The day started like any other at the office. I sipped my coffee when a delivery arrived: a bouquet of stunning white roses. My coworkers teased, but something felt off.

I found a note tucked among the flowers: “You always wanted the spotlight. Let’s see how you handle it now.” My heart raced. Someone knew my secret, the one I’d buried years ago.

Shaken, I tossed the flowers in the trash. Then Sarah from marketing mentioned she’d received a similar note after a big promotion. Alison from digital marketing had sent it—her petty way of expressing jealousy. Relief washed over me; it wasn’t about my past.

Later, over drinks with my friend Mia, I opened up about Mark—a married man I had a brief affair with years ago. His wife found out and publicly shamed me. I feared someone was bringing it all back.

Mia reminded me that I’ve grown since then. “Don’t let a ghost haunt you,” she said.

The next morning, Alison congratulated me on my promotion, her smile fake. I thanked her politely, realizing I no longer feared the shadows of my past. I was ready for the future, stronger than ever.