On the day the results were due, Mr. Jones, the supervisor, called me to his office.

John and Sarah were there. He hadn't returned home since that day in the city.

He’d probably spent every waking moment by Sarah's side, showering her with care.

His gaze fell on me, cold as ice. He hissed, "I told you to give up the award!"

I said indifferently, "I didn't agree to."

Sarah sobbed, her face crumpled, tugging at John's arm. "John, I know you'll make sure things are fair."

John's coldness melted away. He tenderly wiped her tears, his voice gentle. "Yes, I will help you."

Mr. Jones coughed awkwardly, turning to me. "Amy, John said you wanted to forfeit the 'Employee of the Month' award. Is that true?"

He was sharp and had instantly grasped the situation. His question clearly favored me. I shook my head. "I did not want to forfeit the award."

Mr. Jones nodded, looking helplessly at John. "You see, Amy herself hasn't said she wants to forfeit it. What others say doesn't count."

Sarah cried harder, burying her face in John's chest. "John, you promised you'd help me."

John embraced her, their affection making my eyes sting.

I had always thought he was reserved and introverted.

He’d always recoiled from public displays of affection with me, be it hugging or holding hands.

Once, when I picked him up from work, my pinky finger had accidentally brushed against his.

He’d flown into a rage, berating me in front of the neighbors.

He said it tarnished his image as a teacher, that I was careless and inconsiderate.

In my past life, I’d thought that was just how he was. I’d swallowed the委屈, telling myself to understand his nature.

Finally, seeing how completely he loved someone else, I understood. It wasn't his nature; it was his lack of love for me.

John's voice pulled me from my reverie. He tightened his hold on Sarah, his voice firm with resolve. "I seem to recall a factory rule: 'Employee of the Month' must be married."

Mr. Jones looked startled, then nodded. "There is such a rule."

Sarah glanced at me, a smug look on her face.

My fingernails dug into my palms. I knew what he was going to say.

So, in my past life, he had revealed my deepest wound, my secret, for Sarah's sake.

Without hesitation, he announced to everyone in the office, "Amy and I aren't legally married. She was a child bride to an older man. Her household registration is still with him..."

"Stop!" I roared, interrupting him.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at him, scoffing.

He had promised never to tell anyone.

It was the darkest, most painful secret of my life, and he’d betrayed me for Sarah.

The pain in my chest was suffocating. This was what it felt like to be utterly disappointed in someone.

I composed myself, turning to Mr. Jones. "He's right. We have no legal ties. I don't want the award."

Then, to John, my voice flat and numb, "This award is for your beloved Sarah. From now on, we're done."