STIGMA

Jayda Wright tried to hold back tears as the Board announced her Partner of the most reputable law firm in the United States; Saunders and Co.

It was indeed a well-deserved position for Jayda. She has been aiming for this position since the first time she interned as a paralegal in Saunders and Co. She worked her ass off, gave up everything relating to her social life and put her ALL in her job.

At age 29, she was the youngest and the first female to become a Partner in Saunders and Co.

No doubt being a partner comes with a lot of responsibilities but she was a hard worker so she knew she would survive.

Apart from the responsibilities that came with her promotion, She was now like one of the owners of the firm hence, there would be a great increment in her salary, doubled benefits and most importantly, her name would be engraved on the door of her new office. What a dream come true for Jayda!

"Thank you so much, Mr Tucker, I promise not to disappoint you." She said to the president of the firm who was in his early fifties.

(tall, average weight, with dark hair.)

"You worked for it Jayda so you deserve the position. You hardly lose a case in court and no doubt your wins have contributed to the reputation of this law firm. I wish you all the best in this phase of your career and I hope you don't disappoint us because we all look up to you now." Mr Tucker said.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I will work harder than I've ever worked in this law firm." She promised.

Jayda was congratulated by other partners and senior associates in the conference room. They made a toast and made small conversations in between.

As soon as Jayda was able to escape from the conference room, she went to her office (Aka her old office because she would be moving into her new office on Monday), she reached for her iPhone in her bag and dialled her best friend, Lilian.

"Guess what Lily?" Jayda said excitedly as soon as Lilian picked up her call.

"You just got laid?" Lilian teased which made Jayda roll her eyes.

"What a mood spoiler! Anyways I got promoted."

"OMG!!! As a Partner Query?" Lilian asked.

"Yes, babe. Jayda Wright is now a Partner in Saunders and Co."

"Congratulations my love. You work so hard, this is truly well deserved."

"Thank you." Jayda giggled.

"You should go out to celebrate. It's a pity I'm busy tonight. I have to complete the designs for a few dresses. The fashion show is tomorrow."

"Don't worry, we can still hang out tomorrow after your fashion show. I will probably hang out with Zach tonight."

"Please do, and make sure you get laid tonight. No one knows when next you will be free to hang out with us now that you're a partner."

Jayda chuckled, "You have a dirty mind, Lilian. Anyways, I will see you at my place tomorrow evening."

"Alright babe, congratulations once again, " Lilian said before she ended the call.

Jayda decided to give her boyfriend, Zach a call to inform him about her promotion and that she will be pulling up at his place soon but he didn't pick up after calling him twice.

She spent the next thirty minutes offloading her drawers and other things she would need in her new office on Monday. After that, she reached for her handbag and laptop bag and made her way out of the building into her car.

Before she started the engine, She called a restaurant to order food and dessert that will be enough for herself and Zach to celebrate.

As soon as Jayda got to her apartment, She called her parents to give them the good news, then took a shower and started preparing to leave for her boyfriend's place.

Jayda was used to dressing professionally because of her line of career but she decided to go a little wild tonight by looking very sexy. She found the perfect dress and matched it with a pair of heels, she reached for her purse which had just her phone, keycard, credit card, and some cash in it. She made her way to the kitchen to grab a bottle of red wine; Zachery's favourite.

After making a stop at the restaurant to pick up the orders she placed, Jayda made her way to Zachery's apartment. It has been a while she came over to his place and suddenly, she started to feel guilty because she doesn't make time for him as she should.

She heaved a sigh, pressed the doorbell and waited for Zach to open up.

"Hey....." Jayda smiled as soon as she came face to face with Zach but the smile on her face slowly faded when she saw the stern look on his face. He looked like he was not happy to see her; like he was busy and needed her to say what she was here for and then leave.

"Why are you here? Don't you have some work to do?" He mocked.

"Look, I'm sorr......" She was saying but he stopped her halfway.

"Why are you here?" He demanded.

"I got promoted as Partner at the firm so I thought we could celebrate. I came with something for us to eat." She gestured to the food bag she was holding.

"I knew you would be partner one day because your job is the most important thing in your life, congratulations!"

"What do you mean?" Jayda sounded hurt.

"Do you know how many dinner dates I've planned which I had to cancel because you had something that came up with work? Or when you eventually showed up, all you did was talk about work, the cases you dealt with and some other random bullshit. You never even talked about us. For heaven's sake, Jayda, you're my girlfriend and it's not even like you are."

"Maybe we are not meant to be together so I think it's time we go our separate ways."

"Please Zach, Don't break up with me. I promise I will change." Jayda pleaded, trying to hold back tears.

"You were not even a partner and you didn't have time for me. What do you think will happen now that you're a partner?"