Lovestory — Chapter 1
My boyfriend knew I had a promotion interview, yet he deliberately turned off my alarm clock. Because of this, I was late and missed my opportunity. When I confronted him, he claimed it was out of concern; seeing me working late, he wanted me to sleep. That same night, I saw a text from a female colleague: “Honey, you did the right thing. Women shouldn’t be too career-driven. She should learn from me. I just wanna be a housewife, serving you whenever you need.”
The next day, I went to his department. Seeing that flirtatious text, I sneered. She simply failed to appreciate his good intentions, I thought; he hadn't done anything wrong. But the text itself stung: "Women shouldn’t be too career-driven. She should learn from me. I just wanna be a housewife, serving you whenever you need.”
Yesterday was my promotion interview. For six months, I'd worked overtime, averaging three extra hours daily, consistently ranking in the top two of my department. Yet, my boyfriend, Leonard Gilmore, turned off my alarm, believing more sleep would benefit me. Consequently, I missed the interview due to lateness.
When I confronted him, he said, "I was worried about you staying up late with that presentation. I wanted you to get more sleep. Audrey, you actually doubt my intentions? I’m so disappointed in you.”
We didn't speak all day. When I got home, while he showered, I impulsively checked his phone. Several texts from Gisselle Donovan, a woman from his department, revealed an affair.
I planned to leave Leonard anyway, but those messages fueled a desire for revenge. I stepped onto the balcony and called my father. "Dad, I want to transfer to Purchasing. If I learn from every department, I can take over the company sooner."
Lovestory — Chapter 3
Leonard continued his silent treatment. As he left for work, I approached him, hand outstretched. "Give me the car keys."
His face shifted as he handed them over with a strained smile. "Audrey, don't you usually drive the other one?"
I owned two cars: a modest one for commuting and a luxury model. The simpler car was to avoid appearing ostentatious at work. Leonard had admired the luxury car, so I let him drive it, believing men needed public prestige.
He followed me to the garage. I started the car and he sat in the passenger seat. I turned to him. "Get out. Take the subway."
He pouted, refusing to leave. "Audrey, come on," he whined.
"As you said, we need to avoid suspicion," I retorted. "Even if we aren't in the same department, office romances are frowned upon."
I pushed him out and sped away, the engine roaring. In my rearview mirror, I saw Leonard grinding his teeth. He'd never driven me before, always citing the need to avoid suspicion of an office romance. It was always me arriving late in a different car. Now, I saw him for what he was: a gigolo.