178 — “The board made a decision…”

Finally, the long-awaited day arrives — the moment the board announces the chosen project and the one who will sit in the project director’s chair. Although Julian and my father are involved in the process, they haven’t said a word to me about it, and I haven’t pressured them either. I know they’re very respectful of their job.
But while sitting here, in the corridor, I can’t help but feel anxious. The board called the Manager first, who left after ten minutes, and then Sarah. I’m counting the minutes that pass almost obsessively, one by one, waiting for her to walk out of that door with a sad expression.
Yes, I know it sounds horrible of me to wish for her defeat, but I really want my project to be chosen.
The business world is really cruel.
The door finally opens, making me look up with my heart jumping into my throat. Sarah is coming out of the room in her impeccable linen suit. Elegant, beautiful... but her face is expressionless.
Our gazes meet briefly, and she gives me a discreet smile before disappearing down the corridor.
And finally, a message beeps on my cell phone... the board is asking me to come in.
I take a deep breath and gather all my courage as I finally open the door.
The moment I enter the room, a shiver runs down my spine; there are so many fierce eyes on me that I feel uneasy. Still, I keep my chin up, looking at each of the executives sitting side by side at the curved table.
When I meet Julian’s green eyes and the discreet smile on my father’s lips, I immediately calm down.
Regardless of the outcome, I know I’ve done my best and made it this far with my efforts.
“Please take a seat.” One of the board members suggests the only chair in the center of the room, and I obey, sitting down elegantly, pretending not to be bothered by the sharp eyes. “Angelee O’Neil, your presentation was really *something.* Your vision brought a new perspective to this board. At least, it really made us see things differently. And after much discussion, although not everyone agreed with your approach, we agreed that you have a point.”
I hold my breath in my throat, looking directly at the gray-haired man who doesn’t flinch for a moment.
“Honestly, we had already considered changing Dynamic Co.’s *core* but focusing on other companies. In other words, we already assumed that working for the public was out of the question. Many at this table invested because of that assumption, so there was a lot to discuss. Your project is a big risk... an angle we hadn’t thought of before.”
My fingers curve slightly, tugging at my skirt. My palms are sweating. My heart beats so, so fast that it could break through my chest and jump out.
But I don’t flinch. I can’t hesitate now. I can’t let my lips tremble or look away. They’re watching me, analyzing me... If I show any sign of weakness, I’ll lose this battle.
“But that’s a good thing. We thought our options were limited. Now, we see that there are other possibilities for the future... It seems to me that a new mind is indeed refreshing.”
I blink a few times, surprised by the discreet compliment.
“Your project, however, is something that will take time and require a big investment. Despite your tests, we need something more accurate before we invest to that extent. That’s why we’ll conduct a little more in-depth research to define the best path and approach to make the project possible.”
My eyes widen slightly, and even though I’m fighting my emotions so hard, I can’t stop my lips from smiling... just like a child who lights up.
“Angelee O’Neil, the board decided to go ahead with your project. It may be a while before it actually gets off the paper, so we expect you, as Project Director, to carefully monitor all the details to ensure the best possible outcome.”
Wait... is that real?
“We trust that you will continue to look at all J’O Tech projects in such a deep and beautiful way, and we have great expectations for the future that you will guide us through.” He stands up, and I immediately do the same, still not believing his words...
*Did they really choose my project?*
“The promotion will take place in the next few weeks, Ms. O’Neil.” He says, and everyone stands up, including my father and Julian, who look at me with pride on their faces. “Congratulations on the project, Director. We’re counting on you.”
I rush to the table, shaking his hand in a greeting that makes it all even more real... And I do the same with everyone else, one by one, shaking their hands briefly and thanking them sincerely, with all my heart.
When I approach Julian, he holds out his hand for me to shake, and as soon as our palms touch, I feel electricity run down my arm. Even after everything we’ve been through together, his touch still brings butterflies to my stomach.
His thumb brushes my engagement ring, and he smiles, releasing my hand, with his eyes promising me something more later when we’re finally alone.
Then I move on to the last person at the table — my father. His brown eyes shine with pride, and his serene expression brings me a feeling I’ve never felt before... satisfaction about myself.
I suppress a silly smile that threatens to overflow like my tears. I wait for Dad’s hand to reach my head and stroke my hair as he always does... but instead, he reaches out to greet me like the others.
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me. Right now, Daddy’s treating me like a coworker, not like his daughter... And that’s very satisfying. That’s what I fought so hard for!
I take his hand and receive a reassuring squeeze that takes a little longer than the others. And even if his voice doesn’t reach my ears, I know what he’s saying: *I’m proud of you.*
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[...] “Congratulations on the promotion!” They say it at the same time, in different tones, with the same excitement. The sound of popping champagne ends the chorus made by the people I love most in the world.
Every face here means the world to me.
Like Cathy, the most unexpected friend I could have. I still remember when she appeared at Julian’s door and interrupted our kiss. This beautiful woman aroused my demons of jealousy once but showed me that there was nothing to worry about.
From the very beginning, Cathy somehow cheered me on, even when I didn’t even know it. When I was a mess, she held me up. She was the first person I allowed to be honest about my feelings and who didn’t judge them.
When I needed someone, she showed up and gave me the support and words I needed... just like Tyler, who also reached out to me before I even knew his name.
Somehow, that smiling boy could see right through me, reading my feelings like pages in a book. He took my battles and made them his own. Sure, *the enemy of my enemy is my friend,* but there’s a lot more to it than that. He really grew on me; now, he’s such an important friend that I could easily see him as my own brother.
Honestly, having these two by my side today makes me very happy. Friends are one of the most precious things we can have in this world. Being surrounded by them in life’s victories is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive.
That’s why I watch them with tenderness as they pour themselves glasses of non-alcoholic champagne. Even now, they are still considering me.
Julian stops next to me, slipping his arm around my arms and pulling me closer. He kisses my hair lingeringly, making me feel at home.
“Do you really want to do this now?” He asks softly, close to my ear. “It’s your moment... we can do it later.”
“I’m tired of leaving things for later,” I say softly, looking at his face with shining eyes. “We should always take advantage of the opportunities we have.” *Because we never know when it’s too late.*
My answer causes Julian to frown for a moment, but when I draw his attention to Cathy, Tyler, and my father, his expression softens.
“Hey, guys... Julian and I would like to say something.” I say, feeling his thumb caress the skin of my shoulder, a discreet encouragement worth a million words. “We’re getting married in two weeks.”
“What?” Dad pales, a reaction I certainly wasn’t expecting. He clears his throat and struggles to smile, loosening the collar of his shirt, which is already unbuttoned. “Why so fast?”
“Why not?” I smile. “I’m sure I want to spend the rest of my life with him... So why not start our eternity together right away?”
My father is silent for a moment but ends up smiling, brushing away all his worries, “You’re right... Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart, we’ll support you.”
“I know you will... that’s why I’d like to make an invitation.” I exchange a peek with Julian, and he nods. I look at them one by one as I say, “Dad, it would mean the world to Julian if you were his best man.”
Daddy smiles, then approaches Julian for a clumsy hug, slapping him hard on the back, “Of course I will... who else could it be?”
Julian gives a sarcastic smile, but I ignore it and turn to the two other important people in the room. I take Cathy’s hand, looking directly into her eyes, “Cathy, I’m deeply fond of our friendship, and I’m so glad to have you. That’s why I’m going to ask... would you be my maid of honor?”
“You really mean that?” I notice that her blue eyes glisten with tears of happiness. I nod, fighting against my own emotions that’s about to overflow. “Of course, I will be your maid of honor!”
She gives me a sideways hug, squeezing me briefly before pulling away, still holding my hand.
Then I look at Tyler, who seems proud. I reach out towards him, seeing surprise flash across his face. Hesitating for a moment, he glances at Julian to make sure it’s okay before taking my hand.
“Tyler, I also value our friendship. Just like Cathy, you’ve really played your part in getting Julian and me this far. You two are very important people, and I want to keep you close.”
I giggle slightly, noticing Julian’s curious eyes on me.
“I hope you don’t find this weird as it’s not exactly conventional, but...” I smile at him, squeezing his hand. “Would you be my bridesman?”
His eyes widen, but Tyler keeps quiet for a moment. I’m starting to feel a bit anxious when he lets out a low laugh, with his expression softening like the adorable smile in his eyes.
“Yeah... Let’s do it... Let’s get you two married!