I Was Always Invisible Until the Most Handsome Man at Work Noticed Me but the Truth Shattered My Heart — Story of the Day

He never even knew my name until one day, he did. Suddenly, the most charismatic man in the office was everywhere, flashing his perfect smile and asking me out. But why now? Something didn’t add up. And when I finally discovered the reason, it shattered me.

When no one notices you, at first, it hurts. You try to change the situation. Then, you accept it. And eventually, you even find an advantage in it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That day, I sat at my desk, watching as my male colleagues swarmed around our new coworker, Claire.

She was obviously attractive, so their reaction wasn’t surprising. But when Mark approached her, the others quickly backed off.

I let out a quiet chuckle as I watched. Mark was the most handsome and charismatic man in the office—I was convinced even other men wouldn’t mind if he took them to bed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He flirted with Claire, and she giggled at his jokes, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger.

At that moment, Anthony, my boss, approached me. “Sara, do you remember our new project?” he asked, glancing at the laptop screen in front of me.

“Yes, of course. I’m leading it,” I replied, adjusting my glasses.

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m counting on you,” Anthony said with a nod, his tone full of expectation.

I worked at an IT company, and we were launching a new dating app. Anthony had chosen me to lead the project because, no matter how unnoticeable I was, my work results were the best.

He had also offered me an opportunity to work abroad at one of our other branches, but I declined, even though the salary would have been much higher.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

During lunch, I noticed an irritated Mark walking up to Anthony. Curious about what had upset our golden boy this time, I decided to eavesdrop.

“Who did you assign the dating app to?” Mark asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

“Sara. Is there a problem?” Anthony replied, sounding amused.

“Sara? We don’t have anyone by that name,” Mark scoffed, and I felt my jaw tighten.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“She’s sitting right over there,” Anthony said, pointing at me. I continued pretending not to hear them, keeping my eyes fixed on my screen.

“I thought I’d be handling the dating app. This isn’t fair,” Mark protested, folding his arms across his chest.

“To my office. Now,” Anthony ordered.

I finished my lunch just in time to see Mark walking out of Anthony’s office, looking pleased with himself.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I had no idea what they had discussed, but no one had told me I was off the project, so I remained calm, though a tiny seed of doubt had been planted in my mind.

The next day, Mark approached me with his signature smile, hovering over my desk like a shadow. I gave him a questioning look.

“Sonia…” he began, leaning in slightly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Sara,” I corrected him, not bothering to hide my irritation.

“Right. Sara.” He chuckled, as if amused by his own mistake. “Want to grab lunch together?” he asked, his voice dripping with casual charm.

“I already ate,” I replied flatly, typing away at my keyboard.

“Then how about a drink after work?” he suggested, tilting his head.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I turned to face him. “You didn’t even know my name a minute ago. I bet you didn’t even know I worked here,” I said, recalling his conversation with Anthony. “What’s this really about?”

“I just thought it’d be nice to hang out with a lovely colleague,” Mark said smoothly, flashing that infamous smirk that made other women melt.

I scoffed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun,” he insisted, his persistence almost amusing.

“I have a lot of work,” I said, turning back to my computer.

Mark lingered for a moment before sighing and walking away, but I could feel his eyes on me for a few seconds longer than necessary.

As usual, I stayed late at the office. But when I finally looked up from my screen, I was surprised to see Mark still there. Normally, by the time I finished, the office was empty.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood up, gathered my things, and headed to the elevator. Mark did the same. He followed me, and the whole thing felt strange.

We stepped into the elevator, and it started moving. Then, suddenly, it stopped.

“What’s going on? Are we stuck?” I asked, pressing a few buttons.

“Looks like it,” Mark replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I pressed the emergency button and explained the situation. The response came: we’d have to wait about two hours.

Mark sighed and sat on the floor, stretching his legs out in front of him. After a moment, I did the same.

“So, tell me about yourself,” he said, tilting his head toward me.

“What?” I chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What’s funny?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

“Come on, I’ve worked here for years, and most people don’t even know I exist. Why the sudden interest?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“I’m just curious,” he said, shrugging.

“Then why don’t you tell me about yourself?” I countered, narrowing my eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, please. You probably know everything about me already,” Mark smirked. “Everyone does.”

That made me laugh again. “That confidence.”

“What? Is that a bad thing?” he asked, grinning.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No, not if it’s real. But being invisible has given me an advantage—I notice things. And you, Mark, are nothing but an act. A performer trying to mask his insecurities with fake confidence. So what’s behind all of it? Daddy issues? Mommy didn’t pay attention to you?” I asked, leaning back against the wall.

“Oh, screw you,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

We sat in silence for a while until Mark finally spoke again.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My dad left us when I was three. My mom raised me alone. Then, when I was a teenager, he suddenly came back and tried to mold me into his perfect son. I guess I’m still trying to prove something to him,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

“I get it,” I said, my voice softer now.

Mark looked at me curiously.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My mom left us. My dad raised me alone. But she never came back. The last time I saw her, I was thirteen. She told me she was ashamed I was her daughter because, at my age, she had been way more popular,” I said, my throat tightening slightly at the memory.

“She’s an idiot,” Mark said, shaking his head. “I asked Anthony about you. You have the best results in the company. I thought I did. And you’re beautiful, even if your lack of confidence hides it.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Guess everyone copes with trauma differently,” I said, managing a small smile.

“Guess so,” Mark replied.

Just then, the elevator started moving again. When we stepped out, Mark grabbed my wrist.

“How about that drink now?” he asked, his voice gentler than before.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“If you’re going to be the guy from the elevator, then fine. But if you’re putting the mask back on, I’ll pass,” I said, tilting my head slightly.

“I’ll try to be myself,” Mark promised.

And so, we went to a bar. Then the next day. And the next. Before I knew it, we were spending time together every day—even on weekends.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I saw a different side of Mark. The real him. The one who was afraid of spiders and teared up when a dog died in a movie.

One evening, I couldn’t resist anymore—I kissed him. And the moment I did, I knew it was right. With him, I felt like myself.

One day at the office, I stood outside Anthony’s office and heard voices inside. I hadn’t planned to listen, but I couldn’t help it.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I told you—I know how to win someone over,” Mark said.

“I didn’t think Sara would fall for it. But you win—the dating app project is yours,” Anthony replied.

“Thanks, but—” Mark started, but I wasn’t listening anymore.

I turned and rushed to the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against it. My breath came in quick, uneven bursts. My hands shook. Tears slid down my face before I could stop them.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He had lied. He had tricked me to take my job. Every moment we had spent together had been a performance. And I was the fool who believed it. Worse—I had started falling for him.

I forced myself to breathe. I couldn’t fall apart now. Not over him.

I wiped my face, fixed my makeup, and straightened my blazer. Then, I walked straight to Anthony’s office.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Sara, I was just about to talk to you,” he said, looking up from his desk.

“I’d like to accept your offer to work abroad. If it’s still available,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“It is. What changed your mind?” Anthony asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You were right—there are more opportunities for me there,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He studied me for a moment. “When can you leave?”

“Tomorrow,” I replied.

“Tomorrow? Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. You can take the rest of the day off to pack.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I thanked him and walked out. My hands clenched around my bag. I saw Mark heading toward me.

I didn’t slow down. I grabbed my things and stepped into the elevator before he could reach me.

By morning, I was in a taxi headed to the airport. Music played in my headphones, drowning everything else out.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I watched the city blur past. Then, in my window, I saw Mark’s car pull up alongside mine.

He motioned for me to roll down the window. I ignored him. He honked. Annoyed, I lowered it.

“What? Are you here to tell me more lies?” I shouted.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know about your deal with Anthony. If I fell for you, you’d get the dating app project,” I said.

“No—I mean, yes, that was the deal. But not anymore. Everything changed when I started spending time with you,” Mark said.

“More lies! I can’t believe I fell for you, that I even started to have feelings for you!” I yelled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Really?” Mark asked.

I just rolled up the window and turned away.

A second later, he swerved his car in front of mine, blocking the road. My taxi and other cars behind us came to a halt, their horns blaring in frustration.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It was chaos. Mark hurried over, pulled open my door, and looked at me desperately.

“Listen to me,” he said. “I turned down the dating app project.”

“Don’t lie,” I said, stepping out of the taxi.

“I’m not lying. It’s the truth,” he insisted. “Please, don’t go.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“And why is that?” I asked.

“Because you’re the only person I can be real with. The only one I don’t have to pretend around,” Mark said. “That’s why I won’t let you get on that damn plane.”

“No one asked for your opinion,” I said.

“I’m falling for you too, Sara. Please,” he begged.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mind screamed at me to get back in the taxi, go to the airport, and forget Mark.

But my heart had already decided. My feet moved before I could stop them, bringing me closer to him. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

“I see you, Sara. And I will never let you feel invisible again,” Mark whispered before kissing me again.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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My Best Friend and I Made a Pact to Marry by 40, and 10 Years Later He Showed Up Uninvited to My Wedding — Story of the Day

On my wedding day, everything seemed perfect until my past walked into the ceremony uninvited. A promise made years ago and a man determined to remind me of it threatened to unravel the life I’d built. Could I let go of the past, or would it destroy my future?

I leaned back on the couch, cradling my coffee cup and letting the black liquid swirl lazily. The lights of Manhattan glittered like a million tiny promises just beyond the window. That evening, I felt… complete. At 39, that was no small thing.

“Who knew Rachel,” I murmured aloud. “You’ve got it all figured out now, don’t you?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Years of climbing the corporate ladder had left little room for anything else.

Success? Sure. Independence? Absolutely. But happiness?

That had always been… elusive. The type that lingered at the edges of the room like a forgotten shadow.

Dating had always been a disaster.

“Remember Scott?” I laughed softly. “Wanted me to quit my job and move to Montana. Montana!”

And then there was Greg, who turned every conversation into a TED Talk about himself.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

But Michael? Michael is different.

My lips curved into a soft smile at the thought of him. Scatterbrained Michael, who once set off the fire alarm while trying to toast bread. The man who adored noisy dinner parties and dragged me into conversations I didn’t want to have but somehow made them fun.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He isn’t perfect, no. But he is… mine.

A week ago, he’d changed everything.

“Rachel,” he had said, kneeling in the kitchen. He was holding out his grandmother’s vintage ring. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Be my wife.”

Of course, I said yes. What else could I have said?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Suddenly, my thoughts drifted to Linda, my future MIL. She wasn’t exactly warm. Our conversations had been polite, but there was always something in her tone, as if she was sizing me up, waiting for me to prove I wasn’t good enough for Michael.

She doesn’t know me yet. People like her just need time, don’t they?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Besides, the engagement party was the following day. Everything was planned to perfection.

Nothing can spoil it. This is our moment.

At least, that’s what I thought then.

***

The engagement party sparkled with life. The warm glow of the fairy lights above cast a magical atmosphere. Michael was at my side, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back as guests came up to offer their congratulations.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You two make such a perfect couple!” one of his cousins gushed, raising her glass. “To love and happiness!”

“To love and happiness!” echoed the room as everyone toasted.

I felt like I was walking on air, wrapped in a bubble of warmth and hope. That was what happiness was supposed to feel like. Secure and untouchable. And then it happened!

A figure appeared in the doorway. Then our eyes met. It was Brian!

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

His presence felt like a ghost stepping out of my past, dragging memories I had long buried. Without thinking, I excused myself quickly, murmuring something to Michael about needing air. I found Brian near the hallway.

“Rachel,” he said softly.

“What are you doing here, Brian? How did you even know about this?”

“You’re not exactly a hard person to track down. And when I heard you were engaged, I figured it was time to finally talk.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I said quickly, glancing back toward the party. “This is not the time or the place.”

But Brian stepped closer, his tone lowering. “It’s been ten years, Rachel. Ten. And all this time, I’ve been writing to you.”

“What? I’ve never received anything from you.”

“I sent dozens of letters, Rachel. They were ignored. Or… Someone made sure you never saw a single word.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“That’s ridiculous,” I snapped. “Who could…”

“Who? Ask yourself, Rachel. How well do you know Michael? Or his mother? Do you think she’s thrilled about you stepping into the picture?”

“You’re lying. This is just some desperate attempt to…”

“To what?” Brian interrupted sharply. “To ruin your happiness? Believe me, Rachel, I came to tell you the truth.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He took a deliberate step closer, lowering his voice. “We made a pact, Rachel. Do you remember? If we were still single at 40, we’d marry each other. And here I am, trying to honor that promise.”

“Brian, whatever you think we had or promised each other—it’s in the past. My life is with Michael now.”

“Is it? Are you sure? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re marrying into something you don’t fully understand.”

I clenched my hands into fists. “Brian, stop. Just stop. You’re twisting things to…”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He interrupted. “To get you to open your eyes? Rachel, you’re walking into something you don’t fully see. And once you’re in, it might be too late to get out.”

I turned sharply, desperate to leave, but as I did, I caught a glimpse of Linda standing just around the corner. Her face was calm, almost unnervingly so, but her eyes gave her away. She had heard everything. Every single word.

“Rachel,” she said smoothly, ignoring Brian entirely. “Is everything alright? Michael’s been looking for you.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Everything’s fine.”

But nothing was fine.

***

When I returned home, I tried my best to stay calm, though a quiet unease churned inside me. Maybe it was Linda’s presence. She had decided to stay with us to “help” in the final days before the wedding. Or perhaps it was the lingering tension from seeing Brian at the engagement party. Either way, my nerves felt frayed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I wandered into the kitchen, deciding that a cup of tea with lemon might settle me. But as I pressed the knife against the lemon’s rind, my hand slipped. A sharp sting shot through my finger.

“Great!”

I grabbed a paper towel to stop the bleeding and went upstairs to find a plaster. That’s when I opened Michael’s drawer.

dr

My finger throbbed from the accidental cut, but what I found instead made my heart stop. A small box, neatly tucked under a pile of dribs and drabs. I pulled it out.

Inside were letters. Dozens of them addressed to me! My breath caught as I unfolded the first one. It was from Brian. Each letter, carefully written, was an attempt to reconnect, to share his feelings. And yet, I had never seen them until that moment.

Suddenly, I heard Michael’s footsteps. “What’s that?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I stood, clutching the letters. “You tell me, Michael. Why do you have these? All this time, you’ve been lying to me. Why?”

“Because I was scared of losing you. I didn’t want him to come between us.”

“Come between us?” I laughed bitterly, waving the letters in his face. “Do you hear yourself? You didn’t even give me a chance to decide for myself!”

“Rachel, please,” he begged. “I love you. Everything I did was to protect us.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You protected yourself, Michael. How can I marry someone who doesn’t trust me to make my own decisions?”

Before he could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.

“Well, isn’t this dramatic,” Linda said, stepping into the room.

“This isn’t your business, Linda.”

“It became my business the moment you decided to humiliate him. What about today’s date? Maybe you’re not as perfect as you think you are.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and stormed out. The cool night air hit me like a slap as I rushed down the street. That night, I needed to make everything clear.

So, I went to see Brian. To my luck, I still remembered his address.

***

After the night I had, everything became crystal clear. No doubts, no confusion. All of them had melted away, leaving me with a single, unwavering plan.

I am not going to let anyone else dictate this day. My wedding will play out exactly how I want.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

By the time I stepped into the ceremony hall, I had rehearsed every moment in my mind. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the low hum of guests’ conversations. Michael stood at the altar, his smile steady and full of love.

But my eyes, for just a brief moment, flickered to the back row. And there he was. Brian. He was sitting casually, a confident smirk playing on his lips. I sent him an almost invisible smile.

ma

Finally, the officiant asked the question that everyone dreads yet anticipates. “If anyone here has a reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

A hush fell over the room. I was waiting for Brian’s move. Finally, Brian rose to his feet.

“Actually. I do.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to him.

Brian looked directly at me. “Rachel and I have a history. We made a promise to each other years ago, and she hasn’t fulfilled it.”

Slowly, I turned toward Brian, offering him a small, calm smile.

“Brian, why don’t you turn around?”

He followed my gaze. There was the woman I’d invited the night before.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I remembered how I’d found her the previous night, when I came to his place. She was sitting on the couch next to Brian, smiling at him like he was her whole world. It had taken only a few minutes to realize the truth: Brian wasn’t in my life for love.

“Brian,” the woman said, “I believed in you. And all this time, you’ve been lying to me, using me while obsessing over her?”

The guests gasped as she pointed toward me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You’re nothing but a selfish, manipulative coward,” she spat. “I can’t believe I ever loved you.”

Brian stammered. “It’s not what it looks like! I just needed her to…”

“To what?”

“You don’t understand! She pretended I didn’t exist. I wasn’t going to let her forget!”

I stayed silent, watching him unravel.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You didn’t come here for love,” she said. “You came here to ruin hers.”

“I just wanted her to feel the way I felt,” Brian muttered.

The truth was out, and there was no taking it back.

“Escort him out, please,” I said softly to the nearby ushers.

As Brian was led away, I turned to the guests. “I’m so sorry for the disruption. But I needed this moment to close the chapter on my past.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The ceremony resumed, and nothing could overshadow our happiness after that.

Later, as Michael and I danced, he whispered, “What a show, my dear. I hope I’ll never see it again. I worried when you disappeared last night, but I never doubted you’d come back.”

I smiled, finally telling him about my visit to Brian and the woman. “She deserved the truth, just like I did. I came to tell him that you’re my future. But then, I saw her. Decided she also deserves a better man.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As I stood next to Michael, his hand warm in mine, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. The past no longer had power over me.

I glanced at the guests. My eyes caught Linda’s in the crowd. For the first time, she gave me a small, approving nod. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of peace, as if the universe itself had aligned just for us.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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