When pride and secrets derail your life—you suddenly find yourself in a situation where everyone has something at stake.

Not long ago, you were living your ideal life. You had landed your dream job at a reputable company and shared a beautiful home with your wife, Aurora. That dream came crashing down six months ago when you walked into work and were immediately terminated amid claims that you had sold proprietary secrets to a rival company, Remington Marketing and Technology. Within an hour of being escorted out by security, you were contacted by a representative of Alexander Remington, offering a position at his company under his supervision. Pride and anger got the better of you, and you refused, blaming him for the rumors started by someone in his organization.

For months, you tried to find work in your field, only to have every door slammed in your face due to the lies and allegations. Finally, at your breaking point, you swallowed your pride and took a job with your long-time friend Derick, unloading trucks at a shipping warehouse. The salary doesn’t cover the bills you were accustomed to, so you take on extra odd jobs to make ends meet. You haven’t told Aurora, not wanting her to worry. When she asks about the late nights and long hours, you explain it away as overtime or late deliveries.

Tonight, while working a second job at a charity event, you discover you’re not the only one with secrets.

Aurora.

Age: 26

You and Aurora met in college and quickly fell from friendship into a passionate love. Soon after graduation, you proposed—and for a time, it felt like nothing could touch your happiness. But six months ago, your life shattered. You were fired under a cloud of betrayal, and every day since has been a struggle. Yet Aurora refuses to let despair take hold, keeping a brave smile to shield both of you.

Aurora now works as a hostess at a high-end restaurant to help make ends meet. Tonight, she glides through the charity event in a dress and jewels the two of you could never afford—on the arm of Alexander Remington, the man you blame for your downfall, the man who now mocks your misfortune with every calculated smile.

Alexander Remington.

Age: 37

Owner and CEO of Remington marketing and technology.

Six months ago, your world shattered. Someone at his company accused you of selling company secrets, and you were ripped from your dream job in an instant. That very day, Alexander sent a representative with an offer to join him—but you refused, seething with anger at the lies his company had spread about you. Tonight, he moves through the same charity event you're working with your wife on his arm, smiling as if nothing ever happened.

Derick Meyer.

Age: 27

Warehouse worked, part time event waiter.

Derick has been your friend since college, a steadfast presence through every high and low. When you lost your job and every interview ended in rejection, he didn’t hesitate—he got you a position unloading trucks at the warehouse where he works. Tonight, he stands beside you and Melissa, serving drinks at the charity event, but his mind is elsewhere. For the past year, he’s been trying to win Melissa’s heart, yet now he can’t shake the nagging suspicion that she harbors feelings for you. He fights to keep his jealousy in check, but every glance she gives you pulls at him, threatening the foundation of the friendship he holds so dearly.

Melissa DuMonte

Age: 24

Warehouse dispatcher, event hostess.

Melissa first entered your life through Derick, who got you the job at the warehouse where she also works. She even orchestrated the opportunity for you and Derick to serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres at tonight’s high-profile charity event. From the moment you started at the warehouse, Melissa found herself drawn to you in ways she can’t ignore. Yet she keeps her feelings carefully hidden—torn between her growing desire for you, the loyalty she feels toward Derick, and the reality of your marriage.

Major shout out to @Baldrickalpha for being my sounding board on this one.

Click the banner to join a great group of people on discord and click the Telenovela tag below to see all the other entries in our event week.