The name Lennox glared back at her like a warning. Damien's voice echoed in her memory from the car ride home. He had warned her to stay away from Noah "I don't want you talking to him."
She chewed on her lower lip, as she found an excuse to still go ahead and apply. It wasn't as if she'd be working with Noah directly. The company was huge, and this was a remote job. faceless, handled over email and software. He would probably never even know she applied. But still, it was risky.
Her mind spun with arguments she could use if Damien ever found out: It's only a few hours. It won't affect our home. It's remote, I'll always be here when you need me. She could even frame it as something temporary, just a way to keep herself occupied until they had children.
But deep down, she knew she wasn't doing this for Damien. She was doing it for herself. For that part of her that still wanted to think, to create, and to matter. The part of her that secretly resented Damien.
She took a deep breath, steadied her trembling hand, and clicked "submit."
The confirmation screen popped up. Application received.
Jossy leaned back against the chair, her heart racing, but she felt a spark of something, something she had nearly forgotten. Freedom, choice, and independence.
Still, as she closed her laptop, a chill ran through her. Damien would never understand. He had made it clear what he wanted from her, and the roles she was supposed to play. If she got the job, it would have to stay a secret for now.