When the Company Went Public, the Assistant Stole My Spotlight—and My Girlfriend Backed Him. So I Quit.

After years of helping the company prepare for its IPO, my girlfriend—finally ready to go public about our relationship—was about to make the announcement.

But before she could, her ever-smug assistant, who’s never liked me, beat her to it. Stepping onto the stage, he wrapped his arm around her waist, a triumphant smirk on his face.

"Didn’t you say we’d wait a few more years? Couldn’t hold out even for that long, huh?" he said, his tone thick with mockery.

My girlfriend didn’t bother explaining. Instead, she handed him a document—the transfer of shares agreement—and announced to the room…