“Hey, Neil. Did you check the bulletin today? Must be nice having a top-seat wife,” a colleague said in mock praise.

Neil went straight to the bulletin board. His eyes widened—his proposal had been selected for the next bidding.

But… how? he thought. His head had rejected the proposal weeks ago.

Even so, he was happy that his idea had made it up there. But not everyone shared his joy.

“He’s seriously despicable. Using underhand tricks for a project.”
“Where do you think he got such a major project?”
“From his girlfriend, obviously. A bootlicker like him can only do that much.”
“You can’t be serious. They’re together? Someone like him having that sort of connection with the VP?”
“That’s what I’m saying. She deserves better.”

Neil heard every word. It stung more than he expected. By the time he reached his department, the stares and whispers were waiting. Some didn’t even bother lowering their voices as they threw insults his way.

After work, he went to his only source of comfort—Olivia.

“Congratulations,” she said with a smile.

He smiled back. “You’re the only one who’s said that to me today.”

She caught the weight behind his words. The smile in his eyes didn’t reach his heart.

“Then, let’s celebrate.” She slipped a hand around his arm, and they drank together.

After a while, Neil spoke up. “Why do you like me?”

“Out of nowhere?”

“You’re beautiful, confident, successful. You could have anyone. So… why me?”

“True,” she said lightly. “But I didn’t want anyone. I wanted only you.” Then she tilted her head. “Your turn. Tell me, why do you like me?”

“I already told you—you’re beautiful, smart, charismatic.”

She laughed softly. “So, it really was just that?”

He shook his head. “No... I fell for you because you stayed with me when no one else did. You listened, you looked out for me. You didn’t have to, but you did, and that meant everything.”

She nudged him with her elbow. “That’s what drinking buddies do. And you were such a lightweight, I was worried someone would rob you on the streets.”

She was teasing, but his tone stayed steady. “It meant a lot to me.”

Without warning, he leaned closer, resting his head against her shoulder. Olivia froze for a second.

“Don’t leave me,” he murmured. “I’ll do better and become someone you can lean on, too.”

Her heart softened instantly. Her own day hadn’t been easy either—but moments like this reminded her why she kept holding on.

She brushed her fingers through his hair and whispered, “I must have saved the world in my past life to end up with you.”

Half-drunk and drowsy, Neil smiled at her words.

“Hey! I told you not to submit the proposal!” the team leader slammed the project report on Neil’s desk.

Neil had endured enough insults already. Calm and composed by nature, he often let people take his silence and kindness for granted. But today, he stood his ground.

“The proposal was mine to begin with. Why can’t I submit it?”

The room went silent. People exchanged surprised glances.

“Huh. You’re getting bold. Is it because someone is backing you now? How long do you think she planned to be with you?”

“And what does that have to do with you? We’ll handle it ourselves.”

“You really think you can use her to climb the social ladder?” the leader laughed. “Anyone with sense would know she’s playing with you. Do you really think she’s loyal to you?”

Neil grabbed him by the collar. “Stop it!”

But he didn’t. Instead, he leaned closer and whispered, “Relax, Neil. Haven’t you seen her with Chris? Women like her… they don’t stick to just one guy. She’s closer to him than you think.”

Neil lost control and threw a punch straight to his face, escalating the chaos.

“What’s happening here?” Chris arrived just in time, Olivia right behind him. She saw Neil, tense and restless, and rushed to his side.

“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.

He nodded, feeling calmer.

“Can anyone explain exactly what happened?” Chris asked.

“He stole my work,” the team leader accused.

“I didn’t,” Neil said, looking at Olivia, who squeezed his hand reassuringly.

“Is this about what happened earlier?” Olivia asked.

“What is it?” Chris prompted.

“I received a proposal today that matched Neil’s,” she explained.

“Did you plagiarize your subordinate’s work?” Chris asked the team leader.

“No, sir. Believe me, it was him,” the team leader said, pointing at Neil.

“You rejected my proposal. Now you’re saying it’s yours?” Neil scoffed.

“No need to explain,” Olivia said, stepping forward. “We’ll investigate thoroughly, and I’ll personally oversee it.”

The team leader hesitated. “But… I’m worried it won’t be impartial. You have a special relationship with one of the parties involved—so—”

“Are you questioning my authority?” Olivia snapped.

“No. I just think you should stay out of it.”

Before Neil could react, Chris stepped in. “Listen, you don’t get to question her authority. She has every right to handle this investigation. If you want, we can transfer it to internal affairs. Otherwise, get back to work.”

Once everyone dispersed, Neil rushed to Olivia’s side while Chris attended a call.

“I’m sorry… you had to deal with all that because of me.”

“Why is it your fault? Did you steal his work?”

“No! I didn’t!” he replied quickly.

“Then it’s not your fault.” She smiled at him, reassuringly, letting him know she believed him.

“Olivia…” Chris whispered something in her ear. Her expression changed.

“Everything alright?” Neil asked.

After work, Neil waited for Olivia. One hour—two hours—three hours passed, and he lost track of time. Suddenly, a message popped up on his screen from her:

Home💕: Have you reached home? Sorry, I wasn’t feeling well, so I went home earlier. See you tomorrow at work.

Relieved, Neil was about to leave when he noticed Olivia getting into a car with Chris.

He never doubted her, yet a pang of worry struck him. He wanted to rush over and ask if she was okay, but he didn’t. Maybe he thought Chris could be more helpful to her than he could.

With his head down and thousands of thoughts swirling through his mind, he slowly walked away.