My Fiancé Stole My Promotion

After leaving the textile factory, I headed straight home and began packing my bags. I hadn’t lied to Saylor; I really was planning to head south. But it wasn't to start a business; I was set to join the nation's Ignition Project. Besides Eden, no one else knew about it.

Truthfully, my ambition was never limited to working in textiles; I aspired to become a top aerospace intelligence officer. Yet, Eden never took me seriously. He always belittled me. When I shared my dream with him, he regarded me like I was speaking nonsense. I distinctly remember his snide remark:

"Aleena, are you dreaming with your eyes open? A country girl like you probably can't even read properly! And you want to be an aerospace intelligence officer? Don't make me laugh!"

His words cut deep. From that point on, I kept my dream to myself. But I never abandoned it. Whenever I could, I would dive into books. Over the years, most of my earnings went to the library.

Two years ago, I began submitting my designs to the relevant authorities. Sadly, I never got any replies until last month. A letter arrived unexpectedly, containing details about the Ignition Project along with an invitation. Seeing it was exhilarating.

But joining the project meant being cut off from the outside world for anywhere between three to ten years or even more. At the time, I hadn’t let go of Eden entirely and still entertained thoughts of marrying him, which made me hesitate.

Now, though, I was ready to pursue my dream freely. Just as I finished packing, my front door swung open. It was Eden and Celia. Seeing my luggage, Eden quickly approached and questioned me:

"Saylor told me you quit your job! Aleena, you’re being utterly reckless!"

Celia stepped forward, feigning surprise at the sight of my suitcase:

"Leena, you're not seriously considering heading south all by yourself, are you? You should think it over; there's still time to change your mind."

"You should really beg Eddie here. If he softens up, perhaps he could say a few nice things to Saylor to revoke your resignation."

Before I could answer, Eden scoffed:

"I won't beg for her. If she had even half your sense, she wouldn’t be in this situation. It’s good she resigned; she can stay home, doing laundry and cooking, instead of embarrassing herself out there."

"Celia, if you need Aleena’s help in the future, just give her a shout. She’s jobless now, so she's got all the time in the world."

At this point, Celia’s eyes gleamed with delight, and she said teasingly to Eden:

"Eddie, you're just too sweet!"

I looked at the pair in front of me and felt sick with disgust.

"Has it occurred to either of you to ask what I think?"

"Eden, how can you be so arrogant? You think I'd help your darling for free? Dream on; you’d better go back to bed and snuggle your pillow."

Eden's face flushed with anger.

"Aleena, you’re being irrational!"

"If that’s what you think, then get out. Don’t make me spill the dirty secrets between you two."

With that, I showed them the door and booted them out without another word.