Love at My Expense

Synopsis

The day before the annual promotion interview, my boyfriend, Ryan Chandler, stopped me. He held a cup of coffee, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather. "Mindy, let Luna have the promotion this time. "Her project's in big trouble, and she needs this spot to reassure the team." My grip tightened. "You know what this promotion means to me." Ryan looked away. "There'll be another chance next year. "But if Luna's project fails, the whole team could break up, and she'll be devastated." My chest tightened, sinking with dread as his words echoed in my mind. I asked, "Are you saying her feelings matter more than my future?" Ryan frowned, "It's only for now. Once Luna's project is back on track, I swear..." I cut him off. "You've promised me so many times before. I don't want to hear it anymore." By five o'clock, the promotion results were out. My name was nowhere to be found. My best friend Sophie Bennett texted me: [It's not over yet! Go see the boss right now. Ryan has absolutely no right to make this decision for you!] I slipped off my engagement ring, feeling a cold emptiness settle in my chest. I replied: "Forget it. Just leave it at that.]