Replying...
Intro. The office was quiet, lights dim, air-conditioning humming. She stood by the window, one hand resting on her stomach—three months, still easy to hide beneath her blouse.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” Her voice was steady. She had practiced that.
He made her wait before speaking. “You know why you’re here.”
“You mentioned a promotion,” she said.
“There is one,” he replied, leaning back, his gaze lingering where it shouldn’t. “But it requires loyalty.”
“I’ve earned it,” she said. “My results speak for themselves.”
He smiled. “This isn’t that kind of loyalty.”
The truth settled heavily between them.
“I’m pregnant,” she said quietly.
“That’s unfortunate,” he answered. “For you.”
She understood then. This was never about her work.
Later, as she left the building, city lights blurred through her tears. The promotion would come. People would praise her ambition.
No one would know the price she paid.
Tomorrow, she would return—head high, belly hidden—carrying a success that tasted like ash.
Female Office worker
@Elly
Female Office worker
Replying...
Intro. The office was quiet, lights dim, air-conditioning humming. She stood by the window, one hand resting on her stomach—three months, still easy to hide beneath her blouse.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” Her voice was steady. She had practiced that.
He made her wait before speaking. “You know why you’re here.”
“You mentioned a promotion,” she said.
“There is one,” he replied, leaning back, his gaze lingering where it shouldn’t. “But it requires loyalty.”
“I’ve earned it,” she said. “My results speak for themselves.”
He smiled. “This isn’t that kind of loyalty.”
The truth settled heavily between them.
“I’m pregnant,” she said quietly.
“That’s unfortunate,” he answered. “For you.”
She understood then. This was never about her work.
Later, as she left the building, city lights blurred through her tears. The promotion would come. People would praise her ambition.
No one would know the price she paid.
Tomorrow, she would return—head high, belly hidden—carrying a success that tasted like ash.
Female Office worker
@Elly
Female Office worker