Chapter 1
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.]
*****
That night was the company's annual party.
When Ryan showed up with Luna, everyone's eyes kept darting between the three of us, the room buzzing with speculation.
Luna was dressed in a champagne-colored gown, her makeup flawless, and she held onto Ryan's arm affectionately.
"Mindy," Luna called out.
She walked over with a glass of wine, her tone dripping with insincerity. "Sorry about taking your spot this time.
"My project was too urgent, and the whole team was freaking out. Ryan said I needed the promotion to calm everyone down."
As she spoke, Luna kept glancing at Ryan, her gaze clinging to him, clearly relying on him.
Ryan frowned, his tone tinged with resignation. "Luna, you don't have to say that. Mindy won't mind."
He turned to me, clearly waiting for my reaction.
In the past, I always tried to save his reputation, acting gracious even when I didn't feel like it.
But tonight, I swirled my drink and said, "It's already settled, huh? You made a point to come over and tell me, hoping I'd say congratulations?"
Luna's smile froze for a moment.
Ryan's expression turned cold. "Mindy, must you really talk like this?"
"Then tell me, Mr. Chandler, how exactly should I be speaking?" I replied.
I locked eyes with him. "Am I supposed to smile and offer my congratulations after my own boyfriend took away my promotion?"
The room went dead silent for a moment.
Ryan clearly hadn't expected me to call him out in front of everyone. A flicker of shock crossed his face.
Luna's eyes welled up with tears at the right moment.
She tugged at his sleeve. "Ryan, forget it. It's my fault. I shouldn't have brought it up."
Luna put on her innocent expression, looking heartbreakingly fragile.
A couple of the guys couldn't help but soften, their faces full of sympathy for her.
Ryan took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "Mindy, let's talk outside."
"No need," I replied.
I set her my down. "I've already said everything I needed to."
As I turned to leave, I caught Luna's soft, almost timid whisper behind me. "Ryan, did I upset Mindy?"
Ryan's reply was drowned out by the music.
*****
Ryan and I had been together for five years.
We were from the same college, started at the company together, went from rivals to partners, and eventually fell for each other.
Everyone said we were the perfect couple, from college sweethearts to office lovers.
Ryan was talented and ambitious, but sometimes, he chased dreams a little too hard.
I was the one who made his big ideas happen, and I kept him grounded whenever he got carried away.
We'd work late into the night, share sandwiches while rushing to finish proposals, and celebrate together after landing big deals.