Chapter 2

Caleb likely understood that abruptly firing a seasoned employee like me would demotivate the rest of the employees, so he assigned me to be Winona's second-in-command instead, masking the demotion under the diplomatic pretense of "facilitating the handover." Those in the company were aware that I was the one who spearheaded these key projects while working tirelessly with the team. Thus, whenever they looked at Winona, their eyes were full of indignation. During one of our lunch breaks, one of my colleagues, Jesse Holt, leaned over and whispered, "You're not just going to take it, are you, Giselle? Winona doesn't even know what she's doing! It's making all of us so upset on your behalf, Giselle!" I remained silent, feeling a wave of bitterness welling up inside me. They were on edge as they understood the implications. They had no idea what awaited them in the future if someone important like me could be treated in such a manner. Winona, on the other hand, could tell that everyone was against her. It was the following day when Caleb convened a meeting dedicated entirely to Winona's agenda and pointedly "failed" to send me an invitation. I didn't know what transpired at the meeting. However, afterward, Winona dropped a pile of files on my desk and said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Please organize these files for me, Giselle. You used to be the sales director, so you're most familiar with them. "Caleb has said that I call the shots on everything from now on—even down to the color of his underwear!" I clenched my fists, knowing that Winona was deliberately staking her claim. Just as I expected, Caleb summoned me to his office after hours. Winona was already there, settled in my old spot with a cup of coffee, observing me with a smug smile. Caleb said with a tone leaving no room for discussion, "I require you to understand your new role and collaborate effectively with Winona. You need to keep your personal feelings out of this, Giselle." I found it utterly incredulous. "You actually have the guts to bring up personal feelings? How dare you tell me to keep my personal feelings aside after I sacrificed so much for you, Caleb!" Caleb scowled and bellowed, "You're doing it again! You constantly drag up the past! Do you think I was blind to your efforts, Giselle? I compensated you fairly for that work, with salary and bonuses! "You ought to know that Winona isn't the same as you. She's my girlfriend, so you are expected to show her the same deference you show me!" Winona gently held Caleb's arm and said softly, "You shouldn't blame Giselle for this, Caleb. It's probably because she still has feelings for you and is uncomfortable with my presence. "I'm fine, Caleb. As long as our focus remains on the company's best interest, I can accept any grievance Giselle has against me. It doesn't matter if I suffer a little, so please don't let this spoil the good relations between you two." Caleb's heart clearly softened for Winona. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said coldly to me, "You can't force affection where it doesn't exist, Giselle. You ought to maintain your professionalism and refrain from letting me down further in the company." I felt the last flicker of hope inside me dying as I witnessed Caleb protecting Winona. He'd made his position perfectly clear; to stay now would be pathetic self-delusion on my part. How could I just leave, though? Those 10% shares I got from mortgaging my house were rightfully mine. How could I hand it over on a silver platter to this contemptible couple? They were awfully mistaken if they thought they could take away the company, take away my romance, and kick me aside. There was no way I would give up a single bit of what was mine.