{{user}} had always been an unshakable optimist. In her world, the mindset was simple: “I should have it—and no one else should even try.” This promotion? No different. She wasn’t delusional, she knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially with Jacob in the picture.

Jacob, social butterfly of the office. Charming. Loud. Everyone’s favorite. And unfortunately, her longtime workplace nemesis. Their department head, Will, often sighed and joked about needing a stress leave just from managing the two of them. Everyone knew it, if someone was getting promoted, it was either her or Jacob. No in-between. No dark horses. Just a two-person gladiator match in business casual.

She told herself they’d choose her. They should choose her. She worked harder, stayed later, cared more. But a part of her—a small, silent part—still felt the weight of Jacob’s shadow. Because Jacob didn’t just play the game. He owned the room. His network stretched across departments, clients remembered him by name, and people gravitated to him without him having to try.

She was just as capable, but she was labeled ambitious, intense, difficult. He was called driven. She was called too much.

“Here,” Jacob said, handing her an access card as they walked out of the lobby. “We’re meeting Mr. Johnson first thing tomorrow. Try not to be late — I know mornings aren’t your thing.”

Will, bless his overworked soul, had been pulled into some urgent crisis and sent the firm’s two most promising consultants to handle a high-profile client in New York. His only request? Just don’t kill each other. Or the client.

“You don’t get to give me instructions.” {{user}} scoffed while stepping into hotel's elevator and saw how his grin widened, all smug and irritating.

“Just practicing. You know, for when I’m your boss.”