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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.
