Your Company, Not My Life

Nothing I said would've changed a thing.

"Mr. Cromwell, don't be upset. I'm sure Yara just got a little emotional because she cares," Molly cooed, running a hand down his back like she owned the place.

Then she turned to me, all fake-sweet. "Yara, don't get the wrong idea. I just had a headache, and Mr. Cromwell was helping me relax so I could keep working. Everything we do is for the company—you really don't need to overthink it."

I didn't know the full story, but I could feel it—this whole setup had Molly's fingerprints all over it.

Sandy, always the diplomatic one, knew better than to speak up. Molly was Derrick's favorite, and she wasn't about to get caught in the crossfire.

Not that it mattered. Even if she told the truth, Derrick wouldn't have listened.

I kept quiet, but he wasn't finished. Still pissed, he snapped, "No need to explain anything to her. Personal matters stay personal. This is a workplace—we follow the rules. Since Yara broke protocol, cancel her bonus this month. And dock half her salary."

Sandy blurted, "Mr. Cromwell, Yara already—"

She probably meant to mention my resignation, but Derrick shut her down with a glare. "I don't want to hear excuses. Do as I said."

Sandy didn't push it. She just turned and walked out.

I was about to do the same when Derrick suddenly called out.

He sounded calmer now—maybe yelling helped him feel better. "Yara, I'm not targeting you. These are just the rules. If I don't enforce them, no one will respect them."

Molly jumped in, all helpful. "Exactly, Yara. Next time something's unclear, just ask Mr. Cromwell. Or me, if he's busy."

Derrick nodded like she'd solved world peace. "Molly really puts the company first. She knows more than anyone."

Then he turned on me, cold. "Unlike you. Always jealous. Always dramatic. Maybe you should try learning something from Molly."

Learn what? How to slide into someone else's relationship? Fake innocence while poking the bear? Steal credit, sabotage others?

I let out a quiet laugh. No point calling her out.

Derrick took my silence the wrong way. Thought I was feeling guilty.

He stepped closer, reached up to adjust my collar—nothing was wrong with it—and said, all serious, "I know what this drama's really about. I'm disappointed in you.

"But hey, you've matured. So here's your reward—let's take our wedding photos tomorrow.

"We'll move the date up. But don't get too excited—marriage is just—"

"Marriage?" I cut in, laughing under my breath.

I brushed off his hand and handed him the resignation form I'd prepped. "Derrick, we're done. I've already quit. Starting today, we have nothing to do with each other."