Chapter 3
The next morning at the office, I printed my resignation letter and stared at it, thinking about the journey that had
led me here.
Ryan and I met in college. When he landed a job at this tech company, I followed, turning down my parents‘ connections to support him as he worked his way up from entry level. I’d occasionally hinted at marriage, but he always said the same thing–he needed to establish his career first, worried my parents wouldn’t let their precious daughter marry someone who hadn’t “made it” yet.
To avoid adding pressure, I downplayed my family background and patiently waited. Now that he’d finally become VP, finding that ring had made me believe he was ready to propose. What a fool I’d been.
“Evelyn, are you seriously quitting?” My coworker Jen peered over my shoulder at the resignation letter on my screen. “You’re about to be promoted to director! Why leave now?”
I forced a smile. “I’m getting married soon. Might be time for a fresh start somewhere else.”
Jen congratulated me, then added, “Everyone’s announcing engagements lately! I saw Ryan’s post last night about getting engaged. His fiancée is gorgeous–apparently they’re childhood sweethearts. His ‘forever person,‘ according to his caption.”
My smile faltered. I checked my phone to find Ryan had blocked me on all platforms. His personal account had me completely removed, while our work messages contained nothing but professional exchanges.
Just then, Ryan walked in with Chloe on his arm. She looked radiant, her face flushed with happiness–nothing like someone battling cancer.
“Everyone,” Ryan announced, “meet our new Technical Director, Chloe Pierce. Let’s all get to know each other and work together in the future.”
Jen’s eyes darted between us, clearly connecting the dots about my sudden resignation. She quickly greeted Chloe with a polite, “Welcome, Ms. Pierce.”
I remained silent, clutching my resignation letter as Ryan fixed me with a disapproving stare. “Evelyn, everyone else has greeted our new director. What’s your problem?”
Chloe laughed softly, extending her hand toward me. “We’ll be working together now. I look forward to it.”
As I reached out, Ryan pulled her hand away. “You’re management now. No need to be so friendly with junior staff. Come on, I’ll show you around.”
They walked away, leaving me standing there with my hand awkwardly extended, feeling like a complete idiot.
20:52
Just a C.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
