Chapter 12 Going Our Separate Ways
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In Ivana’s version of the story, I became the ex who just couldn’t let go of Clarence.
The comment section exploded. People accused me of being shameless, saying I was after the Kirks‘ fortune and couldn’t handle losing the man I used to rely on.
One wrote, “I know Clarence’s ex–wife. She’s really nothing special.”
Another jumped in, “You mean Janelle Sawyer? She’s had her sights on Clarence since university. I always figured she was after his family’s money from day one.”
I knew exactly who was behind those comments. It was obviously the same bunch who had once fawned over Clarence.
Back when we were together, they treated me well out of courtesy to him. But once they saw he had moved on with Ivana, they switched loyalties in a heartbeat and started acting cold toward me.
Still, I didn’t care. I hadn’t planned to respond at all. Out of nowhere, someone posted a video that spoke for me.
It showed Clarence, visibly drunk and refusing to leave my apartment. The footage was crystal clear.
I had no idea who recorded it or why they’d stepped up when Ivana decided to drag my name through the mud.
While I was still trying to figure it out, Clarence called.
“Janelle, what the hell is wrong with you?” he barked. “Ivana’s just insecure. Why’d you have to leak that video? Do you think you get to keep messing with my life just because we’re divorced?”
I’d managed to deal with Clarence calmly at first, but right then, all I wanted was to strangle him. Ivana had twisted the truth, and I was the one being blamed for setting the record straight?
Net out a cold chuckle and shot back, “Whatever games you and Ivana are playing, that’s your business. Why did you have to drag me into it?
“And for the record, I didn’t post that video. Someone else clearly couldn’t stomach your act anymore. But if it happens again, I swear I will be the one clapping back”
Then, I hung up, furious.
I had blocked Clarence’s number more times than I could count, yet it never stopped him. He just wouldn’t leave me alone.
Later, I found out it was Benson who posted the video. He had actually come by that same day to talk things through. After all, he’d grabbed my arm in front of Clarence and wasn’t sure if I’d been upset. He never expected to walk into such a scene.
However, that was a story for another time.
The incident hit Ivana and Clarence hard, especially him. It took a toll on his image. In a bid to salvage his reputation, he rushed to announce their engagement. He even claimed he had only gone to my place that night to settle some loose ends before the wedding and that he’d simply had too much to drink.
Whatever the excuse, it was clear Ivana was all he thought about. He had made her his true and rightful partner.
Their photos were plastered across every media outlet. From that moment on, she was his plus–one at every major event.
Ivana was living her moment, soaking up the spotlight and all the attention. Meanwhile, I was just the ex that Clarence had left behind. Compared to her, it felt like i had lost the game.
But i wasn’t exactly struggling either. The project Ansel and I had been working on was taking off.
The other company doubled its investment and brought new opportunities our way. Analyzing the market required precision and expertise. It was exactly what I was good at.
After three intense months of work, Ansel’s reputation in the industry soared. With that, he decided to promote me as the face of the firm.
I wanted to decline, but Ansel said, “If it weren’t for you, this company wouldn’t be where it is now. I don’t take credit for work I didn’t do. Janelle, I see all the effort you’ve put in. You need to
accept this.”
His expression was serious, making it impossible for me to say no.
Less than six months later, I had made a name for myself as a top–tier analyst.
Meanwhile, Clarence and Ivana had gotten married three days ago. The day before the wedding, he got drunk and called me.
“Janelle, I–I’m getting married tomorrow,” he slurred. “You’ll never get me back now.”
