That day, I found a ring box in his pocket.
I almost held my breath, thinking he was finally going to keep his promise.
But the ring wasn’t for me.
I handed in my resignation to the HR. The manager looked shocked. “You’re quitting? But you’re about to get promoted!”
I smiled. “I’m going home to get married. I’ll be working from home from now on.”
Patti Hahn blinked. “Huh? You’re not an orphan?”
My smile faltered.
For eight years, Ross and I had kept our relationship a secret.
Whenever he showed me special treatment at work, he’d joke, “Her family’s situation is complicated. I just try to look out for her.”
Everyone thought I worked hard because I had no one else to rely on.
No one knew I was the woman behind his success.
I lifted my chin and smiled. “I found my family.”
Patti was stunned for two seconds, then she smiled. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Congrats!”
Before I could reply, I heard familiar footsteps approaching.
Ross walked in, wearing a dark gray suit, his expression as cold as ever. His gaze fell on the resignation letter in my hand. He asked me in this deep, sharp voice.
“What family?”
“It’s nothing.”
I cut off whatever my coworker was about to say.
Ross’s brows furrowed slightly, as if he wanted to ask more. But before he could, the sharp clack of heels echoed from the hallway.
“Ross.”
That soft, sweet voice drew everyone’s attention instantly.
Zamora walked in with a charming smile, her figure graceful, her hips swaying slightly as she leaned almost naturally against him.
Ross’s expression shifted. The tenderness on his face was so unfamiliar that I barely recognized him.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Everyone, let me introduce someone. This is our new technical director, Zamora Forrer.”
The office fell silent for a few seconds.
Then came the murmurs, spreading quickly like an undercurrent.
Someone snuck a glance at me, then quickly looked away and put on a bright smile to greet Zamora. “Welcome to the team, Director!”
I didn’t stand up. I just kept my head down as I gathered the files on my desk.
For years, I had worked hard in the company, countless overtime, staying up late to finish proposals. Everyone knew Ross had once said the next technical director would be me.
But now, the honor that should’ve been mine was stepped on and swept away by her breezy little words—“the new director.”