Lost Me Gained Regret

He grinned and asked, "Are you thinking of being low-key or going big?"

"Go big." I didn't hesitate for a second.

"Leave it to me." Mark nodded, guiding me to the car, "Stay safe. Call if you need anything." His voice was clear and soothing, almost magically calming.

As I drove out of the parking lot and stopped to pay, a glance in the rearview mirror showed him still standing there, tall and distinguished, his gaze lingering in the direction! was leaving. Had I not known about the woman he'd been for of for years, I might have wondered if he had a crush on me.

I headed straight to the Ferguson Group, dialing Linda's numbe en route. "Meet me in the underground parking in ten."

"Jane," Linda sounded like she was knocked for a loop, "I'm... up to my eyes in work right now."

My tone turned icy. "Or should I come up to see you?"

Jane said quickly, "Uh... I'll come down."

Deep down, I harbored a sliver of hope it wasn't her. Maybe I overlooked something else.

But her guilt was too evident.

Linda was waiting at my usual parking spot, looking pale.

II As I got off, I went straight to the point. "Why did you do this?"

I couldn't understand. By all accounts, I was a decent boss, always willing to help and ignore minor issues.

"What do you mean?" Linda avoided my gaze, clearly uncomfortable.

I I shot back, "Do I have to spell it out for you?"

"Jane..." She lowered her head, embarrassed.

I frowned slightly. "You said you were airing out the office but were photographing my design draft?"

I couldn't think of any other slip-up.

Linda had been my intern since college, handpicked by me. She was the person I trusted most at Ferguson Group.

It turned out that not just marriages and men could be unreliable.

10:04

? What did Linda fell silent, and I understood. "You hate Margaret, don't she offer you? A promotion or a raise?"

"Neither." Linda suddenly looked up, desperation in her eyes. "She said she'd introduce me to my idol. She admitted they weren't close but was willing to make the connection."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I couldn't believe it. "Just for that?"

I knew she idolized Mark, but I hadn't realized her obsession ran this deep.

"I've admired him for so long!" Linda was furious, resenting me, "You knew I liked him, yet you kept it from me, Went to the concert with him, and never thought of introducing us!"

I plan to "Linda," I couldn't help but scowl, icily responding. "Even if I did I mention it, I introduce you when the time was right. He's my friend. It's up to me whether I introduce you to him. I don't owe you a thing!"

"This is Ferguson Group's project proposal. Corporate espionage is no small charge. Think about how you want to handle this!" With that, I got back into my car, ready to

leave.

Unexpectedly, Linda chuckled. "As your assistant these past years, let me offer some friendly advice. Think about how you'll survive in the design world."

"Why wouldn't I survive?" I rolled down the window, showing her the recording app on my phone. "Linda, if you decide to go against me, won't pull any punches."

10:04