She Got the Credit, He Got the Breakdown

As I was leaving the restaurant, I saw Matthew approaching.

Our eyes locked, and he looked shocked. "Emma? What are you doing here?"

Before I could answer, his gaze landed on the gift box sitting on the table. He slapped his forehead and let out a frustrated sigh.

"God! I completely forgot today is our anniversary. The merger talks have been overwhelming. Why didn't you remind me? I would've cleared my schedule."

Then his eyes narrowed. "Wait a second, Emma. You didn't do this on purpose, did you? Because of the patent? Oh, come on, it was just a clerical error. The company still owns the rights.

"You're not young anymore. Why are you picking a fight with Sophie? She just graduated. Are you really going to ruin her future over an honest mistake?"

I let out a quiet laugh. That algorithm had taken three years of my life. Those years had been filled with countless nights of debugging in front of a screen.

Matthew once swore he'd turn the company into the next rising star of Sundale Valley, and I had poured nearly all my energy into supporting that dream. And now, he brushed it all off as "just a clerical error".

I looked at him with a blank expression and replied, "It wasn't on purpose. I know your schedule's packed. I didn't want to bother you."

Seeing my silence, his tone softened. "Honey, let me make it up to you tonight. Go home first. There's a surprise for you.

"I've booked the Willowbend Park overlook for us tomorrow. We'll watch the sunrise together. How does that sound?"

Before I could say no, a sugary voice chimed in. "Matthew! Your snugglebug's here!"

Sophie strutted over in high heels, wearing a rhinestone-studded dress. It was one of the haute couture pieces from last month's Praxen Fashion Week.

Noticing my gaze, Sophie twirled smugly. She let out a fake laugh and covered her mouth. "This was Matthew's promotion gift to me, Ms. Whitmore. I imagine it must feel… strange, seeing someone else in the role."

Then she leaned in close to Matthew, clearly confident he'd defend her like he always did.

As expected, he pretended not to catch the edge in Sophie's words and said indulgently, "Sweetheart, remember to behave yourself in public."

Then he turned to me and added, "Young women love to show off. Don't take it personally."

I simply clenched my jaw and said nothing.

Sophie's eyes landed on the gift box, and she let out an exaggerated gasp.

"Matthew! You remembered our anniversary. It's been exactly thirty days since you promoted me. Alas. The gift shop must've messed up. They engraved the date wrongly. But I don't mind."

With a sultry look in her eyes, Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're just too thoughtful."

Their endless flirting was nauseating. I stood up from the table at once.

The moment I exited the restaurant, I opened the airline app and secured a flight to Tallisport. I would be departing in seven days.

That was where the Veltara Region headquarters of my new company were located. It was precisely the fresh start I was seeking.