The office was buzzing on Thursday morning, and Gigi instantly knew something was off. People were glancing at her, then whispering. Like a plotline was unfolding and she hadn't been given the script.
She logged into her workstation and found an email forwarded by HR.
Subject: Rumor Control
Message: Please disregard the circulating gossip regarding Miss Gigi Santiago and Mr. Santillan. No such personal relationship exists. Let's maintain a professional environment. - HR
Her blood ran cold.
What. The. Hell.
Mia slid into her seat beside her, whispering. "They're saying you two went out last weekend. That he drove you home. That he's grooming you for a promotion."
Gigi's jaw clenched. She stared straight ahead. "This is exactly why I keep my distance."
"I know. But you're too visible. Too good. That intimidates people."
The meeting that day was tense. Raymond was all business, didn't even glance her way, but Gigi noticed his jaw was tighter than usual. After the meeting, he asked to speak with her privately.
"HR got involved before I could," he said. "I'm sorry, Gigi. This wasn't supposed to happen."
"I don't need apologies. I need people to stop assuming I earned my place by batting my eyelashes."
"I'll clear it up."
"No," she said firmly. "I'll handle it."
She returned to her desk, typed a short internal memo, and sent it to her department:
To those confused about how I got here: I got here by graduating magna cum laude, acing every interview, and working twice as hard as most of you. If anyone wants to talk about it - do it to my face. Otherwise, mind your own business.
- Gigi Santiago, Marketing Associate
The office went quiet after that. Even Raymond looked a little stunned.
That night, she met Caloy at their usual coffee spot.
"You look like you fought a war," he said.
"I did."
He slid her favorite drink across the table. "And?"
"I won."
Caloy chuckled, admiration glowing in his eyes. "That's my girl."
She froze for half a second at the phrase. My girl. He didn't mean it that way. Or maybe he did. She didn't ask.
But for the first time in weeks, Gigi let herself exhale.
The world was watching. Men were watching. But she had nothing to hide - and nothing to lose.