Chapter 3

Alexander was in the next room, creating new life again and again with his sister-in-law.

I tipped my head back, forcing my tears to stay where they were.

When I still didn't speak, Alexander grabbed my arm tightly and pleaded, "Mia, you're well liked and your performance is outstanding. You'll have other chances. Don't worry, we'll make sure to thank you properly."

He fully slipped into Daniel's identity, begging for Lily as if she truly were his wife.

Listening to those half-pleading, half-pressuring words almost made me laugh in anger.

I pulled my arm free, my expression calm. "I can give her the spot. But there's no need for any thanks. I wish you both a healthy child soon and a long life together."

The blessing sounded polite enough, yet the edge beneath it was unmistakable. Alexander froze, unable even to look at me.

Seeing him like that only made something cold coil tighter inside me. It didn't matter. I had already decided to leave with Charles.

The promotion meant nothing to me now. Once I was gone, the department would automatically award it to Lily.

I just hadn't expected Alexander would go this far for her. If I hadn't agreed to leave with Charles, would they have kept draining my salary for their baby and taken the promotion that belonged to me?

My nails dug hard into my palm as I fought back the rising storm inside.

After a brief stunned pause, Alexander's eyes lit with relief and excitement. "Really, Mia? You're really willing to give the spot to Lily?"

He hurried inside and returned with a cold boiled egg. I knew it was bought with my salary. I stared at it without taking it, then turned and walked back to my room.

The dim lamp stretched Alexander's shadow across the hall. He stood there for a long time. Lily had to call him several times before he finally returned inside.

None of it mattered. I was leaving. Still, Alexander, I hoped you would never regret this.

The next morning, after Lily successfully submitted her application, Alexander rushed to host a celebratory dinner for her.

At the restaurant, Lily clung to his arm, her expression smug.

"I told you shortcuts don't work," she said brightly. "You only get promoted by working hard. Isn't that right, Mia?"

She turned to me as she spoke, raising her glass deliberately. "And I should thank you, Mia. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten the spot."

With just a few sentences, she flipped the truth upside down. The expressions around the table shifted, eyes turning toward me with a strange mix of pity and judgment, as if I had done something disgraceful.

Whispers spread through the room. I sat stiffly, refusing to take the glass from Lily's hand.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Alexander. His face tightened with guilt. He quickly took the glass from Lily and smoothed things over with a smile.

"Lily, Mia looks tired. She probably didn't sleep well last night. Let her skip the drink."

Lily's smile faltered, though she said nothing.

Across the table, I watched the two of them serving each other food, while I slowly prodded the pasta on my plate.