Caught My Fiancé And Best Friend Of 20 Years On My Couch. They Mocked My Career Success While They Cheated. Now I’m Marrying The Billionaire Who Bankrupted Him.
He said.
“Because otherwise, I never would have met you.”
He added.
It was exactly what I needed to hear.
Power Moves and Truths Revealed
Around this time, I started hearing whispers at industry events. Ryan’s law firm was struggling.
They’d lost a major client to a competitor in a high-stakes acquisition deal. The rumor was that Morrison and Hayes had underestimated the competition and got completely outmaneuvered.
I didn’t think much of it until Margaret pulled me aside one afternoon.
“That acquisition deal that Morrison and Hayes lost…”
She said, with a knowing look.
“Alexander Chen’s company was on the other side. His in-house legal team apparently demolished their arguments. Ryan Mitchell was lead counsel for Morrison and Hayes.”
She added.
My stomach flipped. Alexander never mentioned it.
“Would you want him to?”
Margaret asked gently.
“He probably didn’t want you to think he was dating you because of some connection to your ex.”
She added.
She was right. When I asked Alexander about it that night, he confirmed the deal but downplayed his involvement.
“It was business.”
He said.
“I didn’t even know Ryan was your ex until weeks later when I Googled your firm and saw old engagement announcement articles. I almost told you then, but…”
He said, as he hesitated.
“I didn’t want you to think I was using you or that I saw you as revenge against him. You’re not a pawn in anyone’s game, Sophia. What we have has nothing to do with your past.”
He added.
I believed him because by then I knew Alexander. I knew his integrity and knew he wasn’t the type to play games.
The charity gala was approaching. My firm had a table, and as a junior partner, I was expected to bring a guest.
I asked Alexander. He said yes without hesitation.
“Should I wear a tux?”
He asked.
“It’s black tie.”
I said.
“Then I’ll wear a tux.”
He said.
He pulled me close.
“I’m looking forward to showing you off.”
He added.
I didn’t tell him that Christina and Ryan would be there. I told myself it didn’t matter, that I was over it, and that seeing them wouldn’t affect me.
I was lying to myself.
Confrontation at the SFMOMA
The night of the gala, I spent two hours getting ready. I chose a midnight blue gown that my stylist said made me look like old Hollywood elegance.
I had professional makeup and hair in an elegant updo. When Alexander picked me up, his eyes widened.
“You’re stunning.”
He said softly.
“You clean up pretty well yourself.”
I said.
He looked incredible in his tuxedo—confident, powerful, like he belonged at events like this. The gala was held at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The atrium was transformed with lighting, flowers, and dozens of round tables draped in white linens. A string quartet played in the corner, and champagne flowed freely.
The city’s elite mingled, air-kissing and making small talk. I saw Christina the moment we walked in.
She was wearing red, a bold choice that made her stand out. Ryan stood beside her, looking uncomfortable in his tux.
When Christina’s eyes landed on me, her expression shifted. It was surprise, then something calculating.
She whispered something to Ryan and started walking toward us.
“Sophia!”
She said, her voice bright and artificial.
“Oh my god, you look amazing! It’s been so long.”
She added.
I kept my face neutral.
“Christina.”
I said.
“I’ve missed you so much.”
She said, laying it on thick.
“I know things ended badly, but I’ve been hoping we could reconnect. Life’s too short to hold grudges, right?”
She added.
Alexander’s hand moved to the small of my back—protective and supportive. Christina’s eyes flicked to him, then back to me.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your date?”
She asked.
Before I could respond, Ryan joined us. His face was carefully blank, but I saw the flicker of recognition when he looked at Alexander.
They’d been on opposite sides of that acquisition deal. They knew each other, at least professionally.
“Ryan Mitchell.”
He said, as he extended his hand to Alexander.
“I don’t believe we’ve met formally.”
He added.
“Alexander Chen.”
Alexander said.
They shook hands. I watched Ryan’s face carefully. Was that surprise, or had he already known?
Christina was still smiling at me.
“So when did you two start dating? I had no idea you were seeing someone, Soph.”
She said.
The nickname made my skin crawl. She hadn’t earned the right to use it anymore.
“We’ve been together for a few months.”
I said simply.
“How lovely.”
She said, her voice saccharine.
“You know Ryan and I are getting married in 2 months. Destination wedding in Italy. It’s going to be incredible.”
She added.
She held up her left hand, making sure I saw the ring.
“We would have invited you, but obviously the guest list is just close friends and family.”
She said.
The dig was subtle but clear: you’re not close anymore, you don’t matter. I felt Alexander’s hand press more firmly against my back, a reminder that I wasn’t alone.
“Congratulations.”
I said evenly.
Christina’s smile sharpened.
“Thank you. You know, I worried about you after everything happened. Being alone at your age can be hard. The dating pool gets so much smaller after 35.”
She said.
Her eyes traveled over me, assessing.
“But it looks like you’re doing okay, bringing dates to events. That’s good. It’s important to put yourself out there, even if nothing serious comes of it.”
She added.
The implication was clear: Alexander was just a date, nothing serious, nothing that could compete with her engagement to Ryan. Ryan looked uncomfortable.
“Christina…”
He said.
“I’m just being honest.”
She said, still smiling at me.
“Sophia knows I’ve always cared about her happiness. It just worried me, you know, seeing her alone at all these events for months. I was concerned.”
