"I said, execute the new chart."
She snapped her mouth shut, her eyes swimming with pity.
I didn't need pity.
I needed closure.
At seven sharp, the gala commenced.
Jonathan took the stage, radiating charisma and dominance.
The livestream cameras swept the audience, pausing on my face for a fraction of a second before moving on to more important people.
Jonathan's speech was masterful. He thanked the angel investors, the executive team, the strategic partners.
He even thanked the janitorial staff for their diligence.
But he never mentioned me.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. The weight of their gazes pricked my skin like needles.
Then came the awards ceremony. The atmosphere grew electric.
Names were called. Applause thundered.
I sat in the shadows of the second row, my thumb unconsciously tracing the plain silver band I still wore on my ring finger.
"Next," Jonathan's voice rose, tinged with excitement, "is tonight's most anticipated segment—the Special Year-End Bonus."
The hall fell into a hush so deep you could hear a pin drop.
The spotlight prowled across the audience, searching.
Ideally, it should have landed on me.
My heart skipped a beat, a traitorous flare of hope igniting in my chest.