Spiraling Down

The media camera flashes stabbed my eyes painfully.

Not far away, I saw Allison Fonseca giving the roses I carefully prepared to Aaron Nelson. When faced with the reporters' questions, she smiled gracefully. “Everyone knows it wasn’t easy for me to start this company, but today I want to say, if not for Aaron’s constant support and encouragement behind the scenes these past few years, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

“And now that the company is successfully listed, I want to take this auspicious day to announce something. I’ve decided to appoint Aaron Nelson as the new marketing director. He’s a top-tier graduate who studied abroad and has seen many advanced practices. With him on board, our company will soar to greater heights.”

The applause and cheers were deafening, and I almost couldn’t stay on my feet. I had dressed up carefully today and even picked up an expensive diamond ring. I thought that when Allison announced our relationship, the cameras would capture the beautiful moment that belonged to us.

Alas, I was naive—it was all a fantasy. No wonder she insisted on not coming with me this morning.

Just then, Aaron’s gaze landed on me. He even waved at me. “Eric, why are you standing there alone? You’re part of the company. Come up for the group photo!”

My legs felt like they were filled with lead, and my throat was unbearably dry.

‘Part of the company? So that’s all I am to her?’ I looked at Allison, full of unwillingness, hoping she’d speak up for me, but she didn’t.

Instead, she sneered coldly. “What a disgrace. He’s only good for being a disgusting voyeur in the dead of night. Come, let’s just take the group photo.”

Her words were like a stone dropping into a lake, causing waves of shock. I could hear my colleagues whispering.

“Really? I can’t believe someone like Eric Stiller, who looks so polished, would be a voyeur. From Allison’s reaction, he must have harassed her before.”

“I was just feeling sorry that he didn’t get the marketing director position, but now I think he should just be kicked out of the company.”

My fists clenched tightly, and my heart bled at their words.

‘So this is how Allison sees me? She’s forgotten everything.’

When we graduated from college, she said she wanted to start her own business, but no one supported her. Her parents cut off her allowance to crush her confidence.

I gave up a foreign scholarship to stay with her and help her build her dream. Every night after she fell asleep, I stayed up late writing business plans and finding resources. For three years, I pushed myself to the limit, believing that once the company went public, our lives would improve. Without complaining, I let her take all the credit while I worked tirelessly in the shadows.

Every time she hugged me in excitement after landing a new project, I felt all my sacrifices were worth it. However, now, it seemed like everything was just my own foolish dream. I poured so much time and energy into her, only to be called a “disgusting voyeur” and treated with disdain.

I forced a bitter smile. I had wasted three years of my life.

The group photo ended, and Aaron and Allison walked toward me, arm in arm. I noticed she’d taken off her wedding ring. Meanwhile, I still wore mine as if it were a precious treasure.

Lost in thought, they were already in front of me. Aaron extended his hand. “We’re colleagues now, Eric. I look forward to working with you.”

I stared at his outstretched hand, unmoving. I didn’t believe he didn’t know about our marriage, yet he kept silent in front of the media. He even provoked me in front of everyone.

To be honest, I wanted to punch him, but I couldn’t. I watched this company grow from nothing, and I couldn’t bring myself to ruin it.

Seeing my silence, Allison sneered again. “Stop acting high and mighty, Eric. Do you think landing a few deals makes you a hero that everyone owes respect to? Having a senior like you is really unfortunate.”

Aaron simply smiled and patted Allison’s shoulder soothingly. “It’s fine. Maybe Eric is upset that I got the director position. It’s understandable. We’re all here for the good of the company. If you have a problem, take it out on me, not the company.”

He looked like the gracious savior, while I was the despicable villain.

Why?

The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. The two of them looked like a perfect couple.

Exhaling slowly, I then stepped forward in front of everyone to take off my company badge and hang it around Aaron’s neck.

“I don’t deserve to be called ‘senior’ by you. After all, you’re the imported elite. You’d better do well. As for me, I’m clearly unworthy of staying here. I’ll submit my resignation later. Oh, and since you’re new, why not celebrate? Maybe even host a wedding. I can be your witness.”