She could raise millions, score huge business deals and have the corporate world between her fingers. She was sort after by the rich and successful, the woman who started off as a simple marine biology student to the CEO of Luthor Corp.
But there was one thing she couldn't have.
There was one reason and one reason only why she envied Chloe Sullivan. Actually many reasons, but this was most important. The one thing she would have moved mountains and given up her position as CEO just for him.
Chloe Sullivan laughed and smiled and held Oliver's hand. Oliver returned a smile and it wasn't his corporate smile or 'smile for the carnivorous reporters smile" but one with a slight chuckle at the end.
"A little obvious, don't cha think?" Chloe said
"I like familiarity"
Chloe had everything she wanted. She had friends who lasted from high school to college - she steadily followed her dream job of reporting before moving on to Watchtower. Tess thought marine biology was her niche before she was thrown into the world of the Luthors.
But she knew somehow that Chloe couldn't see it. She had everything right in front of her and yet she had this barrier up. But Oliver was willing to work through it all. For him to work this hard, she meant something. Tess had no doubt about it.
Tess accepted her own barriers. There wasn't much to do for her.
In her silent thoughts she bumped into someone and apologised. It was Oliver going to buy a second cup of mocha for Chloe.
"Sorry Mer - I mean Tess." he said and then moved away.
Tess didn't look back because there was no use holding on. Oliver had moved on with Chloe. Mercy was the one thing that linked that both and even that was gone.