The Gardenias Withered By His Favoritism

When the car pulled into our apartment complex, my boyfriend, Jax Vance, and my best friend, Chloe Ward, were still chatting in the front.

They were talking about a new movie that came out last week.

Jax had promised to take me to see it. Then he canceled, claiming he had to work late.

Now, they were debating the tragic plot and female solidarity.

I lost count of how many times I had been shut out like this.

Even now, I sat in the back like a useless third wheel.

Eventually, their chatter died down.

Jax glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned.

"Why haven't you gotten out yet?" he asked.

I looked up and kept my voice flat. "You didn't unlock my door."

Jax fell silent.

Chloe quickly jumped in to smooth things over.

"Oh, it's my fault! I get so carried away talking."

She leaned over the center console and hit the door switch. She knew exactly where it was.

Jax bought this car with his very first bonus.

Back then, he held my hand and promised I would never have to squeeze onto a crowded subway again.

Then Chloe moved to the city to stay.

Our two-person commute became three.

Chloe claimed she got carsick in the back. So I moved to the backseat, and she took the front.

After three years in the back, I had forgotten where the controls even were.

Chloe knew every button by heart. She acted like the owner of the car.

"Don't be mad, Elena," she said softly. "I'll give him a good scolding on the drive to my place."

Jax let out a low laugh. He didn't disagree.

I had known him long enough to catch the fondness in his tone.

When I once asked him to stop smoking near me, he snapped.

He called me selfish and controlling. He said I couldn't even give him a moment to relax.

He hated being told what to do. Yet now, he let Chloe boss him around without a word.

Cold rain drifted through the open window. A chill ran down my arm straight to my chest.

I pushed the door open and bolted.

The downpour hit hard.

I rushed to the awning of the building to take cover.

As I turned around, I saw Jax reach out. He gently wiped the raindrops off Chloe's face.

I reached up and wiped my own face.

The water just kept coming.

Back in the apartment, I took a hot shower.

When I stepped out, my manager, Mr. Barry Landon, called.

"Elena, are you sure about resigning?" she asked. "You just landed that huge account. I was planning to speak with Director Jax about your promotion and raise."

In my six years at the company, I had applied for promotions twelve times.

Jax rejected every single one.

When clients praised my proposals, he called it basic duty.

When my team lead recommended me for overseas training, he claimed my skills were lacking.

Even when the whole department signed a petition for my raise, he shut it down.

I was hurt, but I never complained to anyone.

Meanwhile, Chloe joined through my referral.

Within three years, she got promoted three times.

Her salary tripled.

When I finally asked Jax why, he was stern.

He told me we had to avoid conflicts of interest.

He told me to be sensible and understanding.

He said Chloe was inexperienced and needed support.

I was done being understanding.

I took a deep breath.

"There's no need to speak with him," I said. "My decision is final.”