Chapter 16
“Why?”
The word slips out of my lips before I get the chance to stop myself. Sitting behind his desk, Ethan looks confused, like I just asked him why the sky is blue.
“What do you mean why?” he asks, his hazel eyes fixed on me.
“Why do you want to promote me out of the blue?”
After what happened at his penthouse two nights ago, I convinced myself that it meant nothing and it was not going to happen again. I have been doing a good job of avoiding Ethan at work. Even though he still insists on texting me every night, even after I had asked him to stop.
When I got a call to come up to his office, I had no idea what he wanted to talk about, and now that I do, I feel like rushing into the nearest bathroom to puke because I have hit a new low.
Congratulations, Jessica…not only are you sleeping with the boss, but you are getting promoted for it.
I’ve become what I used to condemn. I’ve always believed in hard work and getting promoted only on merit, not because I slept with the boss.
Ethan adjusts in his seat, his gaze not wavering. “Let me get this straight—you don’t like that you’re being promoted?”
“Of course I do, but not because I’m sleeping with the boss! I should get promoted because I deserve it!” I don’t want to be promoted because of...this,” I say, gesturing vaguely between us. Ethan’s brows furrow in confusion at my outburst, and for a moment, I see a flicker of hurt in his eyes before a mask of indifference replaces it.
“Jessica, you’re not being promoted because of...this,” he says. “You’re being promoted because you’re good at your job. You’ve shown dedication, professionalism, and a willingness to go above and beyond.”
I scoff, crossing my arms defensively over my chest. “Oh, so now you’re saying it has nothing to do with what happened between us?”
“Yes, that’s what I said,” Ethan replies, his voice taking on a frustrated edge. “You’ve earned this promotion—you’ve worked hard for it.”
I shake my head, unable to believe his words. “I don’t believe you,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
Ethan leans forward, his expression earnest. “I’m not lying to you, Jessy. I wouldn’t do that.”
I glare at him, feeling a surge of anger rising within me. “Well, I’m not taking the promotion,” I declare, my voice firm.
Ethan’s eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, I see another flash of hurt cross his features before it’s quickly replaced by a mask of stoicism. “Are you sure about that?” he asks, his tone carefully neutral.
I nod, refusing to back down. “Yes, I’m sure,” I say. “I want to earn it on my own merit. I consider it unethical that you would even offer me a promotion based on nothing less than merit.”
Ethan’s jaw tightens at my words, his hazel eyes flashing with a mixture of hurt and indignation. “Unethical? Is that what you think of me?” he retorts, his voice laced with frustration.
I stand my ground, refusing to back down. “I’m not saying that,” I reply, my own voice rising with frustration. “I’m just saying I don’t want any special treatment because of... what happened.”
He scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief. “Special treatment? You think I would compromise my integrity like that?”
I feel a surge of anger rising within me. “I don’t know what to think anymore,” I snap, my patience wearing thin.
Ethan’s expression hardens, his jaw clenched in frustration. “Fine,” he says through gritted teeth. “If that’s how you feel, then there’s nothing more to discuss.”
I turn on my heel, storming towards the door with a sense of finality. “I’ll let HR know I’m declining the promotion,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion.
Ethan’s only response is a terse nod, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. As I step out of his office and the door closes behind me, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret at the way our conversation unfolded.
But I know deep down that I made the right decision. I won’t compromise my principles for anyone, not even him.
Sleeping with him was a mistake that should never have happened. And yet you still think about it every night.
Oh, God…I think I need to quit this job.
Throughout the day,my mind keeps replaying the heated exchange in Ethan’s office. Did I overreact? Was I too harsh on him? Despite my initial anger, a small voice inside me whispers that maybe I should have handled things differently. Perhaps I should go back and apologize and clear the air between us.
Every time I muster the courage to do so, doubt creeps in. What if he takes my apology the wrong way? What if he thinks I’m backing down from my principles? The uncertainty gnaws at me, leaving me feeling restless and unsettled.
By the time the workday draws to a close, I find myself in desperate need of some distraction. I sent a quick text to Bianca and Chloe, suggesting we meet up for drinks after work. They both reply with enthusiastic agreement, and we arrange to meet at our favorite bar downtown.
As I stepinto the dimly lit bar, the familiar scent of alcohol and chatter washes over me, soothing my frayed nerves.
Bianca and Chloe are already there, sitting at a table near the back. They wave me over, their smiles brightening at the sight of me.
“Something tells me you have something bothering you,” Chloe says, pretending to act like a soothsayer.
“Yeah, you are right about that,” I reply with a grin, sinking into the seat next to them. “I could definitely use a drink after today.”
“Okay, now my interest is piqued,” Bianca says, leaning back in her seat.
“Mine too.” Chloe nods in agreement, gesturing for the waitress to come over. “Tell us everything,” she says eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
As I recount the events of the day to Bianca and Chloe, Chloe is quick to play devil’s advocate.
“You know, Jessy, maybe you’re reading too much into it,” she suggests, swirling her drink thoughtfully. “Maybe Ethan genuinely thinks you deserve the promotion based on your merit.”
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. “You really think so?”
Chloe nods, her expression earnest. “Sure, it’s possible. You’re great at your job. Ethan probably sees that and wants to reward your hard work.”
Bianca chimes in, her voice laced with a hint of pragmatism. “And even if he did offer you the job because of, you know, other reasons, so what? People get ahead in their careers all the time by leveraging personal connections or whatever. It’s just how the world works.”
I furrow my brows, feeling a sense of unease settle in the pit of my stomach. “I don’t know, guys. It just doesn’t sit right with me. I want to believe that I earned this promotion on my own merits, not because of...other factors.”
Chloe reaches out to place a comforting hand on my arm. “Hey Jessy, whatever you decide to do, we’ve got your back. But maybe it’s worth considering all the angles before you make a final decision.”
I’min the midst of sorting through accommodations for guests when my phone buzzes with a new message. Glancing at the screen, I see that it’s from Amy. Her name brings a small smile to my face; she’s been one of the few bright spots in my recent days.
The text is short and sweet, asking if I’m available for lunch today. Without hesitation, I type out a quick reply, confirming that I’m free, and suggesting a nearby café where we can meet.
As I hit send, a sense of anticipation bubbles up inside me. I’ve enjoyed my brief interactions with Amy so far, and the prospect of spending more time with her is oddly exciting.
Amy and I settle into a cozy corner of the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the soft chatter of other patrons. She sips her latte while I opt for a soothing herbal tea, trying to calm the nerves that have been on edge since yesterday’s confrontation with Ethan.
“So, how have things been going with my brother?” Amy asks, her bright eyes curious as she leans in slightly.
I take a moment to collect my thoughts, deciding how much to share with her. After all, Ethan is her brother, and I don’t want to sour their relationship with my personal grievances.
“Well, let’s just say it’s been...interesting,” I reply, offering a cautious smile.
Amy raises an eyebrow, sensing there’s more to the story. “Interesting. How?”
I take a deep breath, deciding to dive into the heart of the matter. “We had a bit of a disagreement yesterday about a promotion he offered me.”
Her expression shifts to one of concern. “Oh? What happened?”
I recount the events of yesterday’s meeting in Ethan’s office, explaining how I felt uncomfortable accepting a promotion that seemed to be offered under questionable circumstances.
Amy listens intently, her expression thoughtful as she processes the information. After I finish speaking, she reaches across the table to place a reassuring hand on mine.
“I understand why you feel that way, Jessy. But you have to trust me when I say that Ethan is not the type to promote someone if they didn’t earn it,” she says firmly.
I consider her words for a moment, letting them sink in. Okay, maybe I might have overreacted a little.
Amy leans back in her chair, her gaze thoughtful as she considers my words. Then, with a sigh, she leans forward again, fixing me with a knowing look.
“You know, Jessy, now I understand why Ethan has been so brooding lately. He’s been getting on my nerves, and I couldn’t figure out why until now.”
I furrow my brows, puzzled by her statement. “What do you mean?”
“It’s because of you, Jessy,” Amy says bluntly.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with me.”
Amy raises an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. “It’s clear that there’s tension between you two. And knowing Ethan, he’s probably not handling it well.”
I shrug, trying to downplay the situation. “Our relationship is nothing short of professional, Amy. We work together, that’s all.”
Amy gives me a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Keep telling yourself that, Jessy.”
I roll my eyes, feeling a mixture of frustration and amusement. “Believe me, Amy, there’s nothing romantic going on between Ethan and me.”
She chuckles softly, shaking her head. “If you say so, Jessy. But sometimes, the more you deny something, the more true it becomes.”
I glanceup from my computer screen as Lysa approaches the front desk, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. There’s a certain tension in the air whenever she’s around.
“Jessica,” she says, her voice tight but professional. “Can we talk for a moment?”
I nod, pushing aside the stack of paperwork I’d been sorting through. “Sure, what’s up?”
Lysa hesitates for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. “I heard about what happened with the promotion,” she begins, her tone neutral, but I can detect a hint of curiosity beneath the surface.
My stomach churns with apprehension, knowing that Lysa is not one to mince words.
“I didn’t realize you would still be working here as a front desk attendant when I recommended you for a promotion as a concierge.”
My heart sinks as her words sink in, and I feel a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Of course, I should have realized that Lysa would know about the promotion—she works closely with Ethan and probably heard about it from him.
“I...uh, I haven’t made a decision about the promotion yet,” I stammer, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I’m still thinking it over.”
Lysa raises an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating. “Really? Because it sounded like you were pretty adamant about not taking it when you were talking to HR.”
I swallow hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. I’ve definitely dug myself into a hole with this one. “I...I guess I spoke too soon,” I admit reluctantly. “I need some time to think about it, that’s all.”
Lysa studies me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nods slowly. “Well, take your time. But remember, opportunities like this don’t come around every day.”
With that, she turns and walks away, leaving me to grapple with my own thoughts. As I watch her go, I can’t help but feel a sense of regret wash over me. I’ve made a mess of things, and now I have to find a way to set them right.