For my birthday last year, a coworker I didn’t know very well, Jenna, gave me a beautiful gold necklace.

We weren’t close, so I was genuinely touched by the gesture

.I wore it everywhere — to work, dinners, even dates.

It became my favorite accessory, and whenever someone complimented it,

I’d smile and say, “It was a gift from a coworker.”

Months later, while cleaning it, I noticed a tiny engraving on the back: “Office Joke.”Confused,

I mentioned it at work the next day. My coworkers exchanged awkward glances until one finally admitted the truth: the necklace was part of an old “office tradition,

” a prank where it was given to someone they didn’t think would last at the company.

I was stunned and embarrassed. I’d been wearing what I thought was a thoughtful gift,

not realizing it was a joke behind my back.The next day,

I wore the necklace proudly to our team meeting.

When everyone settled, I stood up and said,

“I know about the ‘office joke.

’ Since I’m clearly here to stay,

I’ll be keeping it as my good luck charm.”

The room went silent, then a few people laughed nervously

. The prank was never mentioned again, and Jenna later apologized to me privately.

today, I still wear the necklace — not as a reminder of the prank,

but as proof that I turned something hurtful into a story of resilience.

Now, when people compliment it,

I simply smile and say,

“Thanks. It has quite a history.”