Chapter 1

Michael was stuffing the spa voucher into my purse when Gina came back from the restroom.

Seeing the corner of the paper peeking out, she giggled and pulled it halfway out.

"Oh, you’re actually giving it to Sharon? I thought you were just placating her earlier."

Michael gently pressed her wrist down. His tone was perfectly casual. "Stop teasing. She’s sensitive."

Gina blinked, but her fingers didn’t budge.

"So when are you guys going? I should check if they use sulfur in their springs. We wouldn't want Sharon breaking out, right?"

I stared at her. "My skin isn't sensitive."

Gina froze for a fraction of a second, then quickly laughed it off.

"I know, I know! I’m just being cautious for you. Don't be so serious all the time, it's a little scary."

Michael frowned at me.

"She’s just trying to help."

There it was again.

She’s just trying to help.

Gina was always trying to help.

She "helped" by testing the afternoon tea at my bridal shop.

She "helped" by picking out the master bedroom curtains for our new apartment.

She even "helped" by test-wearing the necklace Michael bought for my birthday.

And every time, she would send me photos.

[Gina: Sharon, this chain is a little scratchy. Glad I tested it for you first!]

Back then, I actually replied with a smiley face.

Thinking back, that smile must have looked pathetic.

---

An HR coordinator came over to pack up the party props and smiled.

"Hey Michael, Gina! You two had incredible chemistry tonight. You answered that last question in a heartbeat."

Gina waved her hands dismissively. "Oh, stop. He just has a good memory."

Michael said quietly, "She’s been afraid of the dark since we were kids. It’s hard to forget."

The coordinator turned to me, teasing, "Sharon, what does your boyfriend remember best about you?"

Before I could open my mouth, Michael answered for me.

"She’s not picky, and she's tough. Nothing really scares her."

My grip tightened on my purse strap. My fingertips went cold.

I am terrified of heights.

In college, during a club hiking trip, my legs turned to jelly halfway up the mountain.

Michael had to carry me all the way down on his back.

That day, he stuffed my hands into his jacket pockets and promised, "Sharon, whenever we're somewhere high up, I'll always be there to hold you."

But when our company moved to the twenty-seventh floor, he forgot.

Every single time, he forgot that I couldn't stand near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

---

Gina pulled the voucher completely out of my bag, swinging it between her fingers.

"How about this? Let me make a reservation for you guys. I've been there before, so I know the drill."

Michael looked at me.

"Sure. Save you the trouble."

I let out a soft laugh.

"I don't mind the trouble."

Michael blinked, as if he hadn't heard me right. "What?"

"I said, I don't need her to make my reservation."

The smile on Gina’s face faltered for a split second before returning.

"Sharon, are you still upset about the trivia game? It was just a game."

Michael snatched the voucher from her hand and forced it into my palm.

"Don't throw a tantrum over a piece of paper."

The cardstock was thick and stiff, its sharp edge digging into my skin.

I looked down at the bold lettering.

Voucher for Two.

But in his version of "two," there was always room for Gina.

---

My phone buzzed. It was a notification from our project group chat.

[Project Update: Tomorrow, 9 AM. Riverview pitch review. Gina will lead the presentation; Sharon will present the supporting data.]

I stared at the screen.

I spent seventeen sleepless nights building the Riverview proposal.

Gina’s only contribution was changing the background color of the title slide.

I looked up at Michael. "Why is Gina leading the presentation?"

Michael avoided my eyes, keeping his voice strictly professional. "She's a better presenter. Your data is solid. Together, it's a safer bet."

Gina gently tugged at Michael’s sleeve. "Maybe Sharon should do it. I don't want her to be upset with me."

Michael looked down at her. "You don't always have to step aside for her."

He turned back to me. "Sharon, this project is important. Don't bring your personal feelings into work."

Suddenly, the venue felt suffocating.

I slipped the voucher back into his breast pocket. "I'll do my part for the project."

Michael’s expression softened. "Good."

Gina chimed in, her eyes curving into crescent shapes. "What about the spa?"

I zipped my purse. "You two go."

Michael’s brow furrowed again. "Sharon, stop being dramatic."

I looked at the red corner of the voucher peeking out of his pocket.

It looked just like the correct answer the host had circled on the trivia board.

Too bad that from beginning to end, his correct answer was never me.