Listening to the Rain as We Part

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It was our second anniversary.

I saw the note on my boss Alexanders phone, and my world tilted on its axis. It was a checklist, a brutal list of requirements for his perfect girlfriend:

Under 28.

Fluent in five languages.

Stanford graduate.

C-cup

There were twenty-five items in total. Not a single one of them described me.

In that moment, our secret, two-year affair finally made a twisted kind of sense. I tried to console myself, telling myself no one could possibly meet every single one of his ridiculously demanding criteria.

Then came the new hire interviews.

I sat beside him as he picked up one womans resume, his head nodding in approval again and again.

When my eyes caught a glimpse of her qualifications, a cold certainty washed over me.

My time with Alexander was over.

The interview was almost unnervingly smooth. Alexander asked the woman, Isabella, question after question, a mix of professional and deeply personal.

What are your hobbies?

Whats your favorite food?

With every answer she gave, the stern, unsmiling lines of his face softened into something Id never seen before. I knew why. Every single one of her answers ticked a box on his list.

My heart sank, stone by stone, into a pit of despair. In the two years wed been together, hed never shown this much interest in me. He never cared what movies I liked or what I did with my free time. Outside of the bedroom, we were practically strangers.

Alexanders final question was the one that shattered what was left of my hope.

Do you have a boyfriend right now?

No, she answered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

The way his lips curved into a smile and the look that passed between them was a silent, sealed contract.

After the interviews, Alexander placed her resume on my desk. Notify her that shes hired.

I stared down at the smiling face in the photo. Isabella Knight. Even the dimples at the corners of her mouth were exactly what he wanted.

Two days later, I was escorting her to HR to finalize her paperwork when the department head handed me a form.

Sarah, perfect timing. Could you sign this for me?

I stared at the document, sure Id misheard. A department transfer request?

The HR managers eyes were full of pity. You didnt know? Mr. Knight has appointed Isabella as his new executive assistant. He asked me to transfer you to the marketing department.

A wave of desolation washed over me. I had poured five years of my life into this company, clawing my way up from intern to his assistant. Every promotion was paid for with the red flags on my annual health reports. Three years ago, when he transferred to this city, I followed him without a second thought.

And now, with a single word, he was casting me aside for a woman hed just met. The marketing department was a notorious dead endall the grunt work, none of the glory. It wasn't a transfer; it was a demotion.

This wasnt the first time hed treated me like I was disposable. For two years, hed stood me up at restaurants, leaving me to wait alone until closing time. Hed completely forgotten the vacations Id so excitedly planned.

The truth was simple. He just didnt care.

Once that reality settled in my bones, I signed the transfer papers without hesitation. Then, on the spot, I wrote out my resignation and handed it in.

With that done, I stepped outside and called my mom.

Mom, I think Im going to come home and find a job there.

No, Im not upset, I lied, forcing a cheerful tone. I heard about your surgery. This way, I can be there to take care of you.

The resignation process would take a month, which was perfect. It was the end of the year, and I could collect my bonus from the last major project.

I packed my desk, moved my things to marketing, and waited until the office emptied out. Then, with a calm I didnt feel, I walked to Alexanders office.

Through the glass wall, I saw a new, smaller desk had been set up next to his. Isabella was still there, working. And Alexander, the man who famously kept everyone at arms length, was leaning over her, his body close to hers, patiently explaining something on her screen.

I had tried for years to break down that invisible wall between us. Id even asked if I could move my desk into his office. His rejection was always swift and cold: Sarah, I need my personal space.

I thought seeing this would break me. But now, having let go, all I felt was a profound sense of relief.

He noticed me and raised an eyebrow, unsurprised. After dismissing Isabella, his expression hardened with impatience. This transfer is a chance for you to gain more experience. Dont be

I cut him off. Lets break up.

He paused, then let out a short, derisive laugh. Break up? Sarah, when did I ever say you were my girlfriend? From head to toe, you dont meet a single one of my standards.

I stared at him, speechless.

His eyes held their usual arrogance. Since you brought it up, let me make it official. As of today, our arrangement is officially terminated.

His words were a slap in the face, sharp and stinging. I wanted to cry, but a laugh escaped my lips insteada bitter, hollow sound for my wasted youth, for my own pathetic cheapness.

He was right. He had never called me his girlfriend. I was the one who stupidly assumed that one night changed everything.

It was at the companys annual gala. Hed had too much to drink. I took him back to his hotel room, and he asked me to stay. He never knew that Id been secretly in love with him for years, since my very first day at the company.

What followed was a night of passion Id only dreamed of. The next morning, he woke up, saw me tangled in his sheets, and froze for a moment. Then, without another word, he dressed and said, Well be in touch, and left.

How could I have been so foolish? How could I have mistaken those four empty words for I love you? All the times hed been dismissive, all the times hed treated me with indifferenceI had told myself he was just a cold person by nature.

But the real answer had been there all along.

I wasn't good enough.

The last flicker of warmth in my heart died out in the cold night air.

From that day on, I avoided Alexander like the plague. If we had work that needed to be discussed, I asked my colleagues to handle it. We passed in the hallway several times; I saw his throat bob as if he wanted to say something, but I looked straight through him and kept walking.

About two weeks later, the office gossip exploded.

Oh my god, did you guys see? Alex and Isabella made it official!

They even have matching profile pictures! That was fast.

Damn, that girl works quick. A few weeks on the job and shes already brought the Ice King down from his pedestal.

I opened my social media feed. Alexanders profile, usually as sterile as a corporate brochure, now had a pinned video at the topa highlight reel of their new relationship. In the two weeks since wed ended things, he had already taken her to meet his parents.

I liked the post along with everyone else, then quickly closed the app.

I went to book my ticket home and realized my ID was still at his apartment.

I had no choice but to send him a text. He replied almost instantly.

Im out of town on business. Go get it yourself. The code is 991006.

Followed by another message.

And dont contact me after work hours again. I have a girlfriend now. Its inappropriate.

I recognized the numbers. It was Isabellas birthday.

After work, I rushed to his place. The toiletries Id left in his bathroom were gone. The living room rug and even the tissue box on the coffee table were now a garish shade of pink. A strange, floral scent filled the air.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I started searching for my ID. Before I knew what was happening, two police officers slammed me to the ground.

We received a call about a break-in. Youre coming with us.

No matter how much I explained, they were convinced I was a burglar. My hands trembled as I tried to call Alexander. The call connected for a second, then was cut off. I tried again. It wouldnt go through. He had blocked my number.

There was no one to vouch for me. I was arrested on suspicion of breaking and entering.

I spent two days and two nights in a dark holding cell, under constant interrogation, without a wink of sleep. On the third night, Alexander finally showed up, with Isabella on his arm.

She blinked her big, innocent eyes. Oh, Sarah, Im so, so sorry! I didnt know it was you! I saw a blurry figure on the security camera and I panicked and called the police. She looked from me to him. But why were you in Alexs apartment?

The silence was thick and suffocating.

Alexander broke it. I asked her to grab a file for me.

Isabella clutched her chest dramatically and laughed. Oh, you scared me! For a second, I thought there was something between you two.

He shook his head, his tone firm. Never. You dont have to worry about that. You know my standards. Shes not my type.

I stared at them, saying nothing.

While Alexander was speaking to the officers, Isabella casually lifted her sleeve, revealing a fresh tattoo on her arm: A & I.

Like it, Sarah? Alex and I got them together a few days ago. He said he wanted something permanent to mark our love. I never knew he was such a romantic.

My mouth opened, but no words came out. So, the serious, unsmiling Alexander could be sweet and romantic. Just not for me.

The look on my face seemed to please her. She leaned in, her voice a triumphant whisper. This was just a little warning. Stay away from him. Take your things and get lost.

She pulled my ID out of her pocket and shoved it into mine. Shed known all along.

I walked out of the police station and watched them get into his car, their bodies pressed close together. A light drizzle was falling, and a puddle had formed at the bottom of the steps. As the car pulled away, its tires sent a wave of dirty water splashing all over me. The taxi driver who pulled up took one look at my drenched, pathetic state and sped off.

In the car's rearview mirror, I saw Alexanders dark, unreadable eyes watching me.

Back at work, news of my arrest had somehow leaked. My colleagues looked at me differently now, their gazes filled with suspicion and pity. I let my eyes drift over their familiar, yet alien, faces, finally landing on Isabella. I didnt miss the smug triumph in her eyes.

I took a deep breath and didnt bother to explain. All I had to do was get my bonus, and I would be gone.

I counted down the days. Finally, the night of the companys anniversary gala arrived.

I had just walked into the ballroom when I saw Alexander in a sharp tuxedo. He started to walk toward me, but Isabella intercepted him, linking her arm through his and pulling him toward the stage. They were a stunning couple, and the spotlight immediately found them.

The final event of the night was the announcement of the project awards. My heart hammered against my ribs.

Alexander stood at the podium, reading the list of names. When he got to my project, the big screen lit up. But instead of my name, I saw hers.

Isabella Knight.

The world went silent. My mind was a complete blank.

Alexanders gaze flickered in my direction, as if gauging my reaction. I stared at him in disbelief. The second he stepped off the stage, I pushed through the crowd and confronted him, my voice shaking with a rage I could no longer contain.

What the hell was that, Alexander?

He knew exactly what I meant. He led me out into the hallway. Youll have other opportunities here, Sarah. Isabella is new. She needs a big win like this to establish herself. He tried to sound reasonable. And dont worry, Ive already found a better opportunity for you as compensation.

My voice rose. But I completed that project! Do you have any idea how hard I worked? And you just erase all of it with a single sentence, for her?

Tears I couldnt control streamed down my face. For that project, for that bonus, I had pulled all-nighters for weeks. I had forced myself through client dinners, drinking with them despite a severe alcohol allergy that nearly landed me in the hospital. He knew. He knew all of it. And Isabella? All she did was sign her name on the final report after I was gone.

He loosened his tie, his voice sharp with irritation. Sarah, lets be clear. I am your boss. I decide who gets credit for that project.

He was right, but I couldnt let it go. My mother was waiting for that money for her surgery.

I swallowed my pride, my voice breaking into a sob. Please. Im begging you. I wont ask for anything ever again. But I need that bonus money. Its for my moms medical bills

He cut me off, his voice turning to ice. I should have known. Youd even stoop to making up lies about your mother to guilt-trip me for money. Whats the matter? Bitter that you didnt get a payday after sleeping with me for two years? You should take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you ever even came close to meeting my standards.

Our raised voices drew Isabella over. She looked at me, her face a mask of concern, and grabbed my arm. Sarah, are you fighting with Alex over the project? Please, don't. It's okay, I don't need it. I'm new here, I'm used to being overlooked.

Her saccharine, manipulative words made my blood boil. I yanked my arm away from her.

But before I could even apply any force, she stumbled backward with a shriek, letting the wine glass in her hand crash to the floor.

Alex, she sobbed, tears instantly filling her eyes.

He rushed to her side, and when he looked back at me, his eyes were full of venom. He grabbed my arm, his grip bruising.

You are unbelievable, Sarah. She was defending you, and you assault her? he snarled. Apologize to her. Right now.

I wrenched my arm free and screamed at him, my voice raw. I did nothing wrong! Why should I apologize?

The fire in his eyes blazed hotter.

The next second, a loud smack echoed in the hall. The force of his slap sent me stumbling backward. My hand shot out to break my fall and landed directly on the shards of broken glass.

Pain, sharp and immediate, shot up my arm as blood bloomed on my palm.

Alexander froze, his hand still in the air, his eyes wide with shock. He reached out as if to help me up.

It hurts, Isabella whimpered.

His attention snapped back to her. He swept her up into his arms and turned away without a backward glance.

I lay on the floor, humiliated and bleeding, and watched as she wrapped her arms around his neck, a triumphant smirk on her face.

I couldnt stay there a second longer.

I wiped my tears, deleted his number, blocked him on everything, and changed my ticket for the earliest train home.

Alexander Knight. We were done. Forever.