Chapter 2
I thought we'd always be like this.
That all changed a year ago, when Luna was parachuted into our department thanks to her connections.
She was the niece of a senior executive at headquarters.
She was pretty and pampered, and honestly, her professional abilities left a lot to be desired.
At first, Ryan couldn't stand nepotism and complained to me about it more than once.
But Luna always had her tricks.
She'd "accidentally" spill coffee on her files during overtime, then look up at Ryan with watery eyes, pleading for his help.
Whenever the project hit a wall, she'd camp out in the conference room, acting like she was working hard on the proposal.
At team dinners, she'd start talking about how rough things were growing up with one parent.
Ryan's gaze went from irritation, to helplessness, and finally softened with sympathy.
I told him to keep his distance.
But he shrugged, saying, "Mindy, don't read too much into it. She's so young. Life is tough for her."
*****
The next morning after the company party, I woke up in my apartment.
The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of breakfast.
Ryan had shown up uninvited.
He was making my favorite runny eggs and toast.
"Morning, Mindy," Ryan said, his voice gentle.
He set the plate in front of me, his tone soft as he apologized. "I'm sorry about yesterday."
I kept eating in silence, waiting for what he'd say next.
He added, "But Luna's project can't afford to fail."
He sat down and reached for my hand. "It's the company's biggest focus this year. If it falls apart, I could lose my position as director."
"So sacrificing me is the safest bet?" I shot back.
Ryan froze for a second. "It's not a sacrifice, Mindy. We're in this together. Everything I have is yours."
"Once things settle down, I'll fight to get you an even better opportunity.
"Besides, this promotion is only a title. There's not much real benefit.
"Luna needs the title to steady her team, but you don't. Everyone already knows how capable you are."
Listening to those same old excuses, I suddenly found it ridiculous.
It had been five years, and after all this time, he still believed all I ever wanted was a bit of recognition.
I pulled my hand away. "Last year, you said Luna was new and needed the overseas training spot, so I stepped aside for her.
"At the beginning of this year, you said she was inexperienced and needed to lead that major project, so I handed it over to her too.
"And now, for the annual promotion, you say her project can't afford to fail, so once again, I'm supposed to give up my chance.
"Tell me, Ryan, what am I to you? Am I someone you use whenever it's convenient?
"You want to keep her happy, so I have to be the one you walk all over forever?"
Ryan was caught off guard.
He hesitated, then finally said, "Mindy, don't be so harsh."
So that was what he thought? Telling the truth was harsh?
Mindy nodded, stood up, and started putting on her coat.
"Where are you going?" He grabbed my arm, trying to stop me.
"Go to work," I replied, my tone flat.
I jerked my hand free. "Anything else, Mr. Chandler?"
"Mindy!" Ryan snapped. "Are you seriously going to hold this against me? All because of one promotion?"
"It's not merely about the promotion," I said, turning to look him straight in the eye. "Over the five years, every time you had to make a choice, you never picked me."
Ryan's face went pale.