Please help me find a link of this novel: "My Ex Came Crawling Back"
After we were done, Benjamin Kilbreth tossed me my underwear and said, "Pack your things and move out tomorrow. Don't ever come back." I froze, asking instinctively, "Why?" He lit a cigarette, his eyes filled with a tenderness and longing I had never seen before. "She's coming back." I knew exactly who he meant—Emersyn Nuttall, his one true love. I stayed out of his life, just as he wished. But he called me, panicked and devastated. "How could you leave me?"
After hours of sex, Benjamin finally collapsed onto me, his breathing heavy and ragged. Then he rolled off and headed to the shower. When he emerged, I was still in bed. Even after all this time, I still couldn't keep up with his incredible stamina. Benjamin toweled off his damp hair, then casually hooked my underwear off the floor and tossed them to me. "Pack your things and move out tomorrow. Don't ever come back." I had been in this arrangement with Benjamin for three years. It started when I was just his secretary. After a few too many drinks at a banquet, we naturally ended up in bed together. The first time he brought me here, he refused to let me stay the night, claiming he wasn't used to sleeping beside anyone and telling me to go home once we were finished. But his desire was unusually intense. Soon, he began to crave more and started letting me stay over. To others, I was his most capable assistant, meticulously taking care of everything for him. In private, we were no different from a committed couple. Whether it was my birthday or a holiday, he would cancel every party and meeting just to be alone with me. He was stoic and serious in front of others, but with me, he never afraid to be needy or show his emotions. I had grown so used to this life that I'd even started to imagine a future with him—maybe building a family and finally having a real home of our own. But now, he told me not to come back anymore. My hands faltered while I was hooking my bra. "Are you going on a business trip?" I asked reflexively. "How is it that I didn't know—" Benjamin lit a cigarette, calmly cutting me off, "She's coming home." The tenderness and longing in his eyes were like nothing I had ever seen before. I instantly realized who he meant—Emersyn, the woman he never got over. In the height of passion, he'd held me and murmured a name in a delirium. I only learned the truth later: it belonged to the one woman he loved but could never have.
I couldn't stand the smell of smoke, and it made my throat feel tight and hoarse. "Is she moving in?" Benjamin's face was blurred behind a haze of gray, though his voice remained gentle. I watched him shake his head. "She's not like you. She's not the type of woman who gives herself away so casually. "I'm just worried she'll get the wrong idea if she sees your things when she comes to visit me. "Honestly, she's so pure and innocent. She won't even let me kiss her, let alone..." Let alone sleep with her... I finished the sentence for him in my head. Fighting the sting in my eyes, I got out of bed and began gathering my clothes from the floor. My dress had been torn, so I grabbed a pair of trousers from the closet and pulled them on. Then, I started packing. "There's no rush. Can't you stay until tomorrow?" Benjamin walked over and buried his face in the crook of my neck, his tone as affectionate and needy as ever. "I want you to make me that pasta again." My hands froze as I was folding my clothes. "Alright," I said softly. "I'll make it for you." I turned on the stove, and once the water came to a boil, I dropped in the pasta. Once it was ready, I drained it, topped it with beef slices I'd prepared myself, and added the sauce. As Benjamin ate, I went back to my packing. I had lived here for three years, yet everything I owned fit into a single suitcase. It was mostly just my clothes. I didn't take any of the kitchenware or household essentials I'd bought for him after moving in. When I wheeled my suitcase into the living room, Benjamin gestured toward the cabinet. "You really liked that dinnerware set, didn't you?" I followed his gaze to the pure white set we'd picked out at the store when I first moved in. I had hesitated back then, worried it would take up too much space. Benjamin had put it into the cart without a second thought. "If you like it, just get it," he'd said with an indulgent smile. I shook my head. "There's no room for it in my suitcase." I was about to walk out the door when Benjamin called out to me. His plate was nearly empty. He looked down, lit a cigarette, and exhaled a cloud of smoke. "At the office, we'll maintain a professional relationship," he said, his eyes dark and unreadable. "But privately, you can still come to me if you ever need anything." I understood what he was implying. I simply nodded. "Alright."
Chapter 2 I dragged my suitcase out, hailed a taxi, and returned to my apartment alone. It was already two in the morning, far too late to ask anyone for help. I quickly cleared a small space and lay down—I was completely exhausted. I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow, but strangely enough, I kept dreaming about the days when I first met Benjamin. Back then, he was the untouchable head of the Kilbreth Group, and I was just one of his many assistants. My first real encounter with him happened at a gala. The executive assistant had an emergency and asked me to fill in to accompany Benjamin to the event. After several rounds of drinks, one of our business partners suddenly turned his attention to me. The potbellied man leered at me. "Ms. Tilley," he said, "refusing to drink with me is a real slap in the face." I hadn't yet learned how to navigate situations like that and froze on the spot. "I'm sorry, I'm allergic to alcohol." The man's face darkened instantly, and the entire room went silent. Trembling, I picked up the glass, prepared to drain it. I figured the worst that could happen was a trip to the ER. But halfway there, a hand stopped me. Benjamin's profile was partially lost in the shadows. He gave a faint smile and said, "Mr. Wreggitt, why pick on a young lady? "I'll take this one for her." I stared blankly as he finished glass after glass offered to him, his face flushing and his eyes growing glassy. I later learned that Benjamin had only just taken over the company back then, and plenty of people were looking for an excuse to push him out. After that night, I made it my mission to learn how to handle those kinds of events. When the executive assistant jumped ship, Benjamin promoted me. I became his personal secretary, managing everything for him, from his professional schedule to his daily life. The night we first slept together, he was completely wasted. He kept murmuring a name in a delirium, his voice thick with sorrow and heartache. My heart went out to him; I couldn't help but reach out and hold him. Everything just happened naturally after that. It wasn't until much later that I realized that day had been Emersyn's birthday. The next morning was Saturday. I was jolted awake early by a call from Benjamin. "Come over and drive me to the airport." He hung up before I could even get a word in. I hadn't slept well; my pillow was still damp when I woke up. I rubbed my throbbing temples, got ready, and headed out. I called a car to his place—Benjamin hated nothing more than tardiness. On the way, I arranged for a housekeeper to clean my apartment. Then, my family called. My mother rambled on for a while before asking cautiously, "Genny, are you coming home for the holidays this year?" The quiet expectation in her aging voice made my throat tighten. "Mom, I'll be home next week." She sounded like she couldn't quite believe it. "Really?" For the past three years, I had spent every holiday at Benjamin's place. No wonder Mom was so shocked. I nodded firmly, my throat tight. "Mom, I'm coming home." After hanging up, I submitted my resignation through the company's HR portal. I climbed into the familiar black Audi. He was already in the backseat. The car moved smoothly toward the airport; not a single word was spoken the entire way. As we neared the terminal, his voice suddenly drifted from the back. "You left something at my place." It was the matching sweater I'd bought for Valentine's Day that year. I'd worn the women's version, and Benjamin the men's. We had spent the whole day out together, playing house and acting like a real couple. For one brief day, I'd had him all to myself. I took a deep breath, my voice flat. "Just throw it away." Benjamin fell silent. Before long, Benjamin was leading Emersyn back to the car. She was wearing a plush white coat over a chiffon dress. Her eyes were large, clear, and utterly captivating. It was easy to see why she was the first love that he could never get over. Emersyn looped her arm through Benjamin's and gave me a playful look. "Genny, would you mind helping me with my bags?" Benjamin acted as if he hadn't heard a thing. I shot her a brief glance, then got out of the car without a word. I knew women usually traveled with a lot of gear, but I hadn't expected Emersyn to show up with five massive suitcases. I used every ounce of my strength to heave them into the trunk; by the time I was done, my hands were shaking and aching. The moment I got back inside, the lively chatter in the backseat was instantly cut short. Benjamin pulled out a pack of cigarettes and started to take one out, but then he hesitated and put it back. A second later, I heard Emersyn's delicate voice from behind me. "Ben, you still haven't quit smoking? You know how much I hate the smell of smoke."
Chapter 3 Benjamin immediately tucked his cigarettes away and ruffled her hair. "Marco and the guys rented out a place to celebrate your homecoming. Do you want to go?" "Absolutely!" Emersyn nodded, then turned to me with wide eyes. "Genny, why don't you come too? The more the merrier." I pressed my lips together, ready to decline. But Benjamin cut in, "Emmie just got back. Don't ruin the mood." In the end, I went anyway. The moment we walked in, Benjamin's inner circle crowded around them. Led by Benjamin's friend, Marco Joinson, the group started teasing them immediately. "The guest of honor is finally back! All these years you've been gone, Ben's been like a man possessed waiting for his wife to return." "You're back to get hitched, huh?" "When's the big day? I'm already saving up for the wedding gift!" Emersyn buried her face shyly against Benjamin's chest. Benjamin laughed, playfully scolding them. "Cut it out! Don't scare Emmie like this. When there's good news to share, you'll be the first to know." The two of them were ushered into the private room, surrounded by the crowd. When Marco spotted me trailing behind, his expression shifted to one of awkwardness. "M-Ms. Tilley, you're here, too? Come on in, please." Emersyn must have picked up on the underlying tension between Benjamin and me. She remained cold and abrasive throughout the entire meal. Marco poured Emersyn a glass of fruit wine with a smile. "Emmie, since it's your first day back, do me a favor and have a drink with me." Benjamin moved to intercept the glass. "Don't you know she's allergic to alcohol?" Marco scratched the back of his head, looking completely confused. Emersyn's face darkened. "I'm not allergic to alcohol..." Benjamin froze mid-motion, his own wine glass still raised. "Is that so? I must have misremembered." Emersyn turned and noticed the juice in my glass, and her expression soured even further. "Why isn't Genny drinking?" She lifted her glass and tilted her head, her eyes flashing with a touch of malice. "You're not unhappy that I'm back, are you?" I glanced at Benjamin. He was staring straight at me, his lips parting slightly as he spoke. "Genevieve, just have one drink. Don't ruin the mood for everyone." I took a deep breath, picked up the glass of red wine in front of me, and drained it in one go. The room immediately erupted into cheers. Soon, a rash broke out all over my body, spreading in a thick crawl up my neck. Someone spotted it and gasped in alarm, "Oh my God, you're having an allergic reaction..." Benjamin glanced over indifferently, his tone ice-cold. "She'll be fine. It's not like she's going to die." The dinner dragged on. After a few more rounds, one of Benjamin's friends sighed. "Seriously, though. Ben, you're as loyal as they come. Emmie left so suddenly back then, and you still waited three years for her." Marco, who was clearly drunk, burped and slung an arm over Benjamin's shoulder. "I actually thought you and Genevieve might end up together. You two have been inseparable these last three years." Emersyn stared straight at me, the malice plain in her eyes. "Genny, is there some other side to you I don't know about? You know, besides being Ben's secretary?" Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "Genevieve, why don't you tell everyone? What exactly are we to each other?" I let out a short laugh, as if I'd just heard something ridiculous. "Don't overthink it, Ms. Nuttall. Mr. Kilbreth and I are strictly...boss and employee." By the time dinner ended, Benjamin was wasted. In his drunken haze, he instinctively reached for me, his voice soft and pleading. "Genevieve, will you take me home?" He leaned against my shoulder, clinging to me more than ever before, nuzzling into my neck like he was desperate for affection. "Do you really think...we're only... "Do you have any idea..." I didn't catch the rest. A second later, Benjamin was yanked away from me. Emersyn stood there like she was guarding her territory, propping Benjamin up as she glared at me. "Genny, since you're just his employee, you should keep your distance from a man who's already engaged. Otherwise, people might start to talk, don't you think?" I nodded, my face a mask of indifference. "You're absolutely right."
Chapter 4 For a week, aside from work, Benjamin and I had no private contact at all. My resignation was approved quickly through the company portal, and the final step only required Benjamin's signature. I printed a hard copy, walked into his office, and handed the letter to him. He was on a call, his voice unusually gentle. Without even glancing at the paper, he signed his name in a few quick strokes. I turned to leave, but he stopped me. "I'm proposing to Emmie tonight. Leave early this afternoon to go set up the venue." Benjamin leaned back in his leather seat and gave the order calmly. I nodded to show I understood. "Is there anything else?" He stared at me steadily, as if searching my face for some other emotion, but eventually he looked away. I left work an hour early and headed to the address Benjamin had given me. After three years together, I knew his preferences like the back of my hand. I never imagined the last thing I would ever do for him would be arranging his proposal. I spent an hour setting up the proposal venue and planned to head out immediately. Unexpectedly, I ran into Emersyn. The moment she saw me, she looked overjoyed, as if she had completely forgotten our unpleasant encounter. She linked her arm through mine affectionately, acting like we were the best of friends. "Genny, thank goodness you're here. I need to get into my dress. Could you help me?" I had no real reason to refuse, so I agreed. I followed Emersyn to the dressing room. She stepped into the gown Benjamin had instructed me to pick up from the bridal shop. It was stunning—absolutely breathtaking. I remembered when that dress first debuted; I had stared at the magazine for hours, unable to look away. When Benjamin had seen it, he'd said, "Do you like it that much? I'll buy it for you." I never imagined that just six months later, that very dress would be on Emersyn. "Genny, how does it look?" Emersyn had pale skin, and in that dress, she seemed to glow. "It's beautiful," I said. Emersyn lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward me gracefully, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Too bad beautiful things are always coveted by those who don't own them. "Being with Ben for three years—you actually thought he would end up with you, didn't you? "What a shame. Ben still can't forget me. All your effort over the last three years was for nothing." I froze. So she knew everything. But I quickly regained my composure. Whatever I had with Benjamin had been mutual; I was never a homewrecker. Emersyn acting like a jealous wife catching her husband with a mistress was simply ridiculous. Once that realization clicked, I pulled myself up to my full height. I looked at her with a faint smile. "How can a mutual relationship be called a waste of effort? "For the past three years, I've had a handsome partner with incredible stamina like Benjamin for free. Who's to say who really lost out?" Emersyn's eyes instantly flared with rage. She lunged, raising her hand to slap me. "Bitch! You shameless bitch!" I blocked her easily, twisting her arm behind her back. "Resorting to violence because you're losing an argument? Who taught you that?" Emersyn suddenly wrenched her hand free, a sly, triumphant smile spreading across her lips. "Who do you think Benjamin will believe in a minute? You or me?" I didn't even have time to process what she meant. Before I knew it, Emersyn pulled a pair of scissors out of nowhere and began violently hacking at her dress. "Genny, even if I offended you, you didn't have to do this!" she whimpered in a pitiful voice. I froze for a split second, and then it clicked—this was all a performance. Emersyn ripped the gown to shreds, threw the scissors to the floor, and then slapped herself hard across the face. She cowered, looking absolutely terrified. "Help! Genny, please, don't do this to me!"
Chapter 5 I stepped forward, pinned her skirt down with my foot, and slapped her across the face. The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the room. Emersyn was completely stunned, looking up at me in pure disbelief. "You hit me? How dare you hit me?!" I gave a curt nod of approval. "That's better. Your acting before was way too over-the-top." Emersyn scrambled back, shielding her face as if terrified I'd strike again. Even then, she managed to scream toward the door, "Ben! Help me!" A flurry of frantic footsteps sounded from behind, followed by Benjamin's furious roar. "Genevieve! What the hell are you doing?" Emersyn tried to lung toward Benjamin, dragging her tattered dress behind her. I stepped forward again, pinning her skirt back down. I grabbed her by the hair and delivered a hard slap to both sides of her face. By the time I finished, her cheeks were already beginning to swell. This time, Emersyn's tears were real. She looked so fragile and broken that anyone would have felt a surge of pity for her. Benjamin completely lost it. "Genevieve, do you have any idea what day this is? What the hell are you doing?" He grabbed my wrist, his face dark with a murderous fury. "Apologize to Emersyn. Now!" "Why should I apologize? I didn't do anything wrong!" I violently wrenched my hand from his grip. Still fueled by rage, I lunged at the sobbing Emersyn, roughly tearing the tattered remains of the dress right off her body. "You wanted it shredded? Let me help you!" With her only cover ripped away, Emersyn screamed in terror. A crowd had already gathered outside the door, leaving her with nowhere to hide. Benjamin grabbed my hand in a blind rage and slapped me across the face. "Are you finished? "Who do you think you are to lay a finger on Emmie? You're nothing but my employee. What makes you think you matter? "I'm telling you one last time—apologize!" It had been a long time since Benjamin had spoken to me in such a cold, brutal tone. Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back, refusing to let a single one fall. I held back my tears, lifted my foot, and kicked him hard in the shin. "Go to hell with your apology!" I pushed through the crowd and ran as fast as I could. I contacted the venue manager, pulled the surveillance footage from the dressing room, and cast it onto the venue's big screen for everyone to see. I packed my things overnight and booked a flight back to my hometown. Before boarding, I checked my phone one last time. Benjamin had posted a new update on Instagram. It was a photo of Emersyn's hand wearing a ring, with a simple caption. "Hello, Mrs. Kilbreth." I blocked him, then stepped onto the plane to go home.