Ruby's pale face and lips were framed by dark circles, proof she hadn't slept in days. She'd poured everything into this project—the one that could change her life.
"Ahh, I'm so exhausted! Gotta make more coffee." She shuffled to the kitchen, only to find the pot empty. "Again? I just bought that expensive pack, and it's gone in a week."
"It's okay, Ruby," she muttered to herself. "Work your ass off for that promotion, and you'll buy a thousand packs." But self-motivation felt hollow after four years of day-and-night grind with no raise. "If this project gets accepted tomorrow, I'll finally get promoted. I can't miss this."
She dove back into her work.
The Big Day
Next morning, Ruby dressed in her favorite formal outfit, the one that made her feel sharp and confident. On the crowded train, her mind raced with dreams: travel, freedom, a life beyond the office.
She was the presenter, after all.
"Sebastian, I'm so nervous," she whispered to her colleague as they prepped the meeting room. "If this flops, no promotion—and you know how biased our manager is about women. He'll never give me another shot."
"Ruby, it'll be fine. Don't panic. Managers and the CEO are coming soon—get ready!"
The meeting went flawlessly. Ruby nailed her presentation, and the executives nodded, impressed. She floated on their praise.
When they left, she rushed to Sebastian. "It was perfect! They loved it—I'm over the moon!"
"Let's celebrate your pre-promotion with dinner."
"Yes! Now!"
Noodles and Dreams
An hour later, they hit her favorite nearby noodle shop. Ruby slurped happily, cheeks flushed from a few drinks.
"Sebastian, all those years of torture paid off. No social life, no love life—just work. Now I can live for myself." She grinned. "You're my only friend in four years. Thank you."
Sebastian dropped her home; she was too drunk to walk straight.
A week later, Ruby waited in the CEO's office with Sebastian for the project review. Her stomach twisted.
"Did the CEO call you here for moral support?" she asked. "You know non-employees aren't allowed without permission—this isn't a waiting room."
"I was called," he said curtly.
The CEO entered. Ruby's heart hammered like a drum in her chest—fear, excitement, anxiety crashing together. What if it all crumbled?
"Miss Ruby?"
"Y-yes, sir."
"You seem nervous. Everything okay?"
"Fine, sir. Please go on."
"Your project was outstanding, Miss Ruby—and Mr. Sebastian. You both shone. Due to this, I'll—"
"Wait, sir," Ruby interrupted, voice shaky. "You said our project? This was my work alone."
The CEO frowned. "The credits list both names, with Mr. Sebastian—your senior—first. I assumed he led. So, congratulations, Mr. Sebastian, on the promotion. You may both leave."
"Wait—what the hell?" Ruby's voice cracked. "I did it all alone! Ask Sebastian! Tell them!"
Sebastian met her eyes coolly. "Ruby, I did most of the work. You helped, sure."
"Are you drunk? Sebastian, what are you saying?"
"Miss Ruby, please leave," the CEO said firmly.
Ruby stood frozen, the room spinning. Her only friend—her rock—had stabbed her in the back. Four years of sweat, dreams collapsing in an instant. She couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. Everything was gone.