I Left the Man Who Never Chose Me

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I spent three years waiting for official status, but all I got from the man I loved was, Take the blame for this first.

The moment I hit send on my resignation email, I thought what Id lost was love.

It wasnt until I stood in the mountain wind of Los Angeles and heard someone say my name, clear as day, that I finally understoodwhat I truly needed to take back was never Ethan Hayess heart. It was the version of myself they had trampled into the mud.

I left New York behind for Los Angeles. Once a project manager forced to take others heat, Id grown into a respected lead planner. Id let go of my quiet unrequited love, the undeserved mercy Id handed out, and the mask Id wornthe girl who could take anything.

When the old lights came back on, when my name was no longer erased, I finally dared to say: some roads dont require waiting for someone to walk with you. Walk them alone, and the sky still wont fall.

Lydia Lane pov

I had just clicked send on my resignation email when Ethan Hayes called me backstage at the press conference and tried to force me to admit I was a thief.

Just beyond a curtain, the room was packed with media.

On the big screen, the key visual for the Titanic Ruins Restoration played on a loop. Every detail was the result of half a month of my sleepless effort.

But at the very top of the list of lead creators, three words were written in bold: Nora Wells.

Wrapped in a shawl, Nora Wellss eyes were red in just the right way. Ethan, I really didnt know shed written a similar proposal too. Shes been with you for so many years. I can understand her wanting to use my work to prove herself. But there are so many reporters out there. I cant afford to be humiliated like this.

I looked at that hypocritical face, my fingers slowly clenching tight.

I had once been the inconspicuous foil beside Nora Wells.

After Nora went abroad, I became the woman Ethan Hayes kept hidden from the light.

For three years, I drank in his place, worked overtime with him, and even let him take whatever he wanted in bed.

I thought I might eventually earn official status, but on the very first day Nora returned, my hard work became an offering for her.

Ethan looked at me, his tone an unquestionable order. Lydia, take responsibility for this first.

That proposal is mine. My voice went cold.

I know.

Ethan frowned and said as if it were only natural, Thats all Im askingjust take the blame temporarily. Noras only just gotten back; she cant have a plagiarism stain on her name.

She cant, but I can?

Nora bit her lower lip and kept arguing. Lydia, I know you blame me. You like Ethan. You finally waited until I left, so of course youre unwilling to accept this. But feelings arent something you can steal by sleeping with someone.

My face went pale.

But Ethan did not refute Noras humiliation. He only warned me with a dark expression.

What happened between you and me was an accident to begin with. Now that shes back, everything should go back to where it belongs.

Nora shoved an apology statement into my hand. Lydia, just help me one last time. Arent you the best at enduring things?

On the paper was written: Due to my eagerness to prove myself, I referenced Ms. Nora Wellss old draft.

I stared at that line and suddenly laughed.

That was right. I was far too good at enduring.

So good that Ethan thought I had no backbone. So good that Nora thought I had been born to be a stepping stone.

I casually threw the apology statement into the trash can beside me.

I wont admit it.

Ethans eyes darkened. Lydia Lane, stop making a scene!

Mr. Hayes, Im not making a scene. I pulled the work badge from around my neck and slapped it onto the table. My resignation email has already been sent to HR. In thirty days, I will leave Hayes Group.

Ethans brow twitched sharply.

Nora was the first to laugh. Resigning? Can you bear to?

I didnt even spare her a glance. I stared into Ethans eyes. Whether the press conference goes on is your business. Whether my name gets erased is also your business. But from today onward, I will not take the blame for any of you ever again.

I turned to leave, but Ethans hand clamped tightly around my wrist.

He was like a beast whose tail had been stepped on. You think sending one email means you can cut ties with me?

I pulled my hand back inch by inch with all my strength. My voice was dead in a way it had never been before.

Im not cutting ties. This ends here.

Lydia Lane pov

In the end, the press conference still went on.

But because of my protest, Ethan Hayes had no choice but to temporarily remove the media Q&A and only let Nora Wells go onstage to show off her thoughts on returning to the country.

I sat in the last row and watched Nora enjoy the applause onstage, my face expressionless as I closed my laptop.

If I hadnt fought to the end tonight, I was afraid I would be the one standing onstage right now, facing everyones accusations.

I took a deep breath. If you back down for too long, other people will only start treating your blood, sweat, and tears as something theyre entitled to.

But from now on, I would never let anyone step on me to climb higher again.

The moment the press conference ended, an assistant ran over, drenched in cold sweat. Manager Lane, Mr. Hayes wants you in the lounge immediately.

When I pushed the door open, Nora was leaning against the sofa, wiping away tears. Ethan stood by the window, his face as dark as water.

The moment she saw me, Nora immediately played the victim first. Lydia, you almost ruined my press conference just now!

Ethan stubbed out his cigarette and gave an order in a charitable tone. Organize a copy of the draft materials and send it to Nora tonight. Externally, well keep the story consistent: you handled execution, and she was the lead creator. Bonuses, a promotionany compensation youre after, just say the word.

Compensation again.

Every time he wronged me, he threw money at me, as if dismissing a beggar.

I only want my credit. My voice was firm.

Nora looked as if shed heard a joke. You insist on fighting me over this?

Im taking back what belongs to me!

Ethans expression sank completely to freezing point. Lydia Lane, dont take this too far. Nora is upset. If you lower your head, the project can continue.

If the project can only continue by making me lower my head, then let it die.

The lounge fell into dead silence.

Ethan stared at me as if he were looking at a lunatic. For the sake of one empty title, youre willing to abandon a project worth tens of millions for Hayes Group?

Mr. Hayes, Ive resigned. I looked at him. Hayes Groups tens of millions are not my responsibility.

Those words were like a poisoned thorn, stabbing into Ethans chest and making it contract abruptly.

He yanked open a drawer, threw out a check, and pushed it over. Three million! Give the draft materials to Nora, and Ill pretend your resignation never happened!

Beside him, Nora sneered. Lydia, stop pretending. The only reason you stayed by Ethans side was for money, wasnt it?

I walked forward and picked up that check.

Ethans tense jaw had only just started to relax when, in the next second

Rip.

In front of both of them, I tore the check in half and threw it back onto the table.

I used to like you. Its true. I liked you in a way that had no dignity. I looked at Ethans livid face, every word clear. But that doesnt mean Ill have no self-respect forever.

After I finished speaking, I turned and left, my steps not faltering once.

Nora cried and threw herself into Ethans arms, but this time, Ethan did not lower his head to comfort her.

He stared fixedly at the closed door, then at the shredded check on the floor. Suddenly, his heart filled with an uncontrollable panic.

Lydia Lane pov

The internal group chat was full of people mocking me.

No matter how hard a foil struggles, shes still just a foil. The moment the first love comes back, all she can do is get lost.

I didnt leave the group, and I didnt explain. I was at my desk, organizing the last few handover checklists.

That afternoon was the Titanic Ruins Restoration Project progress meeting.

Nora sat in the main seat, with the proposal I had stayed up writing placed in front of her. She read it haltingly, stumbling whenever she reached professional terms.

A partner frowned and interrupted her. Ms. Wells, Id like to ask, why does the entrance exhibition hall deliberately avoid the north entrance?

Nora flipped through the proposal in her hands until her face went white. Then she looked to me as if asking for help.

Of course the polished public version didnt mention it. Because beneath the north entrance was the old drainage ditch that could collapse at any moment. That was something I had discovered only after going to the muddy site three times myself.

The entire conference room was waiting.

With a dark expression, Ethan looked toward me in the corner and ordered, You answer.

I snapped my notebook shut and didnt even lift my eyes.

Sorry, Mr. Hayes. Under the current credit split, Ive got no standing to weigh in here.

The conference room instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Noras tears fell all at once. Lydia, do you have to publicly embarrass me like this?

Ethan shot to his feet, suppressing towering rage. Meeting adjourned!

Once everyone had left, Ethan locked the conference room door behind them. His voice was as cold as if it had been dipped in ice. You enjoyed publicly embarrassing Nora today, didnt you?

I simply didnt step onstage for her again.

She just came back. There are many things shes not familiar with yet!

If shes not familiar with them, then she shouldnt be shamelessly occupying the lead creators name! I refused to back down.

Ethan stared at me, his teeth clenched. You didnt used to be this petty.

Thats right. I only found it absurd. In the past, I was at your beck and call. Even after you drained me dry, I still had to smile and say it was fine. Of course you thought I was useful.

But Ethan Hayes, the past is the past, and now is now.

Now, I will not yield another inch! Anything that belongs to me, I wont give away a single piece of it!

Nora suddenly pushed the door open and came in, crying tearfully fragile. Ethan, I quit! Since she looks down on me anyway, staying here would only be humiliating!

She made as if to leave, but Ethan pulled her into his arms at once, then turned and stared hard at me.

Apologize to her! Lydia Lane, dont make me say it a second time!

I didnt move.

Ethan roared, Apologize!

I picked up the documents on the table and threw them directly in front of Ethan. This is the safety hazard explanation for the north entrance. Theres no apology. Ive given you the risk warning. Youd better take care of yourself.

I pulled open the door and strode out.

Behind me came the deafening crash of Ethan smashing a teacup, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

But I didnt look back even once.

Lydia Lane pov

On Friday night, Ethan Hayes brought Nora Wells to the Ruins Restoration Associations private dinner.

To keep Nora from making a fool of herself, he used an ordering tone to summon me over too, even though I had been about to get off work and pack my things.

I wentnot for him, but to give my own hard work one final proper ending.

At North City Club, the courtyard was filled with birch trees.

The moment Nora entered, she couldnt wait to belittle me in front of the various people in charge. This is Ethans assistant. Shes best at cleaning up messes. Wherever things get chaotic, just call her over, and shell tidy it up immediately.

A knowing chuckle broke out around the table. I lowered my eyes and remained unmoved.

After a few rounds of drinks, Nora, in an effort to show off, actually described the ancient Greek artifact restoration overseen by one chairman as a commercial street renovation.

The chairmans face darkened on the spot. Mr. Hayes, is your ruins restoration project about culture, or is it about putting on a show?

Nora panicked and looked to Ethan for help.

Just as the atmosphere dropped to freezing point, I set down my teacup.

I didnt use any flowery language. In only three minutes, I clearly explained the origins of ancient Greek artifacts, the taboos involved in artifact preservation, and the spiritual core of the project.

Not only did I smooth things over, I also brought out the full depth of the cultural foundation.

The chairmans expression turned from cloudy to clear, and he nodded in approval. Now that is someone who has truly done her homework.

Noras face instantly flushed bright red, and she was so jealous she looked like she might go insane.

Ethan had just opened his mouth to save face when two crisp claps suddenly came from the corner.

It was a man in a dark gray shirt, with a refined, clean presence and the calm ease of someone in a position of power.

The person in charge of Shawridge Company, Nathan Grant.

His gaze passed over the crowd and landed directly on me. The cultural substance Ms. Lane mentioned just now is something I reviewed a few days ago as well. Your judgment is very accurate. If the project followed your original proposal, it could be saved. If it follows the version currently made public

He gave a soft laugh, not even glancing at Nora. Im afraid all thats left is a pile of flashy but useless garbage.

The entire room fell dead silent.

Noras tears spilled from her eyes. Mr. Grant, are you saying I dont understand anything?

Im talking about the proposal, Nathan said in an extremely calm tone. This project isnt some trinket you can wave to cheer up your lover. Whoever poured their heart into writing it should be the one standing in the spotlight.

Those words were like a loud slap, striking Ethan and Nora hard across the face.

When the private dinner ended, Nathan stopped me and handed me a business card.

After you leave Hayes Group, you can come to Shawridge Company. The pay isnt much, but your name will be written cleanly on every piece of work you do.

For some reason, my eyes heated. I accepted the card with both hands.

That scene fell into Ethans eyes. His gaze abruptly turned dark and hostile as he strode forward. Since when are you two this close? You want to go to Los Angeles?

He laughed coldly. Some lousy company is worth giving up Hayes Group for?

I carefully put the business card into my bag, then lifted my head and looked at Ethans stunned face. My voice was soft, but resolute.

At least there, they wont put the name of the woman you love on work I poured my heart into.

With that, I turned and stepped into the night.

Ethan froze where he stood, his expression ugly to the extreme.

He suddenly realized that this time, I was truly walking forever toward the light that belonged to me.

Lydia Lane pov

On the twenty-third day of my resignation countdown, Nora Wells cried at Hayes Group.

The cause was an old lamp.

That lamp had been donated by a descendant of a Titanic victim. Its metal frame was charred black, marked with scars left by the shipwreck.

I had originally planned to place it in the starting display case of the Titanic Ruins Restoration, so visitors would know that our project was not a scene built out of thin air. It was a place where people had lived, longed, and waited.

Nora disliked how old it was. She said it didnt look good in photos and told someone to replace it with a glass lighthouse.

When the workers moved it, they lost their grip. The old lamp fell to the ground, and two parts of the frame snapped.

The donor, George Shaw, rushed over. Looking at that lamp, his hands trembled. This was left to me by my grandfather.

Nora cried on the spot. I only wanted the lamp to look prettier. I didnt know it was this serious.

When Ethan arrived, the first person he looked at was Nora.

Were you hurt?

Nora shook her head, her tears falling even harder. Ethan, did Lydia Lane deliberately not tell me this lamp couldnt be moved? She knew I had just taken over and didnt understand anything.

I stood off to the side, still holding the call records with the restoration specialist.

I said, I wrote it three times on the handover form. The old lamp is for display only. Do not move it.

Nora bit her lip. There are so many documents. How could I possibly read every single word? You waited for me to make a mistake on purpose.

George looked at them arguing, his face blue with anger. If Hayes Group doesnt respect these objects, then dont do the project at all!

Ethan frowned and turned to me. Go explain it to George Shaw.

Explain what?

Say it was an oversight in your handover.

I looked at him and suddenly lost the strength to speak.

I thought I could no longer hurt, but every time, Ethan could use the lightest tone to press me down even lower.

I wont go, I said.

Ethans patience ran out. Lydia Lane, when something goes wrong with a project, the person in charge should take responsibility.

The person in charge now is Nora Wells.

Nora cried and took a step back. Then Ill just leave. Im not worthy of being in charge.

Ethan immediately grabbed her, his voice softening. No one is asking you to leave.

Then he looked at me. Youre suspended for three days. Write an explanation for the descendants of the Titanic survivors. Once they calm down, come back and continue the handover.

I didnt argue.

I returned to my desk, printed out the suspension notice, and placed it together with my resignation email. The two documents lay side by side, like a joke.

Before I got off work, HR came to ask me, Manager Lane, your resignation is still proceeding according to the thirty-day notice, right? Mr. Hayes hasnt rejected it, so well process it according to the resignation date.

I nodded. Thank you.

HR sighed and lowered their voice. Have you really thought this through?

I have.

When I carried my cardboard box out of the company, it was raining. There was no car at the entrance, and no one waiting for me.

My phone rang once. It was a message from Ethan Hayes.

He said, Nora was frightened today. Dont upset her again.

I looked at it for a long time, then replied with the last private message I would send him during this period.

I said, Ethan Hayes, I hurt too.

After the message went out, there was no reply for a long time.

I put my phone back into my bag and walked into the rain.

The rain struck the ribs of my umbrella in a dense patter.

I didnt take a Hayes Group car. Instead, I walked to the bus stop and squeezed in with ordinary people heading home from overtime.

Beside me, an older woman carried groceries. A young man lowered his head to watch short videos. No one knew I had just been suspended, and no one cared that I had loved the wrong person.

Suddenly, I felt that this kind of not being seen was very nice.

At least here, I didnt have to wait for Ethan Hayes to condemn me with a single word at any moment, and I didnt have to step aside for Nora Wellss tears.

After I got back to the apartment, I dragged my suitcase out from under the bed.

The first things I put inside werent clothes, but my diploma and a few old project notebooks.

There wasnt much I could take with me, but with those few things pressed against the bottom of the suitcase, my heart felt steady.

I stopped packing the things Ethan Hayes had given me. Every single one of them felt like a reminder that when I was wronged, I could only take the money and keep my mouth shut.

I didnt want to bring any of that to Los Angeles.