house when the door slammed open.

Nathan stood in the doorway, his expression stormy, unhinged.

I exhaled sharply. I should have expected this.

“What are you doing here? I told you we’re done.” I said, my voice even.

Nathan didn’t move, his sharp gaze sweeping over the packed boxes. “So it’s true,” he murmured.

I crossed my arms. “That I’m leaving? Yes.”

His jaw flexed. “You’re not going anywhere.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Let me guess,” I said. “You finally realized what you lost?”

Nathan didn’t smile but he looked desperate.

“Elena,” he said slowly, composing himself. “This isn’t a good idea. Paris? A new name? Running away won’t fix anything.”

“I’m not running,” I said. “I’m starting over.”

His eyes darkened. “You belong here.”

Something snapped inside me.

I took a step closer, my voice sharp.

“Where, Nathan?” I demanded. “In your penthouse, waiting for you to come home from another trip? Hidden in the background while you parade Sophia around in public? Where exactly do I belong?”

His expression flickered.

For the first time, he didn’t have an answer.

But it didn’t matter anymore.

I shook my head, stepping back. “You don’t get to decide for me.”

Nathan exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair.

And then—he made his biggest mistake.

His hand knocked over the small wooden urn on the table.

Time slowed.

My breath caught as the ashes spilled across the floor.

For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then, I dropped to my knees, frantically trying to gather the remains.

No, no, no—

My father’s ashes. The only thing I had left of him.

Nathan took a step forward, his voice tight. “Elena, I didn’t mean—”

I lifted my head, my hands shaking.

I had given this man everything.

My love.

My loyalty.

My patience.

And in the end, he had taken everything from me.

Including this.

I rose to my feet slowly, my pulse roaring in my ears.

Nathan reached for me, but I jerked away.

“Don’t touch me.” My voice was calm. Too calm.

Nathan flinched. “Elena—”

I let out a breath.

Then, I did what I should have done a long time ago.

I walked away.

Feeling lightheaded.

I absentmindedly arrived at the airport which was quiet.

I tightened my grip on my passport, my hands still covered in ash.

I should have washed them.

But I didn’t want to.

This way, I would remember.

Remember why I was leaving.

Remember what I was never coming back to.

I reached into my bag for my ticket when my passport slipped from my fingers, fluttering to the ground.

I muttered a curse, bending down—

Only for a hand to reach it first.

“Careful,” a smooth voice said, handing it to me. “You wouldn’t want to lose this.”

I looked up—and froze.

Killian Hayes.

I had seen him countless times in business magazines, standing at the helm of his growing empire, always listed as one of the few men who could challenge Nathan’s position in the industry.

Nathan had always hated him.

Now, he was standing right in front of me.

His sharp blue eyes studied me with quiet curiosity, but his expression remained polite. Nonthreatening.

“I—” I cleared my throat, feeling strangely selfconscious. “Thank you.”

He nodded, handing it back to me.

Then, to my mild surprise, he stepped forward in line—right ahead of me.

Killian Hayes was on my flight.

I exhaled slowly, trying to regain my focus.

It doesn’t mean anything, I told myself. Just a coincidence.

I pulled out my phone, about to turn it off—

26 missed calls.

Nathan Sterling.

My chest tightened.

A new text came through.

Nathan: Elena, where are you? Let’s talk. Please.

Another.

Nathan: I need to see you. I need to fix this.

And another.

Nathan: Don’t leave like this. You belong with me.

I stared at the screen, my pulse steady.

Then, without hesitation, I blocked his number.

I was done.

The final boarding call echoed through the airport.

I stepped forward, I didn’t hesitate.

Because I had already made my choice.

I handed my ticket to the flight attendant, exhaling as she scanned it.

“Safe travels, Miss Moreau,” she said with a smile.

I walked forward.

Towards the jet bridge and towards my future.

And I never looked back.