The morning began with something small.
One notification then another and another.
Vivian's phone on the table vibrated nonstop. The screen lit up repeatedly, displaying incoming messages, missed calls, and an ever-increasing stream of news notifications.
Vivian had just woken up from a sleep that had never been truly restful.
She reached for the phone slowly.
And in a few seconds her world collapsed.
"Female CEO Secretly Married Her Own Employee?"
"Internal Scandal Shocks Leading Company"
"Conflict of Interest or Abuse of Power?"
Vivian's fingers tensed on the screen.
Her chest felt tight.
Each headline was like a slap in the face, one after another.
"Vivian…"
Well's voice from behind her sounded soft, still hoarse with the remnants of sleep.
She approached.
And as soon as her eyes fell on the phone screen, her face changed.
"How"
Before she could finish her sentence, her phone rang nonstop.
Incoming calls.
From the media.
From company staff.
From an unknown number.
Well clenched her jaw.
"Someone leaked this."
Vivian didn't answer.
Her eyes were still glued to the screen.
Comment after comment appeared under the article.
Some supported her.
But more condemned her.
"This is why women shouldn't be CEOs."
"Using their positions for personal gain."
"Not professional at all."
Vivian's breathing quickened.
"Okay…"
Her voice was almost a whisper.
"I didn't… I didn't think it would be this bad."
Well quickly took the phone from her hand and put it a little further away.
"Don't read it."
But it was too late.
The words were already etched in her mind.
And even worse, in his heart.
In less than an hour, the situation became even more chaotic.
Outside the company building, reporters began to gather.
Cameras, microphones, and endless questions.
The staff inside also began to whisper among themselves.
Vivian's name was mentioned at every corner.
And each time the tone of their voices changed.
Well stood by the office window, looking down.
His face was tense.
"They've arrived."
Vivian sat on the sofa, silent.
His hands tightly clutched the hem of his shirt.
"The board must have known."
Well turned around.
"They don't just know. They're waiting for us."
Silence.
The sentence needed no further explanation.
This was no longer just an internal issue but had become a crisis.
An emergency meeting was held in two hours.
This time, the atmosphere was much different.
Colder, sharper, and more cruel.
"This is out of control."
The chairman began his speech without any preamble.
The article was printed out and thrown on the table.
"This is no longer speculation. This has become the general perception."
Vivian sat up straight, though her face was still pale.
"I will issue an official statement—"
"It's too late."
A board member interrupted.
His tone was harsh.
"The market has started to react. The stock is down this morning."
The sentence was like a huge blow.
Well continued to interrupt.
"We can still control the situation."
But this time no one was looking at him.
"We need action, not words."
The chairman leaned back.
His eyes were fixed on Vivian.
"Yesterday you said you were willing to resign."
Silence.
Every eye was now fixed on Vivian.
And this time no one could save her.
Well turned to him, slowly.
It was as if he wanted to say something but Vivian had already understood.
This was the moment.
He took a deep breath.
Then
"I will resign."
There was no tremor in his voice this time.
No hesitation.
Just one decision.
Well stood up from his seat.
"Vivian"
But Vivian shook her head slowly.
Enough.
"This is no longer about us."
Her eyes were glazed, but she still smiled faintly.
"This is about the company."
And for once,
Well couldn't argue.
After the meeting, everything happened too quickly.
The documents were prepared.
The press release was drafted.
And within hours,
Vivian's name was no longer CEO.
Only the headlines remained.
That evening, the sky finally began to rain.
Vivian stood outside the company building, without an umbrella.
The rain soaked her hair and face.
But she didn't move.
As if that was the only way to calm what was breaking inside her.
"Okay…"
The voice was slow.
Well stood behind her.
Not too close.
But close enough to be there.
"I've lost everything."
This time, his voice was hoarse.
Well stepped forward.
Without hesitation, he pulled Vivian into his arms.
Strong.
As if afraid she would be lost.
"No."
Well's voice was slow, but firm.
"You haven't lost everything."
Vivian shook her head in the embrace.
"I lost my position… people's trust… everything." Vivian's tears fell.
"You still have me." There was no answer, only the sound of rain filling the space between them.
Vivian didn't answer.
But her hand slowly gripped Well's shirt.
Strong.
As if that was the only one left.
And for that time
Well didn't let go.
But far away in another corner
Someone was smiling.
In front of a computer screen.
Watching the news that was going viral.
And one thing was clear, this was no coincidence but planned.
Has this real game just begun?