He Chose His Assistant Over Me / Chapter 8: Breaking Point
He Chose His Assistant Over Me

He Chose His Assistant Over Me

Author: Johnny Berry


Chapter 8: Breaking Point

Marcus never got the chicken soup. He didn’t come back to the office. His phone was dead to the world. And then I got a call from Marcus’s mother, summoning me to the old house.

When I got there, she was waiting with her arms crossed, tapping her foot. She eyed the thermos in my hands. "Pour that out. Put my soup in. Take it to Marcus. I made it special for him, but he’s leaving for an overseas trip tonight. Hurry, so he can have it before he goes."

It was raining so hard it blurred the world. The drive from the company to the old house took two hours, and by the time I was ready to head back, I knew I’d never make it in time. But Marcus’s mom had never liked me, and I wasn’t about to pick a fight I couldn’t win.

She pushed me toward the door. As I left, I heard her mutter to the housekeeper, "Well, bless her heart, she finally left. I’ve seen Marcus moon over that sweet little assistant for ages. He just feels guilty about that jinx. Now the assistant’s in the hospital, it’s the perfect excuse. I bet Marcus is with her right now. If that bad luck charm catches them, maybe she’ll finally ask for a divorce."

I stood frozen in the doorway, thermos in hand, her words echoing in my ears.

I can’t remember getting in the car or pulling onto the highway. Headlights flashed in my eyes, a truck’s horn blared, and suddenly I was spinning, the world turning upside down. My car slid off the road and crashed into a tree halfway down the embankment.

A branch punched through the window and jabbed my shoulder. For a moment, pain was the only real thing left. I thought of Derek’s words, Marcus’s mom’s voice, and I stopped caring about living. I was tired, so tired. Maybe this was what I’d wanted all along.

But still, a voice kept calling me—Rachel, Rachel. Annoying, persistent, caring.

I sighed and dialed 911. My words were slurred, location unclear, and the operator grew impatient. I hung up and called Marcus. The call rang and rang. No answer. My battery was dying, the rain pounding down, my consciousness slipping away.

In the fog, my mind wandered to Marcus’s office. I imagined myself pushing open the door to the break room—and there they were, Marcus and Aubrey, tangled together. A box of condoms on the nightstand, Marcus’s phone on the floor, buzzing with my call until it finally went dark.

I laughed—a wild, broken sound. I must be dying. I’d bet everything on Marcus, and lost. He chose Aubrey, even in the end.

A gust of wind knocked over the lamp. Darkness closed in. Their voices, muffled and distant, faded away.

I woke back in my own body, alone in the wrecked car, rain soaking through my clothes. I stared at the stormy sky, closed my eyes, and let the world fade.

Maybe dying alone is better. At least I’m not anyone’s burden.

"Rachel?"

A voice called me again. I couldn’t answer. My soul felt scattered, dissolving into the rain. One last thought flickered: If I hadn’t gotten sick, if I let go of Marcus, what kind of life could I have had?

At last, I let go and drifted into the storm.

This chapter is VIP-only. Activate membership to continue.

You may also like

He Chose Her—So I Chose Me
He Chose Her—So I Chose Me
4.9
A car ride was all it took to shatter twenty years of sacrifice. When I, a devoted single mother, dared to sit beside my son, his girlfriend unleashed accusations that turned my world upside down—and my own child sided with her. I’d saved, planned, and dreamed for his future, only to be cast out and humiliated. As family lines blur and loyalty is tested, I’m forced to make a choice: cling to the son who betrayed me, or finally put myself first. Will my heartbreak become my freedom, or will the past pull me back in? When love turns to war, who gets the front seat in your life?
His Assistant’s Resignation Shook the CEO
His Assistant’s Resignation Shook the CEO
4.5
For four years, Natalie was Nathan Reed’s right hand—respected, envied, and always replaceable. When a new assistant who looks just like his first love arrives, Natalie’s world unravels: is she valued for her work, or just a shadow of his past obsession? As Nathan toys with her heart and career, Natalie must decide—will she finally walk away, or will his twisted affection pull her back in?
He Chose Her Over Me—Again
He Chose Her Over Me—Again
4.7
Emily always thought she’d be the Howell bride, until Chris shattered her trust—sacrificing her happiness for his mentor’s orphaned daughter. Humiliated, overlooked, and expected to give up everything for Lily, Emily finally refuses to play the gracious loser. When Chris announces his own engagement to Lily out of duty, Emily must decide: will she keep living in someone else’s shadow, or claim her own future—even if it means breaking every rule of Chicago high society?
He Chose His Mistress Over Me
He Chose His Mistress Over Me
4.8
Rachel lost her family and clung to Ethan, the only man who ever showed her kindness—until the day he declared his secret lover would become his second wife. Humiliated and cast aside, Rachel is forced to plan their wedding, all while the whole town watches her heartbreak. But with the annulment papers signed, she realizes she doesn’t need anyone’s pity—least of all Ethan’s—and vows to reclaim her life, no matter how many rumors or rivals stand in her way.
He Chose Her Over Me
He Chose Her Over Me
5.0
Natalie always believed her childhood love with Derek would last forever—until a wild outsider named Aubrey crashes into their lives, stealing his affection and her family's loyalty. Betrayed and replaced, Natalie must fight for her place in a small town where secrets, jealousy, and heartbreak simmer beneath the surface. She’s about to prove she’s nobody’s backup plan.
Humiliated by My Boss, Desired by Her Rival
Humiliated by My Boss, Desired by Her Rival
4.9
After five years of loyal grind and humiliating rejection by his boss Rachel, Derek finally snaps—quitting the job and the woman he secretly loved. But when Rachel's icy cruelty gives way to jealousy and regret, Derek finds himself caught in a dangerous new office war—one where his dignity, his heart, and his future are all on the line. Will Derek finally get the respect—and love—he deserves, or is he destined to be just another office casualty?
Stolen by My Trainee
Stolen by My Trainee
4.7
Matt clawed his way to the top of sales, only to have his $15,000 bonus handed to a cocky new hire with family ties. Betrayed by his boss, backstabbed by HR, and humiliated in front of the whole office, Matt refuses to back down. With everything on the line, he'll risk his job—and his pride—to take back what’s his.
He Chose Me to Defend His Crime
He Chose Me to Defend His Crime
4.6
Amy Bennett, a rookie lawyer with zero criminal experience, is handpicked by a confessed killer to defend him in a brutal murder case. The evidence screams 'guilty'—but Derek Harris swears he’ll reveal a secret that could turn the entire case upside down. With her career and conscience on the line, Amy must decide if the truth is worth risking everything for a man everyone already hates.
He Chose My Rival Over Me
He Chose My Rival Over Me
4.8
Natalie Carson thought marrying Derek would finally make her whole, but a shocking twist gives her a second chance—and a glimpse at the betrayals lurking behind small-town smiles. Now, with only twelve days to reclaim her future and her family's legacy, she must defy the man she once loved and the rival who stole everything. Will Natalie break free, or is her fate already sealed?
The Chief of Staff's Fallen Heir
The Chief of Staff's Fallen Heir
4.8
Once Washington’s golden boy, I’m now forced to beg the ruthless Chief of Staff I once humiliated—offering my body to save my dying mother. Lucas Ford toys with my pride, taking revenge for every slight, while my family legacy crumbles and the man I secretly crave destroys me piece by piece. In a house built on secrets and betrayal, will I ever reclaim my power—or am I destined to be his captive forever?
He Chose Her Over Our Baby
He Chose Her Over Our Baby
4.9
Natalie’s world shatters when her husband, Gavin, abandons her and their newborn to chase after his ex in a war zone. As everyone expects her to save him, Natalie must decide whether to rescue the man who broke her heart—or finally put herself and her daughter first. Torn between betrayal and freedom, she faces the ultimate test of love and self-worth.
He Cheated With My Best Friend While I Was Pregnant
He Cheated With My Best Friend While I Was Pregnant
4.7
Three years into my marriage to Chicago’s golden boy, I found out I was pregnant—then caught him in bed with my best friend. Humiliated, betrayed, and blamed by everyone, I faced an impossible choice: keep a baby for a man who never truly loved me, or finally break free. This time, I’m divorcing him and choosing myself, no matter what anyone says.