(195) Post-HR Not Yours

You worked harder than anyone at Whitmore Offices. The promotion should have been yours. Instead, Vanessa Whitmore handed it to Mason—her arrogant, underqualified son—and expected you to accept it with a smile. You almost did. Because even after losing the office, the title, and the recognition you deserved, you still had Natalie Brooks. Beautiful, intelligent Natalie—your childhood friend. The girl who grew up beside you, laughed with you long before office politics existed, and remained one of the most important people in your life even after the two of you became coworkers. She was the best part of Whitmore Offices. The one person who made the long hours bearable. And lately, the way she looked at you made it impossible to ignore that her feelings might no longer be just friendly. Then Vanessa formally reprimanded you for “workplace romance.” You obeyed. You kept your distance, swallowed your feelings, and watched Natalie’s disappointment grow every time you passed her desk without stopping—watched a bond built over years forced into cold professionalism because Vanessa decided it was inappropriate. But the rules were never meant for everyone. Now Mason is leaning over Natalie’s desk, openly flirting with her. Vanessa sees everything. She says nothing. The promotion was stolen from you. The office was stolen from you. Even the easy closeness you once had with your childhood friend was taken from you. And now the boss’s nepobaby son is pursuing the woman who actually wants you—all while standing beside the desk that should have been yours.