Shattered Jewels and the CEO Who Begged Too Late

I was staring at job listings online, a casualty of a year-end layoff, when I scrolled past a forum thread.

[Whats the fastest way for a girl to make money?]

The top comment made my blood run cold.

[Definitely finding a Sugar Daddy. Mine gives me ten grand a month, remembers my favorite food, and even tracks my cycle. His only downside is his high sex drivehe loves to keep me wrapped up all night. But hes gorgeous!]

Someone replied:

[How do you find a guy like that? Is he single?]

Her reply: [He has a girlfriend, but he hasnt touched her in months. He says shes dull as wallpaper in bed, zero fun. As for how we met? He accidentally hit me with his car in Miami earlier this year.]

I stopped breathing. In March, Brooks Hawthorne was on a business trip in Miami and had an incident where hed accidentally bumped a girl with his car.

My fingers went numb. I kept scrolling.

[Today I just mentioned I was feeling down, and he left his girlfriend to come buy me a new bag.]

Attached was a photo of tightly clasped hands. On the mans index finger, there was a fresh, shallow cut.

It was the exact spot where Brooks had nicked himself this morning while slicing a grapefruit for me.

I slammed the phone onto my lap, my heart hammering against my ribs.

It cant be him. I closed my eyes, trying to convince myself.

Not the Brooks who would warm my icy feet in his lap during winter. Not the Brooks who remembered every one of my obscure favorites, whose eyes still glowed when he spoke about me.

Wed been together for seven years. We were woven into the fabric of each other's lives. Besides, our engagement party was the day after tomorrow. The design for the invitation suite? Hed personally overseen every detail.

It had to be a coincidence.

I took several deep, shaky breaths and reopened the thread.

The comments section was a toxic mix of envy and disgust. Her replies became increasingly arrogant.

[Why so bitter? Shes holding the spot but doesnt know how to keep him interested. She deserves to be sidelined. Men need spice, not a silent statue.]

[My Sugar Daddy even pulled strings to get her fired and put me in her old position.]

[Now his girlfriend is jobless, and hes only giving her five grand a month, but I get ten! LOL.]

Each word felt like a physical stab to the chest.

A week ago, I was let go from my company with no explanation. HR was vague, mumbling something about a "corporate restructuring" decided by the senior board.

I came home and curled up in Brooks arms, devastated.

He kissed the top of my head. Its just a job, Maya. Let it go. Ill give you five grand a month.

Stay home, arrange flowers, binge-watch shows, or go shopping and have high tea. You dont need the stress.

I told him I didnt want to be his little kept woman. He smiled, his eyes full of what I now realize was pity.

I want to take care of you, Maya. Only you.

Only you.

The words still echoed, yet now they brought on a bone-deep chill.

My hands were shaking as I clicked on SweetTinsleys profile.

Her latest update:

[Day 244 of being spoiled by my man. I casually said I liked it, and the next thing I know, hes carrying it out the door for me!]

The photo showed a mans back as he paid at a department store counter.

Brooks had left this morning in a different suit. But the shape of his shoulders, the precise way he stoodI could have traced that silhouette blindfolded.

My stomach lurched. I scrolled down.

[Day 215 of being spoiled by my man. Theyre getting engaged, but I designed the invitations! I love Honeysuckleit means bonds of devotion. Pretty, right?]

The invitation she posted was identical to the one in my desk drawer.

Brooks had handed it to me, his gaze full of what Id mistaken for deep affection.

Honeysuckle, hed murmured. It means loyal love and lasting bonds. It survives the winter. Its us, Maya.

Loyalty. Bonds. How perfectly cruel.

[Day 198 of being spoiled by my man. Today is his and his girlfriend's seven-year anniversary, but he ditched her to take me to a new movie!]

I remembered that day. Id taken the day off, cooked his favorite meal, ordered a custom cake, wrapped his gift, and lit all our scented candles.

All I got was a text: Emergency at the office, babe. Gotta deal with it. Ill be late.

I hadn't doubted him for a second. Id even told him to take care of himself.

My fingers were ice cold, gripping the phone. I scrolled to the very first post.

[Just ran into my dream guy! He accidentally clipped me with his car, but he was so sweet and insisted on taking me to the ER... He has a girlfriend, though. Don't care. A man this perfect is a crime to miss! Time for the other woman playbook!]

Edited on March 4th, 2025.

The day Brooks hit that girl.

"Ugh"

I ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving until my throat was raw. Tears and snot smeared my face. The person in the mirror had wild, red-rimmed eyes. A madwoman.

Seven months and twenty-two days. Two hundred and forty-four days.

All those nights he was "working late," "taking a meeting," or "handling an emergency." Every moment Id spent worrying about his stress and hard work, he was with her.

He had even personally destroyed the job I valued so much, just to make room for her.

He knew what that job meant to me. He knew!

After a long time, I gathered myself, propped up the phone, and took screenshots of every single post and comment.

When Brooks got home, he was still in the same suit hed left in this morning. No suspicious scent.

He carried a bag containing my favorite, hard-to-get takeout from across townthe one Id mentioned wanting last night.

Seeing my red eyes, he rushed over, cupping my face in his hands.

Whats wrong? Did you watch another sad movie?

Just as he finished the sentence, the doorbell rang.

He frowned slightly. Probably the building manager. Ill get it.

He opened the door, and a sickly sweet female voice floated in.

Hi, delivery for Mr. Hawthorne.

The voice was identical to the one on SweetTinsleys last video.

Brooks froze, quickly thanked the person, shut the door, and came back holding two milkshakes.

Saw a line at that new place on the way back, thought you might want one, so I had them deliver it. Didnt want the dinner getting cold while I waited.

It was a perfectly smooth explanation.

I looked up, meeting his eyes.

Brooks. Is there anything youre keeping from me?

He stalled, the straw in his hand halfway to the cup.

Then, his expression returned to normal. He smiled, pressing the milkshake into my hand, and ruffled my hair.

His voice was a familiar blend of teasing and loving exasperation.

Maya, did you watch one of those stupid TikTok videos testing your boyfriend again? Those are all fake, you know, just for clicks.

Besides, how could I ever keep a secret from you?

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed. He glanced down and quickly silenced it.

You start eating before that gets cold. I need to take a quick call. Project emergency.

His pace was a little too fast as he headed for his study.

I looked down at the Matcha Green Tea Latte in my hand. Condensation dripped onto my skin, freezing cold.

I am severely allergic to matcha.

He has never forgotten that.

Until now. Until he had a more important concern.

He emerged a few minutes later, the familiar look of apologetic fatigue already on his face. The look he wore every time he had to leave me for "work."

Maya he started.

Is it the office again?

I cut him off before he could fabricate a lie.

He paused, then nodded, seizing the opening.

Yes. A last-minute contract needs signing. I have to go handle it right now.

I looked into his eyes.

Can you not go?

His expression hardened for a second.

Maya, dont do this.

You know Im doing this for us. All this pushing, all this effort its for our future.

I need to prove to my mother that Brooks Hawthorne can make it on his own, without a dime of family support. I need to give you the best life.

Brooks mother, Camilla, had never liked me.

The reason was simple: my background was too ordinary, even broken, to match the Hawthorne family name. Brooks was a trust-fund golden boy. Before me, his life was perfectly mapped out, including a suitable fiance.

He had defied his family for me.

His mother, furious, cut him off completely, casting him out. She vowed that if he could build his own empire in five yearswithout any family assistanceshe would accept me, and our relationship.

So for five years, Brooks hadn't stopped working for a minute. And I had been just as relentless, working to better myself, terrified of becoming a burden. I was afraid his mothers spiteful wordsShell only drag you downwould come true.

Camilla never gave up trying to drive me away. From the initial half-million-dollar bribe to a million, and then, a month ago, the check she'd casually slid across the table.

A hundred million dollars.

The condition: leave her son.

I had never taken it.

Because I loved Brooks. I believed he loved me. I stubbornly believed that true love could overcome all obstacles, all prejudice, all class divides.

Until this moment.

The faith Id held so tightly was beginning to fracture.

His phone buzzed again.

He glanced at it and didnt even bother to make an excuse this time.

Maya, I have to go. Eat your dinner.

He didnt wait for my response. He turned and strode out the door.

I grabbed my phone and followed.

In the underground garage, I saw them.

She was wrapped around him like a koala bear.

Brooks large hand was supporting her hip, and he adjusted her, steadying her hold.

His voice reached me, a soft tone of mock-chiding laced with indulgence.

I told you to wait in the car. Who gave you permission to come upstairs? Trying to stay in bed all night?

She clung to his neck, pouting.

Yes, I want my man to love me hard.

Besides, Im smart. I brought those two milkshakes up and told him I was the delivery girl. Relax, your precious girlfriend wont find out.

Brooks chuckled softly and pinched her nose.

Youre too smart, baby. But dont do that again, understood? You can have anything you want, but you cannot let her find out. Thats my bottom line.

She huffed and shook her body against him.

You sound so tired, running back and forth. You change your clothes every time, terrified shell notice something. Do you really love her that much?

Brooks paused.

Yes. I love her. Thats why I cant let her find out. I cant let her be hurt.

What about me?

You are my favorite little thing, after her.

Hmph. Then you have to stay with me tonight. The whole night. No going back home.

Brooks leaned down and gave her a quick, soft kiss on the lips. His voice was gentle.

Deal.

Then, he opened the car door, placed her inside, and got in beside her.

A moment later, the car began to rock gently.

I slid slowly down the cold concrete pillar behind me, sinking onto the floor.

It turned out that peak heartbreak was silent, tearless.

After an eternity, the rocking stopped. The engine roared, and the car sped out of the parking garage.

I opened my phone and found the number I hadnt saved.

I dialed.

Brooks mother, Camilla, answered.

I watched the taillights disappear and spoke calmly.

The one hundred million. I accept your offer to leave your son.

In the tea room, Camilla Hawthorne set down her teacup, a small, knowing smile touching her lips.

Changed your mind? she asked. Last time, you said youd sooner die than leave Brooks.

I didnt touch the tea in front of me.

He betrayed me.

She raised an eyebrow, unsurprised.

Because of the other girl?

Her tone was utterly flat.

Id heard whispers. I just didn't expect you to be the one to find out first.

She seemed to sense I wasn't there for small talk.

Send me your bank details. The money will be transferred within three days.

She looked at me, her gaze like a sharpened knife.

Keep your word. If you try to contact him again, you know the consequences.

I stood up and left.

I received a text from Brooks a few minutes later.

[Maya, emergency project meeting tonight. Cant make it home. Get some rest and dont wait up for me.]

I sent him the photo I had just taken in the parking garage.

[Are you really at a meeting? Or are you with another woman?]

The message went unanswered.

I sat in the living room all night.

Brooks came home just as the sun was rising. He saw the untouched takeout boxes on the coffee table.

He rushed over, his face etched with worry.

Maya? He reached out to check my forehead. Your color is awful. Are you sick? You havent eaten a thing.

I turned my head away from his touch.

His hand froze in the air, his movement awkward.

I looked up at him, my voice parched.

Did you get the text I sent last night?

He frowned, pulling out his phone, feigning confusion.

What text? I was at the office all night dealing with a major crisis. My phone was probably on silent. I didnt notice.

Just then, SweetTinsley posted a new update.

[Day 255 of being spoiled by my man. His girlfriend found out we were hooking up and sent him a text. I secretly deleted it for him! Im such a clever girl!]

The accompanying photo showed a man's back, wrapped only in a towel.

So thats it.

My stomach felt hollow, too empty even for nausea.

I managed a slight, bitter curve of my lips and pulled my gaze away from the phone. I looked at Brooks, who was still pretending to check his notifications.

Maybe it didnt go through, I said.

He visibly relaxed.

He pulled me into a tight hug, resting his chin on my hair. His voice was dripping with relief and tenderness.

You little worrywart. You scared me.

His arms still felt warm, and his scent was achingly familiar. But I only felt an icy isolation.

Ive been too busy lately. Leaving you alone all the time, no one to eat or sleep beside. Its my fault.

He spoke in a low, loving murmur, the picture of devotion.

But its all worth it. Tomorrow is our engagement party.

Ive planned everything. Im going to make sure everyone knows that you, Maya Lynn, are the only woman Brooks Hawthorne will ever choose.

I stayed silent in his arms.

I thought of the year he was cut off from his family and had to start from scratch. Id just graduated from college. He had nothing. We lived in a cramped, damp basement apartment.

We shared one cup of ramen, and he gave me the only piece of processed meat.

His eyes were shining.

Youve suffered with me, Maya, but I promise you thisone day I will give you the best life.

The tears I shed then were real. My sympathy was real. And the light in his eyes? Perhaps it had been real, too.

If I hadnt seen that thread. If I hadnt seen those images in the garage.

I would still be here, foolishly, utterly, wholeheartedly trusting and loving him. Until I ran out of oxygen.

The next day, at the engagement venue.

Brooks had personally overseen the decor. Every corner was draped in the Wild English Rose, the flower Id once said represented resilient, yet romantic, life.

The room was full. Only his parents table remained conspicuously empty.

I wore the gown hed designed for me, standing by his side, accepting congratulations. He held my hand tightly, his face beaming with manufactured happiness.

The officiant was halfway through his overly sentimental opening speech when Brooks phone vibrated.

He glanced at it and quickly silenced it.

Just as the officiant was about to announce the exchange of rings, the phone vibrated again.

This time, Brooks didnt immediately shut it off.

He gave me an apologetic smile and whispered, Company emergency. I have to take this. Ill be right back.

He released my hand and moved behind a nearby pillar.

I stood in my place, watching his back as he answered. The distance wasn't great. I could see that at first, he listened with a hint of irritation.

Then, his face went instantly pale.

What? Which hospital? Im coming now! Tell her to wait for me!

He hung up abruptly, not even bothering to compose himself.

He turned, rushing over to me in a few hurried steps.

Maya, I have an urgent personal matter I need to deal with immediately.

Ill come straight back once its handled, I promise. Wait for me.

Before I could reply, he spun around and bolted from the room.

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence, followed by a rising tide of whispers. Everyones eyes were on me.

The officiant, completely lost, attempted a shaky recovery.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

A bank notification: the wire transfer had arrived. And a text from his mother.

[Money received. Remember our agreement.]

Almost simultaneously, SweetTinsley posted an update.

[Day 256 of being spoiled by my man. I purposely got clipped by a car to get his attention. He immediately ditched his girlfriend and ran from his own engagement party to see me! I told you Im his favorite!]

I screenshotted the post and dropped it into a PowerPoint presentation Id prepared long ago.

I walked forward and took the microphone from the mortified officiant.

Everyone, I said, my voice steady. The engagement is canceled. My apologies.

Before I go, I have a small gift for you all.

I projected the filetitled 'The Brooks Hawthorne/SweetTinsley Files'onto the large LED screen.

The first slide was SweetTinsleys latest post.

Ignoring the chaos erupting behind me, I lifted the hem of my gown, turned, and walked out.

A taxi pulled up to the curb.

I powered down my phone, took out the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half.

Brooks arrived at the hospital to find that Tinsleys injuries were minor. He was momentarily furious, but quickly reverted to the role of gentle comforter.

Tinsley, just focus on resting. Ill come back tomorrow.

Just as he finished the sentence, his assistant called.

Mr. Hawthorne, Maya Maya found out about Tinsley.