Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 53

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 53: He Was Too Late**

Cindy clicked her tongue, a sound of appreciation escaping her lips. Darcy was undeniably one tough woman, a force to be reckoned with.

Seven years of emotions, memories, and dreams—snuffed out in an instant. When she learned that her ex had been deceived, her response was simply, “Okay,” delivered with a calmness that was almost unsettling. No triumphant smirk, no reveling in his downfall; instead, she turned her focus inward, determinedly charting her own course through the tumult of her life.

What a remarkable person she was. Even if the universe conspired against her becoming her sister-in-law, the idea of forging a close friendship was a comforting thought.

Darcy immersed herself in her studies until the clock struck eleven, her determination palpable as she absorbed every word on the page.

After a long day, she washed up and slipped into bed, seeking solace in the familiar glow of her phone screen. As she scrolled through her social media feed, a new post from Kaia’s alternate account caught her eye.

It wasn’t as if she was actively searching for it; the platform’s algorithm had simply decided she needed to see it.

With a resigned sigh, she shook her head, a mix of disbelief and a bittersweet smile playing on her lips.

Her feelings toward Kaia had become a tangled web of confusion and hurt. On one hand, the sting of betrayal pricked at her heart—Kaia had forged a friendship with Zane behind her back, a betrayal that felt like a knife twisting in her gut. Yet, on the other hand, they had grown up together, their bond forged in the fires of childhood. It was impossible for Darcy to sever that connection overnight.

And then there was her mother, whose health had taken a downturn. The last thing she wanted was to add to the burdens that weighed heavily on their family.

If it were within her power, Darcy would strive for at least a semblance of civility with Kaia.

“So thrilled to celebrate my supervisor’s mother’s birthday! Feeling like we’re becoming besties!”

The term “supervisor” was a thinly veiled reference to Zane, and as Darcy zoomed in on the images, her heart sank.

In one photo, they stood uncomfortably close, a picture of intimacy that made her stomach churn. In another, Zane looked at Kaia with a tenderness that had once been reserved for her, while Kaia gazed down, a shy smile gracing her lips as she introduced Zane to the guests.

They were officially a couple now.

The birthday party had been their stage, a public announcement of Zane’s new status as Kaia’s future husband. Just days after their breakup! It was as if they were flaunting their happiness, utterly unashamed of the chaos they were leaving in their wake.

All desire to continue scrolling evaporated. With a swift motion, Darcy turned off the screen and tossed her phone onto the nightstand as if it were a hot coal.

She curled her knees to her chest, staring blankly into the darkness of her room, her mind swirling with memories.

For a long time, she had believed Zane was a closed chapter in her life, a book she had finished reading. But now, the weight of their shared history crashed down on her like a tidal wave.

In the stillness of the night, a profound sadness enveloped her. Seven years—most of her youthful innocence had been poured into that one love. The breakup felt like a violent carving out of her very essence. How could it not hurt?

Tears began to fall, pattering softly onto the back of her hand. She yanked the blanket up to her chin and bit down on it, stifling the sounds of her heartbreak. She lost track of time, the minutes slipping away as she cried until her eyes felt raw and swollen, drained of their light.

“Darcy, you’re allowed to be sad. You’re allowed to cry,” she whispered to herself, her voice barely a breath.

But she made a silent vow: “Just tonight. After tonight, not a single tear more for that man.”

Monday arrived, and Darcy took the day off to accompany her mother to the hospital for a follow-up appointment.

The hospital buzzed with activity, a cacophony of voices and the rhythmic beeping of machines. After securing the appointment slip, she helped her mother settle into a chair, the weight of her worry palpable.

“I’m thirsty,” her mother said, her voice faint.

“I’ll get you some water,” Darcy replied, forcing a smile before heading toward the vending machines.

Hugo pressed his lips together, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. “Are you job-hunting? If you’re interested, you could join the Sterling Group. Name your salary.”

Darcy was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated such an offer from him.

Noticing her surprise, Hugo let out a light laugh. “I know your capabilities better than anyone. Having you at Sterling would be an honor.”

She appreciated the compliment but had no intention of accepting.

“No, thank you,” she said firmly, shaking her head.

“Is it because you want to avoid the association?” he probed, his curiosity evident.

“No. It’s because I’ve already found a job.”

“Where?”

“Sorry, Mr. Sterling. That’s private. No comment.”

As she walked away, Hugo watched her retreating figure, a sense of loss weighing heavily on his heart.

He realized, far too late, that he had missed his chance.

Before leaving the hospital, Hugo made a call, his voice steady yet laced with concern. “Uncle, there’s a patient I’d like you to keep an eye on for me.”

**Send Gifts**