Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Running Away

They say a great marriage isn't something that just happens—it's something you build, piece by piece.

Oh, really? Then tell me why the hell my groom ran away at the altar, leaving me standing there like a fool—stunned, heartbroken... and humiliated beyond belief.

What was supposed to be the most beautiful day of my life turned into a living nightmare. Not only did he vanish, but he chose that moment—the altar, in front of hundreds of eyes—to disappear. Why couldn't he just tell me privately? Why pick that day, of all days? I thought he loved me. I thought he truly cared. I thought we'd build a life together.

But instead, it ended... tragically.

Love and I? We've never been on good terms. My older brother Jorge married his sweetheart two years ago—they're still living their happily ever after. My younger sister Joslyn tied the knot a year ago with her college love. Both of them found people who cherish them.

And me?

Welcome to Jinxville, population: me.

To be honest, I never wanted to marry Ashton—my mom's friend's son. But with everyone pressuring me, encouraging me, insisting he was a "good man," I gave in. Over time, I even began to like him. He seemed sweet, considerate—he made me believe he cared.

But scratch all of that—he's a coward. A spineless, inconsiderate, douchebag coward.

That was the day I left my hometown, my family, my friends—and everything I knew—behind. I fled to North Behan, a place that felt as cold and unfamiliar as the numbness in my chest.

As fate would have it, I bumped into Esme Lynch—my old friend from elementary school. She took one look at my mess of a life and, out of pure kindness, brought me home with her. Esme had dropped out of school years ago, struggling to survive with the help of her sisters. Now, she's married to a man who truly loves her, raising a beautiful three-year-old daughter.

It's been three months since that awful day. Three months since I left everything behind. Three months unemployed and mooching off Esme's generosity. She and her husband, Mark, have been nothing but kind—despite their own financial struggles.

I've been job-hunting, but apparently, a Bachelor's in Finance with a 3.8 GPA means nothing in this place. I'm either overqualified, under-experienced, or just plain invisible.

Tonight, I wandered into a small bar down the street—alone. It was quiet, not empty, but not crowded either. Just... neutral. I sat at the bar, nursing a drink, unable to escape the spiral of thoughts.

It was supposed to be my big day. So why am I still stuck in the past? Why does his face haunt my dreams? Why can't I just move on?

"Hey," a familiar voice called.

Turning, I saw Esme slide onto the stool beside me.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.

I gave a half-shrug and forced a sip from my glass. "Better than ever," I lied.

She sighed, clearly not buying it. "J... he doesn't deserve you. He's a jerk."

"I know," I murmured. "I wasn't even thinking about him."

Liar.

"How's the job hunt?" she asked gently.

I hesitated. "No luck yet. Honestly, I'd take anything at this point. Cleaner, maid—you name it. I don't care about my qualifications anymore."

Esme tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Actually... Aria, a friend of mine, just took leave to care for her sick mom. She needs someone to fill in for three to four months. It's a maid position."