The CEO's Heart War

**Flashback 10 years- Graduation Day**

Steph looked perfect as always for our graduation. I knew we would not be anything. I couldn't see myself with her anymore but how am I going to tell her this? I have been drifting from her for months now. I had big plans and she wasn't a part of them. I wanted to just be done but here I am at graduation and still looking at my girlfriend like she is my world. When she smiled and asked was we were going to do next I lost it. I had to tell her and it was now or never.

"Steph, I am going to head into the big city and start this company for men's wear. I do not want, nor need you to come alongside me and support me. I will be doing this alone. Without you." I said flatly.

"I meant after graduation today but I see how you feel. I will let you be then. Do not try and contact me when you feel like you made the wrong choice." came her cold reply as she turned and walked away.

"Wait..." but it fell on deft ears. She was already gone. Had I just screwed up everything? I didn't know. All I knew was that my men's wear was going to be the next best thing and I couldn't allow some girl to stop it from coming into order. I couldn't risk the fallout of keeping Steph around. I didn't want her to pull me down and I didn't need her around. I was going to make it on my own. I had to make it on my own. I was going to become the most successful business owner ever. I wasn't going to let anything or anyone bring me down.

** Current day**

I have always been trying to prove who I am. After I graduated high school I left my girlfriend (Steph) and started my own business. I never expected that I wouldn’t be successful. I was successful for a little while. I had made billions and I keep that success at the front of my brain. I always kept a reminder of my past and kept up the lie that I was super successful and kept my social media to show that I was making money. I lie all the time. No matter who I am with or who I want to pretend to be. I am not one to want to live the low life. I want everything. I want the world. I deserve the world!

Little did I know the world was going to take over me. I was successful for about 3 years the the world changed. The illness sent everyone one and NO ONE could even think about coming back to work after. They all wanted to work away from each other and I didn't have the plans in place to let that happen. I was so unprepared. Then the worst thing happened. My business closed its doors for good. When we couldn't get into the office anymore and people stopped buying clothes I started losing everything. I didn't even know it was possible to still be afloat after we all went back to the offices but here I sit in one of the most well-known offices even after the world changed.

I am so glad that I never allowed Steph to be in on this. I dumped her right after high school. I knew she wouldn't be able to amount to anything since she was always so positive about everything. Positivity cannot get you everything. I do often wonder if she ever moved out of her parents' house. The last time I visited the town (over 5 years ago) I heard she was trying to start a clothing business with Liz. Haha, that is beyond laughable to me. At this time my business was booming and in no way was I going to ever help Steph. She tried to talk to me then but I just blew her off. Now I know she keeps up with my social media because there was no other way that she would be able to have any kind of contact with me.

Import to note- I keep my social media up to date on what my life would be like if the business was still running. I lie on it daily to show that I am not poor and not suffering. Of course, now I have to also find a job of some sort. I have been looking and looking but every place I have applied for has turned me now. I guess knowing that I am a failed business owner means no other company wants to even give me the chance. They don't understand that this isn't my fault. I am not the reason the illness came in 3 years ago and closed my doors forever. How am I supposed to make them see this?

My last hope was Lani Wears. Unfortunately, it was only an intern position. I don't understand why my life is going this direction. Oh well, here we go.

**Social Media Post**

"I am getting ready to take off to Spain in my private jet! #travel #private #lifeofabillionaire.

** Real life**

Back to reality. I am now officially sitting in the office of the unknown CEO of Lani Wears. I'm off in a daydream of what is going to happen. Not noticing the door open behind me.

** Social Media comments**

"Wow another trip that is awesome Max, I am so glad you are doing well."

"Wow, Hot Stuff! Keep flying high"

"Woo Woo"

**Sitting in the office**

I loved every comment from every beautiful follower of mine. I needed to find someone now, as I was always thinking about Steph these days and wanted to know what she was up to. I don't understand why this is so hard for me. I walked away from Steph because I didn't want her pulling me down from where I was heading. I thought I was going to be on top and stay on top. I never imagined I would find myself so far down again.

**Flashback- 10 years ago- graduation day**

"Steph, I am going to head into the big city and start this company for men's wear. I do not want, nor need you to come alongside me and support me. I will be doing this alone. Without you." Max said flatly.

"I meant after graduation today but I see how you feel. I will let you be then. Do not try and contact me when you feel like you made the wrong choice." was my cold reply as I walked away I faintly heard Max say "Wait..." but I kept walking. Tears had started to fill my eyes and my heart felt like it was coming out of my chest when I ran into the only person I know could help. Liz.

"I'm going to kill him!" she said without even asking what happened.

"Don't worry about it. I should have known that it was coming the way he has been acting for the last month. I just wish it wouldn't have been today."

"Girl lets go hit the town!"

"Sounds like a perfect idea!!!" That was the first day I laid eyes on the c