Anything But Porcelain

Emily strode into the gleaming lobby of Mitchell Financial, her heels clicking decisively on the polished marble. The usual receptionists and junior associates greeted her with warm smiles, used to seeing the fiancée of their star Ryan Mitchell.

"Evening, Ms. Carter," called out Janice from the front desk. "Surprising Ryan?"

Emily flashed a tight smile, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. "You know me, can't stay away."

She made her way to the elevator, mind racing. It had been weeks since she'd seen Ryan outside of hurried dinners and distracted phone calls. His big merger was finally wrapping up and her massive project was finally done and dusted - time to celebrate and reconnect.

The elevator dinged open on the executive floor. Emily's heels sunk into plush carpeting as she approached Ryan's corner office. Muffled sounds filtered through the heavy oak door. Was that...?

Emily's hand froze on the doorknob. A woman's breathy moan. Rhythmic thumping.

"Oh fuck," she whispered. Her fingers trembled as she twisted the handle.

The door swung open. Emily's gasp caught in her throat.

There was Ryan, jeans around his ankles, another woman bent over his mahogany desk. Papers scattered across the floor. The woman's blouse was rucked up, exposing a lacy red bra.

Ryan's head snapped up at the sound of the door. His eyes went wide with shock.

"Emily! I can expl-"

"You fucking bastard!" Emily shouted. "How could you?!" Tears blurred her vision as she spun on her heel and fled.

Behind her, Ryan cursed and tried to chase after her, trousers tangled around his legs. There was a muffled thud and a yelp of pain as he face-planted onto the carpet.

Emily jabbed furiously at the elevator button, chest heaving. How could she have been so blind? So fucking stupid?

As the doors slid closed, she heard Ryan's plaintive voice:

"Emily, wait! It's not what it looks like!"

She leaned against the elevator wall, legs shaking. "It's exactly what it looks like, you lying sack of shit," she muttered.

The facade had shattered. Now she saw Ryan for what he truly was - a selfish, cheating asshole who had played her for a fool.

As the elevator descended, Emily took a deep breath. She was done with his bullshit. It was time to take back control of her life, starting right fucking now.

Emily burst through the office doors, her vision blurred by hot tears. The shocked faces of Ryan's coworkers swam before her as she stumbled towards the exit, her heels clicking frantically on the polished floor.

"Emily, wait!" Ryan's voice echoed behind her, tinged with desperation.

She spun around, green eyes flashing with fury. "Fuck off back to your mistress, you lying piece of shit!" The venom in her words made several nearby employees gasp.

Ryan reached for her arm, still struggling to fasten his belt. "Please, let me explain-"

"Explain what?" Emily snarled, jerking away from his touch. "How you decided to screw your secretary when you're meant to be marrying me? Save it for someone who gives a damn."