Rise from Ashes of Humiliation

Synopsis

I'd been looking forward to the company retreat as a chance to relax and maybe—just maybe—get David to notice me. Not as a colleague, but as someone he might want to ask out for coffee. The thought made my cheeks warm as I closed the door to my cabin, believing I was finally alone. The retreat center was rustic but charming, with individual cabins scattered among pine trees. Mine was at the edge of the property, which I'd initially been grateful for. The privacy seemed like a blessing after a day of forced team-building exercises and awkward small talk. I peeled off my sweaty hiking clothes, standing briefly in just my underwear before reaching for a fresh outfit. The cool air felt good against my skin after the long hike our department had completed. I never heard the soft click outside my window. Monday morning arrived with the usual chaos of ringing phones and the smell of burnt coffee from the break room. I settled at my desk, sorting through weekend emails, when the first ping from the company chat made my computer screen flash. Then another. And another. Jessica from Accounting walked past my desk, giving me a look I couldn't quite decipher—part shock, part disgust. Two more colleagues followed, whispering and glancing