I walked into my boss’s office, expecting praise for the project I’d poured a year of my life into. Instead, I was met with accusations of plagiarismCallie, a newer employee, claimed the work was hers. My shock turned to horror when my boss sided with her, despite all the evidence pointing to me. I lost my job that day, betrayed and humiliated.
Confused and devastated, I questioned how Callie even knew my project’s intimate details. Then it hit me Harris, my husband, had access. Racing home, I searched his belongings while he showered. A receipt for a romantic dinner confirmed my fears. Then, I found messages: Harris had leaked my work to Callie his mistress.
I didn’t break down I got even. At my farewell party, I presented the real project, complete with features no one else could’ve known. My private investor confirmed everything. I even revealed Harris and Callie’s affair with a cake decorated with their photo and the words: They Stole My Life. The room went silent; justice was loud.
Mr. Thornton begged me to stay with a promotion. But I declined. I had my project, my investor, and a future that didn’t involve betrayal. I divorced Harris and booked a solo trip to heal. As the plane lifted, I felt light, free, and powerful. They took everything but I built something better from the ruins.