The next day, I came to the company.
After all, with a company this big, divorce involves issues with shares and accounts, so I need to keep an eye on things myself.
As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, the manager came running over.
"Ms. Johnson, Elliot just sent word that he's firing Lauryn. She's packing up her things now."
I raised an eyebrow.
I've been fighting with Elliot for so long, and he refused to fire Lauryn no matter what.
Now he's being so decisive?
I touched my neck, where the hickey was beginning to fade.
Or maybe he only understands how uncomfortable it is to wear the green hat when it's on his own head, and Elliot has finally learned to empathize?
"Hmm."
I wasn't particularly interested.
What's the point now that we've reached this point?
It's like the milk coming in after the child has died—a belated compromise that I no longer need.
On my way to the finance department, I ran into Lauryn, who was carrying a large cardboard box, accompanied by two male colleagues who appeared to be helping her carry her belongings, but were actually forcing her to leave.
Her eyes were swollen, and her mascara, clearly not waterproof, had smudged beneath her eyes. She kept her head down, tears in her eyes.
Everyone around was pretending to work, secretly watching her and snickering, their faces full of ridicule.
This relationship-based hire, who had no ability and a huge attitude, had made everyone hold their tongues for years.
It was only because of Elliot that people tolerated her.
Now that Elliot clearly didn't want to protect her anymore, what was she?
Lauryn looked up at me, hatred burning in her eyes. I almost suspected she was about to charge at me.
She wiped her face, trying to compose herself, and lifted her chin toward me.
"Nicole, are you satisfied now?"
I didn't want to make a scene in public, so I didn't want to engage with her, but she wouldn't let it go and blocked my way.
Seeing the brand-new designer coat on me, she had a momentary distortion on her face.
"You old woman, when He comes back, he won't let you off!
"He doesn't love you at all, do you know that? He told me in person that touching you feels like touching himself—he has no interest in you!
"He won't leave me. He will definitely divorce you!"
I barely resisted rolling my eyes.
"You, a young girl, sleeping with another woman's husband for free. Are you proud of that?"
I furrowed my brow:
"Is this how your mother taught you?
"Security—take her downstairs. I don't want to listen to her chatter anymore."
The stupidest thing about Lauryn is that she can't see that she's nothing more than a dodder plant clinging to Elliot.
When Elliot was willing to protect her, she could be arrogant and domineering.
Once Elliot no longer wanted her, she had nowhere to turn.
Yet she was still ranting. How laughable.
Security quickly came and dragged Lauryn out. She was being escorted out like a dead dog, still spouting provocations:
"Nicole, don't get too cocky. He will definitely bring me back!
"Just wait and see!"
I walked quickly to her side and laughed lightly:
"You're thinking too much. This time, it wasn't me who fired you.
"It was Elliot who decided to fire you.
"When I mentioned divorce, he was terrified, and even before I brought up your situation, he was eager to get rid of you."
"Impossible!" Lauryn's face turned pale, and she gritted her teeth. "You're lying. He wouldn't do this to me!"
"Believe it or not, it's up to you."
I shrugged and turned to leave.
Behind me, Lauryn cried and screamed: "Impossible! Nicole, you should die! You're lying to me, aren't you!
"He wouldn't do this to me. He told me he loved me, he said—
I smiled coldly, my back to her.
Love?
He told me countless times.
And now, haven't we reached this point?
Only now do I see clearly.
Whether it's me, Lauryn, or any other woman of Elliot's, he has never loved anyone.
What he loves is the never-ending thrill of novelty.
