He never even knew my name until one day, he did. Suddenly, the most charismatic man in the office was everywhere, flashing his perfect smile and asking me out. But why now? Something didn’t add up. And when I finally discovered the reason, it shattered me.
When no one notices you, at first, it hurts. You try to change the situation. Then, you accept it. And eventually, you even find an advantage in it.
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That day, I sat at my desk, watching as my male colleagues swarmed around our new coworker, Claire.
She was obviously attractive, so their reaction wasn’t surprising. But when Mark approached her, the others quickly backed off.
I let out a quiet chuckle as I watched. Mark was the most handsome and charismatic man in the office—I was convinced even other men wouldn’t mind if he took them to bed.
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He flirted with Claire, and she giggled at his jokes, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger.
At that moment, Anthony, my boss, approached me. “Sara, do you remember our new project?” he asked, glancing at the laptop screen in front of me.
“Yes, of course. I’m leading it,” I replied, adjusting my glasses.
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“I’m counting on you,” Anthony said with a nod, his tone full of expectation.
I worked at an IT company, and we were launching a new dating app. Anthony had chosen me to lead the project because, no matter how unnoticeable I was, my work results were the best.
He had also offered me an opportunity to work abroad at one of our other branches, but I declined, even though the salary would have been much higher.
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During lunch, I noticed an irritated Mark walking up to Anthony. Curious about what had upset our golden boy this time, I decided to eavesdrop.
“Who did you assign the dating app to?” Mark asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
“Sara. Is there a problem?” Anthony replied, sounding amused.
“Sara? We don’t have anyone by that name,” Mark scoffed, and I felt my jaw tighten.
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“She’s sitting right over there,” Anthony said, pointing at me. I continued pretending not to hear them, keeping my eyes fixed on my screen.
“I thought I’d be handling the dating app. This isn’t fair,” Mark protested, folding his arms across his chest.
“To my office. Now,” Anthony ordered.
I finished my lunch just in time to see Mark walking out of Anthony’s office, looking pleased with himself.
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I had no idea what they had discussed, but no one had told me I was off the project, so I remained calm, though a tiny seed of doubt had been planted in my mind.
The next day, Mark approached me with his signature smile, hovering over my desk like a shadow. I gave him a questioning look.
“Sonia…” he began, leaning in slightly.
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“Sara,” I corrected him, not bothering to hide my irritation.
“Right. Sara.” He chuckled, as if amused by his own mistake. “Want to grab lunch together?” he asked, his voice dripping with casual charm.
“I already ate,” I replied flatly, typing away at my keyboard.
“Then how about a drink after work?” he suggested, tilting his head.
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I turned to face him. “You didn’t even know my name a minute ago. I bet you didn’t even know I worked here,” I said, recalling his conversation with Anthony. “What’s this really about?”
“I just thought it’d be nice to hang out with a lovely colleague,” Mark said smoothly, flashing that infamous smirk that made other women melt.
I scoffed.
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“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun,” he insisted, his persistence almost amusing.
“I have a lot of work,” I said, turning back to my computer.
Mark lingered for a moment before sighing and walking away, but I could feel his eyes on me for a few seconds longer than necessary.
As usual, I stayed late at the office. But when I finally looked up from my screen, I was surprised to see Mark still there. Normally, by the time I finished, the office was empty.
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I stood up, gathered my things, and headed to the elevator. Mark did the same. He followed me, and the whole thing felt strange.
We stepped into the elevator, and it started moving. Then, suddenly, it stopped.
“What’s going on? Are we stuck?” I asked, pressing a few buttons.
“Looks like it,” Mark replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
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I pressed the emergency button and explained the situation. The response came: we’d have to wait about two hours.
Mark sighed and sat on the floor, stretching his legs out in front of him. After a moment, I did the same.
“So, tell me about yourself,” he said, tilting his head toward me.
“What?” I chuckled, raising an eyebrow.
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“What’s funny?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.
“Come on, I’ve worked here for years, and most people don’t even know I exist. Why the sudden interest?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“I’m just curious,” he said, shrugging.
“Then why don’t you tell me about yourself?” I countered, narrowing my eyes.
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“Oh, please. You probably know everything about me already,” Mark smirked. “Everyone does.”
That made me laugh again. “That confidence.”
“What? Is that a bad thing?” he asked, grinning.
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“No, not if it’s real. But being invisible has given me an advantage—I notice things. And you, Mark, are nothing but an act. A performer trying to mask his insecurities with fake confidence. So what’s behind all of it? Daddy issues? Mommy didn’t pay attention to you?” I asked, leaning back against the wall.
“Oh, screw you,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.
We sat in silence for a while until Mark finally spoke again.
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“My dad left us when I was three. My mom raised me alone. Then, when I was a teenager, he suddenly came back and tried to mold me into his perfect son. 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.
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“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.”
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“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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.
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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.”
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“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.
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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.
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A husband, after spending 17 years in marriage with Inna, decided to leave her for a young student, but he did not expect that his wife would give him a farewell
Inna stood by the window, watching as raindrops distributed the glass, forming whimsical patterns. Seventeen years – is that a lot or a little? She remembered every day of their marriage, every anniversary, every gifts. And now everything becomes collapsed.
“We need to talk,” Alexey said.
“I’m leaving, Inna. To Natasha.”
Silence. Only the ticking of the old wall clock, once gifted by his mother, broke the calmness of the room.
“To the student from your faculty?” Her voice sounded surprisingly calm.
“Yes. Understand, my feelings have changed. I want new emotions, fresh impressions. You’re a smart woman, you should understand.”
Inna smiled.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” Alexey said. “I’ve already packed my things.”
Then she approached the cupboard and recovered that special bottle they had kept for a special occasion.
“Well, I suppose this is a rather special moment,” she began to open the bottle. “You know, I propose we have a farewell dinner. Invite your friends, your relatives. After all, seventeen years is no joke.”
Alexey surprisingly said:
“You… you want to throw a party for our divorce?”
“Why not?” Inna smiled. “Let’s send our life together off in style. After all, I really am a smart woman, remember?”
She began to send messages to relatives and friends.
“Tomorrow at seven in the evening. I’ll prepare your favorite dishes. Consider it my farewell gift.”
Alexey stood there, not knowing what to say. He had predicted tears, nervousness, reproaches – anything but this calm acceptance.
“And yes, tell Natasha that she’s invited too. I want to meet the girl who managed to do what I couldn’t all these years – ignite a new spark in you.”
The next day began awfully early for Inna.
She carefully called banks, met with a lawyer, and prepared documents. Every action was prapared.
By the evening, their spacious apartment was full of the aromas of exquisite dishes. Inna set the table, organizing the finest dinnerware – a wedding gift from her mother-in-law.
“Everything must be perfect,” she muttered.
His mother, Vera Pavlovna, awkwardly grasped her daughter-in-law:
“Innochka, maybe there’s still a chance to change everything?”
“No, Mama. Sometimes you have to make the right choice and let go.”
Gradually, their friends started arriving.
“Come in, have a seat,” Inna directed them to the head of the table. “Tonight, you are the main characters of the evening.”
Once everyone was seated, Inna stood up, holding a glass:
“Dear friends! Today is a special day. We are gathered here to celebrate the end of one story and the beginning of another.”
She turned to Alexey:
“Lesha, I want to thank you for seventeen years together. For all the ups and downs, for the joys and sorrows we shared. You taught me many things. For example, that love can be very different.”
An awkwardwhisper ran through the room. Natasha played with a napkin, avoiding eye contact.
“And you also taught me to be attentive to details,” Inna continued. “Especially financial ones.”
She began laying out documents:
“Here’s the loan for your car, taken out on our joint account. Here are the tax arrears for your company. And this – particularly interesting – are the receipts from restaurants and jewelry stores over the past year. I suppose you were trying to impress Natasha?”
Alexey became pallid. Natasha abruptly lifted her head.
“But the most important thing,” Inna said as she retrieved the final document, “is our prenuptial agreement. Remember, you signed it without reading? There’s an interesting clause about dividing property in case of infidelity.”
The silence in the room became booming.
“The house is in my name,” Inna continued. “I’ve already blocked the accounts. And the divorce petition was filed last night.”
She turned to Natasha:
“Dear, are you sure you’re ready to tie your life to someone who has neither a home nor savings, but instead has considerable debts?”
“Excuse me, I need to leave,” Natasha said softly.
Vera Pavlovna refused:
“Lesha, how could you? We raised you differently.”
“Mama, you don’t understand…” Alexey began, but was disturbed by his father:
“No, son, you don’t understand. Seventeen years is no joke. And what did you destr0y it all for? For an af:fair with a student?”
The friends at the table remained soundless, avoiding each other’s gaze. Only Mikhail, Alexey’s best friend since school, quietly said loud:
“Lesha, you really screwed up.”
Inna continued standing, holding her glass.
“You know what’s the most interesting? All these years I believed that our love was unique. That we were like those old couples from beautiful stories who stayed together until the end. I turned a blind eye to your work delays, your strange phone calls, your new ties and shirts.”
She took a sip:
“And then I started spotting the receipts. Jewelry store, restaurant ‘White Swan’, spa salon… Funny, isn’t it? You were taking her to the same places where you once took me.”
Natasha returned but did not sit at the table. She stood in the doorway, clutching her purse:
“Alexey Nikolaevich, I think we need to talk. Alone.”
“Of course, dear,” he got up, but Inna stopped him with a gesture:
“Wait. I’m not finished yet. Remember our first apartment? That one-bedroom on the outskirts? We were so happy there. You said we needed nothing but each other.”
She smiled:
“And now look at you. Expensive suits, a fancy car, a young mistress… Only, here’s the catch – all of it was built on lies and debts.”
Natasha’s voice trembled, “you said we were divorced. That we lived separately. That you were going to buy us an apartment.”
“Natashenka, I’ll explain everything.”
A ringing silence tumbled the room.
Without saying a word, Natasha turned and ran out of the apartment. T
“Inna,” Alexey clutched his head, “why are you doing this?”
“Why?” she laughed.“How did you expect it to be? For me to cry, beg you to stay? To roll around at your feet?”
She scanned the room:
“You know what’s the most amusing? I truly loved him. Every wrinkle, every gray hair. Even his snoring at night seemed endearing to me. I was ready to grow old with him, to raise grandchildren.”
“Dear,” Vera Pavlovna whispered, “maybe it’s not worth it.”
“No, Mama, it is,” Inna raised her voice for the first time that evening. “Let everyone know. Let them know how your son took out loans for gifts for his mistresses. How he used our shared money. How he lied to me, to you, to everyone!”
She published another document:
“And this is especially interesting. Remember, Lesha, three months ago you asked me to sign some papers? You said it was for the tax office? It turned out to be a guarantee for a loan. You mortgaged my car, can you believe it?”
“Son,” Alexey’s father said heavily as he rose, “we’ll probably leave too. Call when… when you come to your senses.”
Vera Pavlovna grasped Inna:
“Forgive us, dear. We never thought he…”
“Don’t apologize, Mama. You have nothing to do with this.”
Alexey sat there. His expensive suit now seemed like a silly masquerade costume.
“You know, I could have done a month ago when I found out everything. I could have bought your car, torn up your suits, had a meltdown at your workplace.” Inna said.
“But I decided to do it differently,” she said.
“I’m flying out tomorrow. The Maldives, can you imagine? I’ve always dreamed of visiting there, but you always said it was a waste of money.”
She put the keys on the table:
“The apartment must be bought by the end of the week. I’m selling it. And yes, don’t even try to withdraw money from the accounts.”
Alexey looked at her with a sad expression:
“What am I supposed to do now?”
“That’s no longer my problem,” she said
“You know what’s the funniest part? I’m truly grateful to you. You made me wake up, shake off the dust. I suddenly realized that life doesn’t end with you.”
She walked to the door and turned around one last time:
“Goodbye, Lesha. I hope it was worth it.”
The door closed quietly. Alexey was left alone in the hollow apartment. Inna began a new trip which marked a first step of her new life.
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