he next day, Mary walked into the office with a firm decision. Deep inside, she had promised herself: "I won't do things I don't love anymore."
She knew that starting change would be hard, but this time, something inside her felt stronger.
The day went on as usual. Mary was working until lunchtime came. She and Deniz went to a nearby restaurant and were eating when Rachel walked in.
Rachel (with a fake smile): Hey, darling. How are you? I was looking for you. I wanted to talk about tomorrow's assignment.
Deniz (a little suspicious): Is there a problem?
Rachel: No, no... I just wanted to ask if I could go instead of you tomorrow?
Deniz (grinning): And why would I let you do that?
Rachel: Well, I have more experience.
Deniz (mockingly): Mr. Connor said I have to go. If you want that to change, talk to him yourself.
Rachel (coldly): Fine... I just wanted to let you know first.
Rachel gave them a cold glance and walked away. Deniz lowered her head and went back to her food. Mary stared at Rachel in surprise and suddenly said without thinking:
Mary: How can you do that?
Rachel stopped and looked at Mary.
Rachel: Did you say something?
Mary (shyly): I mean... how can you so easily ask for what you want?
Rachel laughed and said:
Rachel: Because I trust myself and my work, darling. When you love yourself, you can do anything you want.
Deniz muttered under her breath:
Deniz: Yeah right, especially when your uncle is the first deputy, your self-confidence is on another level.
Rachel gave them a cold look and walked away.
Mary (worried): Why did you say that? You know how she is.
Deniz (carefree): Forget it... She's just rude. Anyway, she took away my assignment for tomorrow. I was counting on that bonus... but whatever.
That evening, while returning home on the subway, Mary pulled out her phone and started searching for motivational success books. After browsing for a while, she picked one and ordered it.
Later at dinner, Mary noticed her sister Ava was laughing at her phone.
Mary: What's so funny?
Ava: Oh, it's nothing special. Just some girl doing street performances... she's hilarious, most of her videos are comedy.
Mary: Let me see.
Mary took Ava's phone and watched. It was a funny clip of a girl performing lively and creative acts.
Mary: She's adorable... it's great that she found her talent.
Ava: Talent? Please... acting silly isn't that hard. Anyone could do it.
Mary: Maybe many people could do it, but attracting an audience is an art itself.
Ava shrugged and said:
Ava: Maybe... By the way, a package came today. Was that your book?
Mary: Yeah... where did you put it?
Ava: On your desk, in your room.
Mary smiled and went to her room. That night, she opened the book and started reading.
It was full of real-life stories about people who achieved success through effort and persistence. Mary eagerly turned each page, sometimes raising her eyebrows in surprise, sometimes nodding in agreement.
The next morning at work, Mary was busy when Mr. Connor called from his office.
Mr. Connor (loudly): Mary! Got a minute?
Mary entered his office.
Mary: Good morning, Mr. Connor. You needed me?
Mr. Connor: Yes. Actually, Mr. Park is retiring at the end of the month. I'm considering you for his position.
The initial salary raise isn't much, and the workload will be heavier. You might have to work overtime a few days a week. But later on, the pay will improve significantly. So, what do you think?
For a moment, Mary was stunned. Her mind was a whirlwind.
Mary (in her mind): What should I do? Should I accept it? A lot of people would kill for this opportunity... but it will take up all my time. I'll drift away from my dreams...
Mary took a deep breath.
Mary: Honestly, I'm a bit surprised. Could I have until the end of the day to think about it?
Mr. Connor: Of course.
Mary went back to her desk, deep in thought.
Mary (in her mind): This isn't what I want.
Better salary sounds nice, but... I don't want my whole life to revolve around work.
I want to chase my dreams.
What if I fail?
What if I succeed?
A few minutes later, with fresh determination, she stood up and went back to Mr. Connor's office.
Mary: Mr. Connor, I've made my decision.
Mr. Connor: So soon?
Mary: Yes. I'd prefer to stay in my current position.
I don't want to take over Mr. Park's job.
I want to keep more free time to focus on my goals.
Mr. Connor paused for a second.
Mr. Connor: Are you sure? Many people dream of such an opportunity.
Mary: I'm sure.
Right now, it's the best time to change my life.
Mr. Connor: As you wish. I won't put your name forward, then.
Mary left the office with a smile.
On her way back to her desk, Rachel caught up with her.
Rachel: Mary? Why are you smiling so much?
Mary (smiling): Nothing special... I'm just happy to love myself.
Rachel stared at her, confused, and walked away.
At her desk, Deniz rolled her chair closer.
Deniz: Tell me the truth... what happened?
Mary: It's nothing.
Deniz (curious): Don't tell me... they chose you for Mr. Park's position?
Mary (surprised): How did you know?
Deniz: I've got my sources!
Now, when are you treating us to sweets?
Mary: No sweets... I didn't accept it.
Deniz (loudly): What?! Are you crazy?
Several people turned to look at them.
Deniz (lowering her voice): Why would you turn that down? Do you know how many people are dying for that spot?
Mary (calmly): Because I want to follow my own dreams.
Deniz: Dreams? You mean your painting?
You could have accepted it and painted at night!
Mary: I know myself better than anyone... and I know what's best for me.
Deniz (grinning crookedly): So, you're telling me not to interfere?
Mary: Exactly...
And honestly, I'm just happy that, this time, I listened only to my heart.
Deniz: Good for you... but honestly, I think you just screwed up your life.
Mary laughed and said:
Mary: Whatever. As long as I'm happy, that's enough.