Chapter 2

There was a tapping sound at the entrance. I glanced up to see a tall, lean gentleman standing outside.

"Ma'am, are you alright? Can I assist you?" The man seemed to be in his mid-thirties, dressed in casual sportswear, with an upright stance.

I pushed myself up and got to my feet, reminding myself that this was a public area, and I shouldn't disrupt the normal course of events.

I shook my head and replied, "I'm okay, thank you for your concern." I began to walk away.

Moments later, I heard the man calling out, "Ma'am, you've forgotten your card!"

I waved dismissively without looking back.

What purpose would the card serve now? To mock my foolishness? To remind me of the lies I'd been living?

I wandered aimlessly along the street, surrounded by busy crowds and endless traffic, yet feeling completely disconnected from it all.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

Since starting my job, I'd always kept my phone on vibrate.

The screen showed "Manager Jason" calling.

It might be about the results of the annual performance review.

I'd worked tirelessly all year, taking less than a month off and putting in countless extra hours. Manager Jason had promised to support my evaluation application and potentially secure me a bonus.

Given my current financial state, any extra money would be welcome.

I took a deep breath to compose myself and answered, "Hello, Manager Jason."

"Amelia, I need to inform you of something," Manager Jason's tone was steady, but I sensed bad news coming.

"What is it, Manager Jason?" I tried to sound calm.

"Regarding the evaluation... you didn't succeed," Manager Jason exhaled. "The boss's nephew was chosen instead."

"Amelia, we recognize your hard work, but it didn't pan out this time. Keep it up, and next year's evaluation will surely be yours."

"Understood, Manager Jason. I'll continue to work hard," I replied, ending the call calmly.

What else could I say? Protest to Manager Jason? It wouldn't change anything.

It was just... disheartening.

Family had let me down, and now work had too.

Considering I'd have to return to work tomorrow, I felt an overwhelming sense of frustration. I decided to treat myself for a moment and sent Manager Jason a message: "Manager Jason, I've completed all my current tasks. I'm considering using my annual leave. Would that be acceptable?"

Within three minutes, Manager Jason responded: "Amelia, take a well-deserved break. We'll resume work when you return. I have great expectations for you."

I smiled wryly and promptly submitted a leave request through the company system. Despite numerous unapproved overtime hours, I discovered I had 15 days of leave plus time off in lieu.

I hit submit without hesitation.

Three minutes later, a notification appeared: Manager Jason had approved the request.

For a moment, I wasn't sure whether to feel pleased or disappointed.

Pleased that I now had so many days off. Disappointed because it became evident that I wasn't as crucial as I'd thought.

The reason I hadn't taken leave earlier was that I'd always believed the company couldn't function without me. But now, I realized it didn't really matter.

I suddenly felt sorry for the version of myself who had worked so diligently.

At that moment, I didn't yet know that this wasn't the worst of it.