Alex, a well-known CEO, had built an empire through sheer determination and business acumen. To the world, he was the epitome of success, wealth, and power. But beneath that polished exterior lay an unshakable belief—only those who had money deserved respect.

He never despised the poor, nor did he look down on those who were born without privilege. However, what he truly couldn’t stand were educated individuals who refused to put in the effort to build a life for themselves, yet constantly complained about their circumstances. In his eyes, self-pity was the greatest weakness.

During his school days, there had been one student who shined brighter than most—Alisa. She was intelligent, popular, and destined for greatness, or so everyone believed. But years later, when Alex heard her name again, he discovered something unexpected—Alisa was unemployed.

He didn’t care why. Excuses never mattered to him. If someone wasn’t successful, it was simply because they hadn’t tried hard enough. He wanted to confirm his assumptions, so he invited her to one of his extravagant parties, believing this was the perfect opportunity to confront her.

With a smirk, he approached her. “So, tell me more about your company.”

Alisa blinked in surprise before letting out a soft chuckle. “I’m not working.”

Alex’s expression immediately hardened. His jaw clenched, and disgust flickered in his sharp gaze.

“Get out of my house.” His voice was cold, sharp, and filled with scorn.

Gasps rippled through the room. Conversations came to an abrupt halt. His friends and family stared in disbelief. But Alex didn’t care about their judgment.

Alisa, however, was stunned. She had expected indifference, maybe even mild disappointment, but not this. Not humiliation in front of so many people.

“What’s wrong with you?” she cried, her voice trembling with anger and hurt.

But Alex didn’t waver. In his mind, she had wasted her potential. And for that, he had no respect left for her.

That night, as Alisa sat alone in her room, wiping away the tears of humiliation, she made a decision.

She would prove Alex wrong.

Fueled by determination, she pursued her passion for literature. It wasn’t easy. The world of publishing and entertainment was brutal, but she refused to give up.

Within a year, she became a scriptwriter for a well-known production company. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and she quickly climbed the ranks. Soon, she was no longer just a writer—she was a producer, a force to be reckoned with.

Her greatest triumph came when she created a film called Twist of Fate. It wasn’t just a story—it was her story.

It was the story of a girl who had been underestimated, belittled, and cast aside, only to rise higher than anyone had ever imagined.

When Alex watched the movie, he felt unsettled.

Something about it irritated him, though he couldn’t put his finger on why. The protagonist’s struggles, the arrogance of the male lead, it all felt too familiar.

It wasn’t until he was finalizing a partnership with a major production company that the truth struck him like a thunderbolt.

He stepped into the CEO’s office, expecting to meet another businessman. Instead, he found Alisa—seated at the grand desk, exuding confidence and power.

For the first time in years, Alex was speechless.

His fingers trembled, and the pen slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the polished floor.

Alisa merely raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem, Mr. Alex?”

Without a word, Alex turned on his heel and rushed out.

But in the end, he had no choice. The partnership was too beneficial to refuse. Swallowing his pride, he signed the deal.

Years passed, and their rivalry continued—until fate intervened.

One evening, Alex’s only living family—his grandfather—suffered a heart attack.

In an unexpected twist, the person who saved him was Alisa. Without hesitation, she took him to her family’s hospital and ensured he received the best care.

When Alex arrived, breathless and frantic, he found his grandfather resting peacefully. And beside him stood Alisa.

She turned to him, offering a reassuring smile. “No need to worry. Your grandfather is fine now. I’ve already paid for his treatment, and my family will take care of him.”

Alex blinked. “Wait… your family?”

Alisa sighed with a small smile. “Yes. My parents are well-known doctors. It’s funny how you forgot that so quickly—especially after your outburst at that party.”

Alex felt something tighten in his chest. Guilt. Regret. Humiliation.

How had he been so blind?

Alisa had never been beneath him. If anything, she had always been beyond him.

For two years, Alex tried everything to win her back. He humbled himself, tried to change, and pursued her with sincerity.

But there was one thing he couldn’t truly fix—his inability to respect those without money.

Alisa knew this. And in time, she found someone else.

Her fiancé was a successful CEO, but more importantly, he was kind. He saw her worth not in money, but in her passion, intelligence, and heart.

When Alex learned about their engagement, it was like a punch to the gut.

And when he received the news that Alisa had gotten married, the realization hit him with full force.

His own arrogance, pride, and cold-heartedness had cost him the greatest treasure in his life.

He had thought money dictated worth.

But in the end, it was Alisa who had won—not just in career, but in love and life.

As he sat alone in his office, staring at the wedding announcement, he whispered to himself,

“I was a fool.”

And so, what had once been a battle of pride and ego transformed into something deeper—a lesson in regret, redemption, and the cruel irony of fate.

A twisted fate indeed.