He was all smiles, chatting on the phone as he walked out, clearly discussing a trip with her.
Seeing this, I trembled all over. To my shock, he didn’t even glance at me.
The next day, at the company’s promotion meeting,
A row of employees wearing large red flowers stood up.
After they accepted their commendations, Ethan Reed slowly walked onto the stage. A photo of him and Julia Snow appeared on the big screen, their wedding pictures taken on a white sandy beach.
The audience burst into excitement, applauding and cheering.
Ethan stepped forward and took Julia’s hand.
“I announce that the new department manager is Julia Snow!” he continued. “I also have great news: we’re getting married next month!”
The employees erupted in cheers.
“I was wondering why Miss Snow was kept for last. So Ethan wanted everyone to share in the joy!” Julia’s supporters chimed in.
“I didn’t expect Julia to be so secretive.”
On stage, Julia couldn’t suppress her smug smile but pretended to cover her face.
“I told Ethan to keep it low-key, but he insisted on announcing it at the meeting.”
“Miss Snow, don’t be so modest! You’ve got the double blessing of promotion and marriage!” Veteran employees applauded.
“Ethan and Julia are a perfect match. Unlike some people reaching above their station—they can’t even get close.”
I clearly felt contemptuous, pitying glances from colleagues around me. My fists clenched as I shook with anger.
All around me, my coworkers applauded, and some stared, enjoying the scene.
I stood and tried to leave, but they clearly wouldn’t let me go easily.
As I stepped toward the exit, a colleague shouted,
“Vivian, it’s such a big day for Ethan, and everyone’s applauding. Why aren’t you clapping?”
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on me, mocking me.
I stayed silent, but then Julia spoke on stage.
“Everyone, don’t blame Vivian. He’s probably tired and wants to celebrate privately with Ethan and us.”
Though she said this, the sarcasm on her face lingered, only tinged with smugness.
Onstage, Ethan didn’t even look my way.
“Everyone, let’s go. Tonight we’ll celebrate at a five-star hotel—it’s Julia’s and my wedding banquet!”
I quietly slipped out, pulled up the resignation letter I had already written, and sent it with one click.
After submitting my resignation, I figured that since I was leaving Ethan anyway, I had to make things clear to his parents. Ethan drove Julia to a music festival.
She had emptied my pockets again, leaving me nearly broke, so I took the bus to his house.
When I arrived, the brightly lit gate bore the words “Reed Family.”
It was absurd; I had paid for this villa in full, planning to live there with Ethan.
But he secretly moved his parents in and replaced the lock with a digital one, registering all his family members’ faces except mine.
After work, he retreated to this villa to relax. I, meanwhile, had to stay in the company dormitory.
I rang the bell five times before Ethan’s parents reluctantly came and opened the door.
“Vivian? Why are you here?”
Ethan’s mother scowled. “Shouldn’t you be working overtime at the company? Leaving all the burden on Ethan alone?”
“Ethan’s out, so I came to check on him.” Hearing this, I only wanted to sneer.
“You come to check on him, yet arrive empty-handed?”
Ethan’s father’s voice rang out from the living room. He tossed the tea leaves from his cup, nearly splashing hot water onto my shoes.
“I don’t know who sent me this lousy tea,” he scoffed.
“Look, the oolong Julia gave me is much better.”
