From Disappointment to Destiny

The promotion letter for the head of the German division lay heavy in my hand.

It was the job I' d always wanted, the future I' d painstakingly built, but I' d turned it down a year ago.

"Don' t go, Ethan," Olivia had pleaded, her eyes filled with tears. "I need you here."

So, I stayed, sacrificing my career, taking a lesser role to support her dreams, to be her stable foundation.

Tonight was my 25th birthday, a simple steak dinner I' d cooked.

The second plate sat empty.

Olivia had texted hours ago: "Something came up with my study group. Will be a little late."