The moment Anastasia returned to her department, the entire room lit up with cheers.
"Congratulations, girl! I'm so proud of you!" Sandra exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she rushed over to pull Anastasia into a warm hug.
'Wow... They know already?' Anastasia thought with a big smile on her face.
George followed behind, waving a file in one hand and clapping with the other. "I knew you'd do it! Honestly, that Alfonso Martinez guy looked like he'd seen a goddess!"
Everyone burst into laughter, surrounding Anastasia with joyful words. Compliments, pats on the back, hugs, as she was the center of attention.
Anastasia smiled as best as she could, but deep down, her thoughts were tangled.
'Why does this feel so heavy? Why am I not as excited as everyone else?' Anastasia tried not to be lost in her thoughts.
As if answering her mind, the departmental chief strolled into the room, his face lit up with a grin that almost made his stiff suit look casual.
