The Wrong Transfer

Three years gone at the Boston branch. At the New Year's HQ conference, the Chairman praised me for doubling Boston's profits, calling me a hero. He turned to my girlfriend, Isabelle, joking that after our seven years together, she should finally transfer me back so we could marry.

My heart soared. The grind was about to pay off. I was coming home.

But Isabelle, all business, announced, "Liam transfers to HQ. Noah stays in Boston." She said Liam needed HQ experience for his future, then looked at me, her voice soft but firm. "Noah, you're the bigger person. You wouldn't want me accused of favoritism, right?"

The room fell silent. Liam took the transfer order, trying to hide his gleam. "Isabelle, is this right? Noah's waited three years..."

She ignored him, leaning in. "You understand, don't you? Boston and New York aren't far. I'll visit every weekend, bring you those macarons you love."

I looked at the paper in Liam's hand, the one that should have been mine. A cold numbness settled in. I nodded. "You're right. Professionalism first."

But Isabelle, the distance between our cities had never felt greater. And that promised return journey? I'm done waiting for it.

When the meeting broke, the New York sky was a heavy, oppressive gray.

Everyone else had the good sense to clear out quickly, but Liam clutched a folder to his chest and scurried over to Isabelle, a triumphant glint in his eye, though he feigned shyness.

Isabelle, thank you so much for this opportunity. I just I hope Noah wont get the wrong idea

Isabelle didnt even look up at him, her fingers still tracing patterns on the back of my hand. This was a company decision. It has nothing to do with my personal life. Her tone was distant, professional. Noah sees the big picture. Hes not going to get flustered like you.

Liam shot a quick glance at me before bowing his head. Yes, of course. Ill work hard. Noah I guess youll have to hold down the fort in Boston.

I said nothing, just silently pulled my hand away from hers.

Only when Liam was gone did Isabelle slowly rise to her feet. She shrugged off her coat and draped it over my shoulders.

Are you angry? she asked. Liam is fresh out of college, hes inexperienced. A structured training program at HQ is the only way hell grow. Hell go back to Boston eventually. Think of it this way, Im forging a top-tier asset for you.

I didnt argue. I just picked up my briefcase and stood up.

She rushed to my side, taking the case from my hand. Come on, Ill drive you to your hotel.

In the underground parking garage, as soon as I got in the car, Isabelle produced a small, elegant box of macarons. I had someone wait in line for these.

She broke a piece off and held it to my lips. But for the first time, I didn't open my mouth.

Im not hungry.

She awkwardly pulled her hand back and reached across me to buckle my seatbelt. As she leaned in, I caught the scent of the woody perfume Id given her last year. But my eyes were drawn to something else. A fluffy blue charm was looped around the seatbelt strap.

She paused for a second, then smoothly plucked it off. Ugh, that kid, Liam. He was in my car yesterday to pick up some files and complained the belt was chafing his neck. He put this on.

She tossed the blue fluff into the glove compartment with an exasperated sigh. Honestly, hes such a handful. Boys and their silly little trinkets.

The glove compartment. Thats where I used to keep my allergy pills.

Now, my small bottle was shoved into a corner, crowded out by a half-eaten roll of mints, liquor-filled chocolates, and a mini Funko Pop. All of them, if I recalled correctly, were Liams favorites.

My mind flashed back to those thousand-plus days in Boston. To see her, Id work through Thursday night at the office, plow through a full days worth of files on Friday, just so I could catch the last flight to New York before 6 p.m. Sometimes, thunderstorms delayed the flight, and Id be stuck at the airport until dawn.

She always used to say, Noah, were so far apart. You really dont have to fly out so often.

At the time, I thought she was worried about me.

Now I understood. Maybe she was just afraid Id walk in on the cozy nest she was building for someone else.

Isabelle, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me, started the car. Have you booked your flight back? I cant take you to the airport tomorrow. I have to show Liam around the different departments, get him settled in.

She said it so casually, and it hit me then. Shed long since accepted me going to the airport alone as a matter of course.

I turned my head to look at her, my voice quiet but clear. Isabelle, I've bought 157 round-trip tickets between Boston and New York. Every single one of them ended with you.

I let that hang in the air for a moment. But before my mom passed, she told me if you knock on a door for seven years and it doesn't open, it's time to find a new path.

Isabelle slammed on the brakes. She reached over and pinched my cheek, a forced smile on her face. She was just worried about you, Noah. She didnt mean it. Look, Ill reimburse you for all the tickets. And I meant what I said in the meeting, from now on, Ill be the one flying to you. No more exhausting trips for you, okay?

She unwrapped one of the chocolates from the glove box and pushed it into my mouth.

A sweetness that was never meant for me melted on my tongue.

Be good, she murmured. Dont start a fight now. Once the Boston project is wrapped up, I promise, I will bring you home.

The car stopped in front of the hotel, but Isabelle didnt even kill the engine. She glanced at her watch, then at me. Noah, I really am swamped this afternoon. You go on up and get some rest.

She leaned closer, intending to smooth a stray lock of hair from my temple.

I flinched back, almost a reflex.

Isabelle. Seven years was the deal. If you cant do it, Im done waiting.

She let out a short, cold laugh. Dont be silly, Noah. Boston is damp, remember to take your medicine.

The next morning, I was back at headquarters.

When the head of HR saw my marriage leave application, he blinked in surprise, then a knowing grin spread across his face. Congratulations, Noah! Ten days, approved. I knew it. Figured Isabelle was just posturing yesterday. One night with you setting her straight, and shed be begging you to marry her.

The colleagues who overheard his not-so-subtle teasing spread the news like wildfire. Within half an hour, the entire company knew.

In the breakroom, a few senior managers I knew well clapped me on the shoulder. About time you two made it official, Noah. Dont forget to invite us to the wedding!

I just offered a polite smile, neither confirming nor denying anything. Ive still got some work to hand off. Well talk later.

I went to deliver one last report to the Chairmans office. Before I even reached the door, I saw something through the crack that made the air catch in my throat.

In the adjoining executive office, Liam was standing in front of Isabelles desk, wearing a thin white shirt, almost transparent under the office lights. Isabelle was focused entirely on him, her fingers patiently redoing the buttons.

It seemed hed buttoned it wrong.

This shirt isnt appropriate for the office. Dont wear it again, she chided, but her eyes held a softness I had never seen before.

Liam smiled, leaning closer, his posture intimate. But I wanted you to see me in it.

Isabelle sighed, but it was fond. She playfully tapped his nose. I was trying to forge a top-tier asset, not raise a little troublemaker.

A bitter smile touched my lips. I raised my hand and knocked on the door.

The two of them sprang apart. When Isabelle saw it was me, the warmth on her face instantly vanished. Noah? What are you still doing here? Shouldnt you be on a flight back to Boston?

She saw the report in my hand and let out a breath of relief. Oh, you had another report to drop off. You could have just had Liam grab it.

Isabelle reached for it, but Liam was faster, snatching it from my grasp. Noah, I can handle this. Isabelle was just saying how quick I am on the uptake and what a good job Im doing.

Isabelle nodded. Liams right, Noah. Hes a natural.

For a moment, they looked like the perfect mentor and mentee.

Just then, the Chairman pushed the door open.

He boomed with laughter as he walked in. Isabelle, this is fantastic! Noah's marriage leave application just landed on my desk. So, are you two lovebirds getting married in Boston or here in New York? We have to make sure our companys golden couple has a wedding to remember!

Isabelles hand froze mid-air.

She looked up at me, her expression shifting from shock to pure rage. Chairman, nothings set in stone yet. You know how rumors are, hahaha.

The Chairman, sensing the sudden tension, awkwardly cleared his throat and made a quick excuse to leave.

The moment the door clicked shut, Isabelle was on her feet, stalking toward me.

Youve got some nerve, Noah. Submitting a marriage leave application! What is this, are you trying to force my hand? I thought you were the career-driven one! When did you become the kind of man who resorts to this kind of pressure?

Her voice was sharp, accusatory.

From the side, Liam let out a perfectly timed gasp. Noah, you applied for marriage leave? But Isabelle is supposed to take me to scout a new site this afternoon. She wont have time to help you with wedding plans.

Isabelle shot me a look of pure disgust and swept the coffee mug off her desk. It shattered on the floor. It was the one Id had custom-made for her.

Liam, Im sorry you had to see that. This afternoons schedule is unchanged. You can go get ready.

Liams eyebrow quirked up, and he shot me a smirk full of meaning. Of course, Isabelle. Ill see you at the usual spot. With that, he was gone.

Isabelles voice softened, but the edge was still there. Noah, drop these pathetic little schemes. My career is taking off right now. I will not let my personal life derail my plans. Either you take this leave and go on a vacationmy treator, if you're so set on getting married, you can go find yourself another bride.

I didnt back down like I always did. I met her cold gaze.

Fine. You said it, not me.

It was the most peaceful week Id had in years. I almost forgot Isabelle even existed.

She didnt contact me for days, clearly waiting for me to break, for me to send the usual flood of panicked, apologetic texts.

But I was enjoying the quiet. I even took a walk along the shore, feeling the sea breeze on my face for the first time in ages. Id always preferred New York. The wind here was gentle, caressing. Not like Bostons, which was always damp and carried a sense of brokenness. My three years there, I was always a stranger, an outsider. Id wake up in the middle of the night, the only thing in my ears the echo of promises Isabelle had made to me by the sea.

Then, on Friday afternoon, a text from her finally came through:

The Pier, 7 p.m. Happy seventh anniversary.

I stared at the words, and for a moment, my resolve wavered.

The lights of the New York waterfront twinkled, reflecting in Isabelles eyes, which for the first time in a long time, looked at me with something resembling affection. She pushed a small jewelry box across the table.

Happy seventh anniversary, Noah.

My fingertips had just brushed the velvet when her phone buzzed.

On the screen, one name glared at me: Liam.

Isabelle answered, and Liams panicked, tearful voice filled the silence. Isabelle, the powers out in my apartment! Im scared of the dark I was cutting fruit and I sliced my hand, its bleeding so much

The warmth in Isabelles eyes vanished, replaced by sheer panic. She gripped her phone, her voice tight with anxiety. Is it bleeding? Is it bad? Do you have a bandage? Dont move, Im coming!

Such a touching display of concern. I pulled my hand back from the box. Whatever was inside didnt matter anymore.

She seemed to have completely forgotten I was even there until Liam let out another cry on the other end of the line.

Isabelle looked up at me, her tone gentle but resolute. Noah, Liams all alone in the city. He must be terrified. He cant handle this. I have to go. Can you just wait for me for a little while?

She didnt wait for my answer. She was already grabbing her coat and rushing out of the restaurant.

In Boston, I had lived alone, learned to change lightbulbs alone, endured the crushing loneliness alone. I went from being helpless to being able to fix a leaky pipe and haul heavy furniture up flights of stairs. And through all of it, she was never there.

The truth was, I had learned to live without her a long time ago.

Half an hour later, Liam appeared at our table, a small bandage on his finger. He stood behind Isabelle like a shy, guilty child.

Noah, Im so sorry. Im such a klutz. I cant believe I ruined your anniversary.

Isabelle pulled out a chair for him, then sat down right beside him. Noah, Liam worked with you, remember? Dont make him feel uncomfortable.

When the waiter brought our food, Isabelle held up a hand, stopping the plate of escargots. Cancel this. Bring the fish soup instead.

The escargots. She used to order them for me on every date.

Your stomach is sensitive, Noah. You shouldn't eat anything too rich at night. Just have something light with Liam.

I couldnt even remember. Who was the one with the sensitive stomach?

She then ordered a black truffle steak, meticulously cut a piece, and placed it on my plate. You need to eat more, Noah. Youve been working too hard in Boston.

I stared at the piece of meat, a lump forming in my throat.

Isabelle had forgotten. Im allergic to truffles.

Right before I left for Boston, Id accidentally eaten some and ended up in the ICU. Shed sat by my bedside and sworn she would never let me near them again.

Meanwhile, she was leaning over Liam, patiently picking the garnishes off his plate. Liam, your digestion is weak. Dont force yourself to eat anything you dont like.

Expressionless, I raised the fork to my lips and put the steak in my mouth. With my other hand, under the table, I fumbled for my allergy pills and swallowed them down with the meat.

Liams hand slipped, and he spilled his soup. Oh, my shirt he whined, his nose twitching as if he were about to cry.

Isabelle reacted instantly, grabbing the silk pocket square that was sitting next to me, still in its gift wrapping. It was my anniversary gift to her. She pulled it out and began dabbing at the stain on his shirt.

How can you be so clumsy? Isnt this your favorite shirt?

Liam mumbled, Thank you, Isabelle. I only like it because of the person who gave it to me.

After she was done, Isabelle tossed the now-stained silk onto the table. She looked up and saw me staring at the wadded-up fabric. A flash of irritation crossed her face.

Im sorry. Its just a piece of cloth. Liam would have had a meltdown if his shirt was ruined. Youve always been the bigger person, Noah. Dont make a scene over something so small, okay?

I let out a humorless laugh. No problem. Its found its purpose.

I stood up and walked to the front to pay the bill.

Isabelle followed me out, reaching for my hand. Noah, Ill buy you a better one tomorrow.

I stepped aside, turning my gaze to the dark, churning river. Isabelle, there is no tomorrow for us.

She laughed, completely dismissing my words. Dont be dramatic. Go home and get some rest.

I turned my back on her and walked away.

The next day, Isabelles call came while I was in front of a mirror, adjusting my suit.

Noah, I have to go to a wedding reception tonight, so I need to get ready. I cant go shopping with you today.

I looked at my reflection in the crisp white suit, my voice perfectly calm. Okay.

She paused, a hint of guilt in her tone. Liams never been to an event like this. I thought it would be a good learning experience for him. Youve always hated these formal things anyway, its all just schmoozing. Youre better off relaxing. Ill bring you back some late-night snacks, okay?

I held the phone to my ear, admiring my own sharp silhouette in the mirror.

I understand.

I hung up and turned to the best man beside me. Could you straighten my bowtie? I dont want it covering my collar.

The Avery family wedding was being held at the most exclusive hotel in New York. When Isabelle arrived with Liam on her arm, they turned more than a few heads. Standing side-by-side, they looked like a power couple.

Someone sidled up to her, nudging her playfully. Isabelle, is this him? The guy youve been with for seven years?

Isabelle just smiled, a noncommittal, ambiguous expression on her face. Liam, however, confidently tightened his grip on her arm and nodded to the crowd.

Isabelle scanned the room, a strange, hollow feeling settling in her chest. She instinctively patted her pockets, but they were empty. Normally, before any event, Noah would have already ordered her something to eat and had hangover remedies ready.

The ceremony began. The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned toward the grand entrance.

And now, lets welcome our groom!

The doors swung open. Isabelle was only half-paying attention, lost in her thoughts.

But when her eyes focused on the figure walking down the aisle, the wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.