At first, my colleagues privately called me the future president, President Reed’s jewel.
But as Ethan ignored me more, and his parents treated me with disdain, those gazes turned scornful. “She’s just a houseguest. He probably eats leftovers at home.”
“The CEO thinks she’s unpresentable and won’t even post a picture.”
Hearing their gossip, I pretended not to notice, though my heart grew colder each day.
I should have awakened sooner. Everything Ethan did in the past six months showed he didn’t love me.
“Alright, Vivian,” Ethan’s tone softened again over the phone.
“I won’t keep you up too long. Next year, when Julia gets promoted, I’ll make you department manager.”
At this, the corners of my mouth twitched.
“Alright, get the paperwork done. Don’t delay her appointment as manager,” he added gently.
“Julia worked so hard to get into this company. It hasn’t been easy, and she has to care for her brother with leukemia.”
“You helped her, and she’s thankful. She even gave you travel tickets.”
Hearing this, my chest tightened.
“He only sees Julia now. To him, she’s perfect.” While he and Julia surfed and sunbathed, I was drowning in work at the company.