At Pamela’s new workplace, nobody knew she was engaged. She kept her ring hidden, leading her colleague Josh to invite her out after work. Just when she was ready to reveal her secret to him, her fiancé walked in.
Standing outside her office building, Pamela felt both excited and anxious. Her new job was going well, yet she chose to hide her engagement. Before entering, she took off her ring and put it in her bag.
“Morning, Miss Rogers!” called out Peter, the amiable security guard.
“Good morning, Peter. You remember my last name?” she asked with a smile.
“Of course! How could I forget?” he replied cheerfully, cheering her mood as she headed to the elevator.
Arriving on her floor, Pamela settled at her desk, enjoying the comforting familiarity of her workspace.
As her workday unfolded, Josh waved, and she waved back, appreciating the friendly interaction.
Later, Josh approached her. “Hey, Pam, everything good?”
“Yes, thanks. What’s up, Josh?” She expected another playful comment.
“We should have a ‘meeting’ to help you integrate with the team,” he teased.
“Who set this up?” Pamela humored him.
“I did. Expect a calendar invite soon. Dinner at Simon’s, perhaps?” he proposed, barely hiding his grin.
Laughing, Pamela replied, “We’ll see after work.”
“Great, I’ll take that as a yes,” he beamed, returning to his desk.
As the workday ended, Pamela stood outside, contemplating whether to go home or out with Josh. Her fiancé Chandler was at home waiting but Josh’s charm had uplifted her.
“Pam!” Josh interrupted her thoughts, gesturing to the restaurant.
“It’s late, maybe I should go home…” she hesitated.
“Come on, just a quick dinner on me,” Josh insisted warmly.
“Alright, but not too long,” she agreed softly, feeling more at ease.
As they walked, Pamela enjoyed the lighthearted moment despite her inner conflict. The restaurant was cozy, filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food. Josh’s humor kept her laughing, easing the tension she’d been carrying.
“Then, he tells me I’d be out like a cork from a bottle if it happened again!” Josh mimicked his ex-boss hilariously.
They laughed, and Pamela felt at ease, something missing in her life with Chandler. Josh’s genuine interest reminded her of what she’d been missing.
“Did I say something wrong?” Josh asked, noticing her momentary quietness.
“No, it’s nothing,” she said softly, thinking of revealing her engagement.
“There’s something I need to tell you…” she began carefully.
Just then, Chandler’s voice cut through the atmosphere, startling her.
“Pamela! What’s happening?” he demanded, his face clouded with anger.
Josh stood protectively. “Who are you?”
“I’m her fiancé,” Chandler replied, his voice filled with accusation.
Josh faced Pamela, shocked. “Is this what you wanted to tell me?”
“Yes, but—” Pamela uttered before Chandler interrupted.
“Let’s go,” Chandler said forcefully, pulling Pamela away.
Watching Josh walk out, Pamela felt like she’d lost something precious as she left the restaurant with Chandler.
Back on the street, Chandler questioned her actions. “Why would you do this, Pamela?”
“You know why, Chandler,” she replied, her voice wavering.
Refusing to argue, Pamela hailed a cab, leaving Chandler behind as she headed home, filled with regret.
The next morning, Pamela entered the office, determined to explain everything to Josh. She found him at his desk, avoiding her gaze.
Approaching silently, she placed an envelope on his desk.
“What is it?” Josh asked coldly.
“My choice,” Pamela replied firmly but gently.
Josh sighed. “You have a fiancé, Pamela. What’s to explain?”
“We’ve drifted apart. I’m done. I want to be with you, Josh,” she confessed.
She revealed the engagement ring in her hand. “I’m sending this back today.”
“I should’ve done this sooner,” she sighed, meeting Josh’s eyes.
“I want to be with you. I’m done hiding,” she confessed, feeling lighter.
Josh softened, taking her hand. “I’m here. Thank you for trusting me.”
Pamela felt a huge weight lift. For the first time, she felt hope for the future.
