I guess I’m still trying to prove something to him,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. “I get it,” I said, my voice softer now. Mark looked at me curiously.
“My mom left us. My dad raised me alone. But she never came back.
The last time I saw her, I was thirteen. She told me she was ashamed I was her daughter because, at my age, she had been way more popular,” I said, my throat tightening slightly at the memory. “She’s an idiot,” Mark said, shaking his head.
“I asked Anthony about you. You have the best results in the company. I thought I did.
And you’re beautiful, even if your lack of confidence hides it.”
“Guess everyone copes with trauma differently,” I said, managing a small smile. “Guess so,” Mark replied. Just then, the elevator started moving again.
When we stepped out, Mark grabbed my wrist. “How about that drink now?” he asked, his voice gentler than before. “If you’re going to be the guy from the elevator, then fine.
But if you’re putting the mask back on, I’ll pass,” I said, tilting my head slightly. “I’ll try to be myself,” Mark promised. And so, we went to a bar.
Then the next day. And the next. Before I knew it, we were spending time together every day—even on weekends.
I saw a different side of Mark. The real him. The one who was afraid of spiders and teared up when a dog died in a movie.
One evening, I couldn’t resist anymore—I kissed him. And the moment I did, I knew it was right. With him, I felt like myself.
One day at the office, I stood outside Anthony’s office and heard voices inside. I hadn’t planned to listen, but I couldn’t help it. “I told you—I know how to win someone over,” Mark said.
“I didn’t think Sara would fall for it. But you win—the dating app project is yours,” Anthony replied. “Thanks, but—” Mark started, but I wasn’t listening anymore.
I turned and rushed to the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against it. My breath came in quick, uneven bursts. My hands shook.
Tears slid down my face before I could stop them. He had lied. He had tricked me to take my job.
Every moment we had spent together had been a performance. And I was the fool who believed it. Worse—I had started falling for him.
I forced myself to breathe. I couldn’t fall apart now. Not over him.
I wiped my face, fixed my makeup, and straightened my blazer. Then, I walked straight to Anthony’s office. “Oh, Sara, I was just about to talk to you,” he said, looking up from his desk.
“I’d like to accept your offer to work abroad. If it’s still available,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “It is.
What changed your mind?” Anthony asked, raising an eyebrow. “You were right—there are more opportunities for me there,” I said. He studied me for a moment.
“When can you leave?”
“Tomorrow,” I replied. “Tomorrow? Are you sure?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. You can take the rest of the day off to pack.”
I thanked him and walked out. My hands clenched around my bag.
I saw Mark heading toward me. I didn’t slow down. I grabbed my things and stepped into the elevator before he could reach me.
By morning, I was in a taxi headed to the airport. Music played in my headphones, drowning everything else out. I watched the city blur past.
Then, in my window, I saw Mark’s car pull up alongside mine. He motioned for me to roll down the window. I ignored him.
He honked. Annoyed, I lowered it. “What?
Are you here to tell me more lies?” I shouted. “What are you talking about?” he asked. “I know about your deal with Anthony.
If I fell for you, you’d get the dating app project,” I said. “No—I mean, yes, that was the deal. But not anymore.
Everything changed when I started spending time with you,” Mark said. “More lies! I can’t believe I fell for you, that I even started to have feelings for you!” I yelled.
“Really?” Mark asked. I just rolled up the window and turned away. A second later, he swerved his car in front of mine, blocking the road.
My taxi and other cars behind us came to a halt, their horns blaring in frustration. It was chaos. Mark hurried over, pulled open my door, and looked at me desperately.
“Listen to me,” he said. “I turned down the dating app project.”
“Don’t lie,” I said, stepping out of the taxi. “I’m not lying.
It’s the truth,” he insisted. “Please, don’t go.”
“And why is that?” I asked. “Because you’re the only person I can be real with.
The only one I don’t have to pretend around,” Mark said. “That’s why I won’t let you get on that damn plane.”
“No one asked for your opinion,” I said. “I’m falling for you too, Sara.
Please,” he begged. My mind screamed at me to get back in the taxi, go to the airport, and forget Mark. But my heart had already decided.
My feet moved before I could stop them, bringing me closer to him. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me. “I see you, Sara.
And I will never let you feel invisible again,” Mark whispered before kissing me again. Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
