The Past Is Only a Prelude

"I'm not being passive-aggressive! I'm telling the truth, really. Can you stop being so sensitive?"

Alicia's face darkened. She slammed my laptop shut and glared at me.

"All because I asked Chuck to act as my boyfriend for a day, you've been sulking at me since yesterday! Do you think this is funny, Benjamin? You didn't even thank Chuck! And you left passive-aggressive comments on his social feed.

"Don't think I'll coddle you just because you're younger. If you want to throw a tantrum like a child, go home and do it with your parents. Don't expect me to indulge you! Know your place!

"Keep this up, and we're done!"

Her words were thick with threat and anger.

In the past, I would have cowered, begging her for forgiveness. But now… I was tired of it.

All I wanted was to finish testing these programs before the code had to be rewritten.

I nodded and muttered, "Okay… got it. You just keep driving."

I had no idea which word had set her off again. She yelled at me once more, "Get out!"

I glanced at her for two seconds, then decisively picked up my laptop and stepped out.

I didn't want an argument. If it escalated into road rage, everything would be ruined.

No sooner had I gotten out than Alicia floored the gas and sped off. Watching her figure disappear, memories from the past flooded back.

Her moods used to terrify me, making me second-guess myself endlessly, wondering if I had done something wrong to upset her. I always wanted her happy, but with me, she was unpredictable—sometimes laughing, sometimes storming. I had always assumed it was my fault and apologized first.

Not this time.

This time, I crouched on the curb with my laptop, racing to get the tests back on track. Then I called a taxi and checked into a nearby five-star hotel, booking a luxurious single room.

Another night of perfect sleep.

The first thing I did in the morning was check the program tests.

Fortune smiled: everything ran flawlessly.

After freshening up and breakfast, I opened my phone to find a message from Alicia: [All the equipment will arrive today. Don't leave after work—go to Chuck's place and set up the computer.]

I studied the chat carefully. Attached was an installation guide from the store, showing a rendered image of the setup and a custom LED panel.

The renders were clearly commissioned by Alicia herself. I couldn't help but smirk. My mother tongue was coding, not hardware setups. I was just a keyboard jockey, not a professional PC builder.

After preparing my resignation letter, I headed to the office and submitted it to HR. A wave of relief swept over me. Even the office air seemed fresher.

At the end of the day, I packed up my laptop, ready to leave.

Then, an uninvited presence appeared. Alicia stood in my path, frowning. I tried to walk around her, but she grabbed my arm.

"Benjamin, where do you think you're going?"

Her voice drew the attention of everyone nearby.

I pointed at the clock on the wall, my tone neutral. "Leaving."

Her reply was icy. "Leaving? The whole project team is still here. Benjamin, what makes you think you can leave?"

"I finished my work. Why should I stay?"

Shocked eyes followed me as I turned and walked away, leaving Alicia behind, yelling, "Benjamin! If you walk out now, don't bother coming in tomorrow!"