Chapter 1
During the Memorial Day weekend, my CEO boyfriend claimed he was buried in work for the umpteenth time, turning down my request for a nearby trip and leaving me to continue working overtime after three consecutive late nights. Yet, I stumbled upon his assistant's livestream showing her and her boyfriend climbing the Alps to watch the stars.
"The boss brought me to the Alps for Memorial Day! Surely there's no one foolish enough to stay back at work?" she teased during her stream.
Colleagues expected me to lose it, but I kept my cool: "I'm locked in. Swallowed the key."
The stream quickly ended, and moments later, my boyfriend called, his tone stern.
"Matilda, I took Genesis to the Alps as a reward for her outstanding performance. Can you quit being so paranoid? I'm asking you to work overtime to sharpen your skills; it’s for your own good."
He added, "Apologize to Genesis in the group chat, and I'll make it up to you with a trip later."
Facing yet another empty promise, I hung up with a cold smile. He had no idea that I'd already decided to break up with him. Once the holiday ended, my visa would be ready, and I'd leave the country, never to see him again.
"Matilda, you started with snide remarks about Genesis, and now you dare hang up on me? You've got some nerve!"
"Apologize to Genesis right now, or you'll regret it!" Luciano Washington bombarded me with over 99 messages soon after I ended the call, his anger palpable even through the screen.
In the past, I would've rushed to appease him. But this time, I mentioned Genesis Brooks directly in the chat: "Sorry..."
Luciano thought I'd backed down and replied privately, "Smart choice."
But immediately, I added the rest in the group chat: "For being too nice. I shouldn't be so polite; you deserve a good scolding."
Luciano's voice message popped up instantly.
"Matilda, you really don't know when to quit, do you? Take the message down from the group, got it?"
In no time, he changed our couple's profile picture and disconnected from our shared online space. I knew this was his way of trying to force my hand, but I was done playing along.
Just as I was about to exit the chat, Genesis replied with a voice message.
"Hey Matilda, I was just sharing my day on the stream and cracking a joke. I didn't expect you to take it to heart. Maybe I should be more careful in the future, just in case I accidentally upset you again."
Her profile picture was the other half of Luciano's couple image, practically taunting me.
Luciano, who rarely posted anything personal in the company chat, chimed in:
"Genesis, bringing you to the Alps was a reward for your top performance. You've earned it."
"Don't pay attention to certain unfounded accusations!"
Colleagues naturally caught Luciano's drift and echoed his sentiments.
"Genesis, don't take it personally; Matilda can’t take a joke."
"Climbing the Alps, really, what's there to fuss about!"
Luciano added fuel to the fire:
"Matilda, it's clear you haven't been focusing on work. Knowing the company is busy, and yet you're casually watching streams? Looks like you don't have enough to do!"
He sent over a dozen files, tagging me in each.
"This is your penalty for overstepping. Finish them before you leave!"
I found it amusing.
Just because of Luciano's "busy schedule" excuse, I sacrificed my Memorial Day break and volunteered for overtime. Yet, after merely glancing at a livestream, he accused me of slacking off.
Meanwhile, he and Genesis sneaked off to the Alps to gaze at stars, all under the guise of rewarding an outstanding employee.
Such hypocrisy!
But this wasn't the first time Luciano had double standards.
Despite Genesis not meeting any criteria for the position, Luciano hired her anyway. He often showed her leniency at work, never blaming her for drafting erroneous contracts or botching deals. Instead, he comforted her with promotions and pay raises.
He claimed it was because Genesis reminded him of our early startup days, needing care.
I once believed him, but now I can’t deceive myself any longer.
In truth, it's just because Luciano's feelings have changed, and he doesn’t love me anymore.
Exiting the chat, I glanced at the stack of takeaway containers and the mess of notes on my desk, feeling absurd.
In the past days, I worked tirelessly, losing sleep to ease Luciano’s burden. I took on every tough task, even risking a hospital stay with stomach ulcers from binge drinking, all in pursuit of closing deals.
Only now do I realize that his "busy schedule" was just an excuse. He simply doesn't care about me.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have rejected my requests for a getaway 101 times in a row.
After giving him so many chances, I'm truly exhausted; any remaining connection between us has vanished.
Returning to reality, I tidied my desk, shut down the computer, and ended the overtime.
As I carried the trash out, the security guard stopped me abruptly.
"What's the meaning of this, Camilo?" I asked.
He replied coldly, "Mr. Washington instructed that you must complete your work before leaving. Otherwise, you won't be let out!"
"He also said if you haven't finished your tasks, you're to be deprived of your takeout. So don't expect any food!"