A couple holding hands | Source: Midjourney
Now, let me share a bit about the better part of my life. The part that excites me.
I’ve been climbing the corporate ladder since I started my career. Currently, I’m a manager at a large firm, overseeing a team of fifteen people.
We landed three major clients last quarter, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.
Meanwhile, Jake works as an accountant at a smaller firm. He makes less than I do, but it’s never been an issue between us.
A man working in his office | Source: Pexels
He gets excited about the smallest wins at his job, like implementing a new filing system or helping a junior colleague understand a complex spreadsheet.
“Guess what?” he’d bounce into the kitchen after work. “Remember that reconciliation issue that was driving everyone crazy? I figured it out!”
I’d match his enthusiasm every time. “That’s amazing! Tell me everything about it!”
Some of my friends didn’t understand our dynamic. They thought it was weird that I earned more, that we didn’t have kids, and that we were content with our simple life.
A couple standing together | Source: Pexels
Jake and I had always been on the same wavelength until last month. Until the day my world turned upside down.
I was in my office reviewing quarterly reports when my boss, David, called me in urgently.
“Lexi, we need you in Denver,” he said while looking at his computer screen. “The account is hanging by a thread, and you’re the only one who can salvage it.”
“Denver? When?”
“Tomorrow morning. Should be about a week.”
Oh, no, I thought.
A woman standing in her office | Source: Midjourney
Going on the trip meant missing Jake’s birthday that weekend. We’d been planning a huge BBQ party for weeks, and he had already bought a new grill.
I felt so terrible and had no idea how to break the news to him.
I found him in our kitchen when I reached home that evening. He was humming while chopping vegetables.
“Something smells amazing,” I said, trying to delay the inevitable.
“Just trying out a new marinade for the party,” he grinned. “Want to taste?”
A man standing in his kitchen | Source: Midjourney
“Jake, honey… I need to tell you something.”
I think he heard something in my voice because he immediately put the knife down.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I have to go to Denver. Tomorrow. For a week.”
He looked at me with eyes wide open.
“But…” he began. “The birthday BB
“I know, I’m so sorry. It’s this huge client, and David specifically asked for me. We can celebrate when I get back! Maybe even take that road trip we’ve been talking about?”
A woman talking to her husband | Source: Midjourney
He forced a smile, but I could see the hurt in his eyes.
“Yeah, sure,” he said. “We can definitely take that road trip. It’s gonna be great.”
I watched as he picked up the knife again and continued chopping the vegetables.
“I’ll make it up to you, I promise,” I said. “It’s just a week. I’ll be back in no time.”