Seven Years Together, I'm the Fool
During a team-bonding dinner, my colleagues decide to start a challenge. They want to see whose wife will pick up the call the fastest and transfer the biggest amount of money into her husband's account.
As expected, I'm the loser who comes in last.
"Don't take it to heart, Evan. Ms. Sinclair might be cold and aloof, but she's still rich!"
Everyone laughs as they ease the situation with chatter and jokes. They have collectively decided to avoid mentioning the past.
For example, they neglect to bring up the fact that my girlfriend, Audrey Sinclair, never talks about marriage despite me having spent the last seven years establishing the company with her.
Another example will be the time that I'm the last one to find out about Audrey's decision to give away the shares to all the higher-ups in the company.
Even when I get diagnosed with stomach cancer, my best friend, Grant Hadley, is the one accompanying me in the hospital while we wait for the report.
I just smile faintly without showing any reaction. That's when my gaze falls onto Micah Brennan, a new intern, who grips his phone tightly with a conflicted look on his face.
"I'll pass. She's on a business trip right now, so she's incredibly busy."
Sensing that the atmosphere is a little stiff, I just smile and lean over to tap the dial button that comes with a loudspeaker function in order to save him from embarrassment.
At first, we think that the phone call will go unanswered. Surprisingly enough, Micah's partner immediately answers the call.
The atmosphere in the private room falls eerily silent. After all, the gentle voice drifting out of the loudspeaker belongs to none other than my supposedly cold and aloof girlfriend.
"Babe, have you received the surprise gift for your employment anniversary?"