Chapter 5

After that theatre scene, I go home alone and just found myself packing my stuff.

"Gosh, this is so heavy!" I said in a tiry voice while looking at my two large baggages.

I made sure that I packed all of my things, so that Preston wouldn't see any trace of my belongings here in his house.

He didn't even bothered to call or just text me, huh? To atleast show his concern. Up to that kind of situation, he still cares about Penelope. Don't worry, Preston. You won't see me here anymore starting tomorrow.

The next day, time passed by so fast and I just found myself at the airplane with my suitcase, waiting for my departure. As usual, Preston didn't go home so he didn't witness me leaving.

But earlier, my phone kept buzzing nonstop and until now, Preston's name still flashing on my phone screen.

I didn't bother answering his call. Instead, I set my phone silent.

I knew he was upset now because right before boarding the plane, I sent him one final message.

To: Preston

[We're done.]

That's the message I sent to him and the moment it was sent, I pulled out my SIM card and tossed it in the nearest trash can.

It was already nearly midnight when I arrived at the station in my hometown. As I stepped off the taxi, I saw Dad waiting for me at our meeting place. He smiled the moment he saw me and led me to the car. I sat at the passenger seat.

"Dad, I miss you!" I hugged him so tight and prevent myself from crying.

I missed him so much. I missed everything about him and mom.

"You look fabulous and still beautiful as ever, Claudia. We missed you here!"

After our hugging moment, I noticed a large bag of my favorite snacks and yogurt waiting for me at the back seat.

"Wow!" I reacted in surprise.

Before starting the car, Dad chuckled softly, grabbing one of the yogurts and poking a straw through the lid, handing it to me. "Here, drink this," he said warmly.

Aw, he's still that sweet.

As I took it from him, I noticed the gray hairs at his temples and something inside me broke.

The corner of my eyes started watering immediately and without warning, I burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Dad, I'm home for good this time," I choked out between my sobs. "I'm never leaving again. I'm going to stay here with you and Mom. Forever."

Dad chuckled again, this time a little more tenderly.

"You silly girl. Whether you stay or not, you'll always be our precious Claudia."

He could tell I wasn't in the best place, but he didn't ask me to explain. He just drove, respecting my silence. When we got home, I cried again seeing mom. Gosh, they are really my home. I finally found my comfort zone again.

After our little cries again, I ask for a moment because I need to shower while mom is cooking my favorite dish. After that, we ate a simple dinner my parents had prepared.

Around 10 p.m., my parents let me rest already because I was tired. Right now, I felt so new to everything, it still shocks me. The environment and place without Preston. But I am firmly confident with my decision and this is final. I won't get back to him anymore.

I am already lying in bed, staring at my phone. I opened my music app, hoping to find something relaxing to help me sleep but I noticed several unread private messages sent to me from email.

From: Ava

[ Claudia, I heard the news! Is it really true that you already resigned? What happened? Are you okay? You didn't tell me anything. I should've help you with your problem. Please, reply to me.]

So they were from Ava, my only closest workmates. She seemed shocked by my sudden resignation. Her message was full of concern, asking if everything was okay and if there was anything she could do to help.

Just as I was trying to figure out how to reply, another message from her came in, it was a video file this time and it came with a note.

From: Ava

[Claudia, this video was blowing up in the company group chat. It's about Penelope and sir Preston.]

My brow rises up. I hesitated for a moment, but curiosity got the better of me.

I clicked on the video and it showed a security footage. The setting was familiar; it was clearly from a surveillance camera in the company's conference room.

There were only three people present there. Preston, Penelope, and the head of HR. Although sounds were not recorded, I instantly recognized the document in Preston's hand.

"Is that my resignation letter?" I asked myself.

Yes, it was! It was the letter I had submitted.

In the video, the HR manager looked shaken, his expression bordering on tears as he tried to explain something. I could see his fingers trembling. Preston, however, didn't even spare the poor HR manager a glance, his cold gaze only fixed on my letter.

At exactly three minutes and forty seconds into the video, Preston, who had been sitting motionless the entire time, lazily waved a hand. The HR manager, as if granted a reprieve, practically fled the room with his head down.

I could clearly see Penelope's face. It was contorted into a mix of discomfort and forced sweetness while she stood behind Preston. She mustered a smile and tentatively reached out to place her hand on his shoulder. But before she could touch him, Preston sudden movement sent a cup of coffee flying off the table. It crashed to the floor, narrowly missing Penelope, who jumped back, startled.

An amazement and nervousness enveloped me like I'm there, witnessing that.

The coffee splattered onto Preston's suit and face. I imagined it was hot, but he didn't even flinch. He stood up, acting as though nothing had happened. I even noticed a faint, unsettling smile playing on his lips as he paced around the room.

I could sense the tension was brewing.

Preston's phone buzzed then and whatever message he received, it made him stop in his tracks. His entire demeanor shifted, his eyes lighting up with an emotion I couldn't place, was it excitement or relief? I am so curious!

The message seemed long as he stood frozen for several minutes reading it.

And when he finally finished, the cold returned to his face as he lowered the phone. Just as Penelope moved to embrace him from behind, Preston erupted in fury. Without warning, he hurled his phone directly at the meeting room's large electronic screen.

"Oh my gosh." I mumbled and covered my mouth.

What was that behavior, Preston? I know if I was there witnessing that, I would probably shiver.

The impact of his phone at the screen was instant. Sparks flew as the screen shattered.

Penelope gasped, obviously scared. She stumbled backward and twisted her ankle in her panic. Then, she fell awkwardly on the floor. She began to cry, her face shows a mix of fear and confusion. But Preston didn't even spare her a glance. He turned around, and just as he started walking toward her, the video cut off.

I shook my head and smiled bitterly. I didn't need to see the rest of the video to know what happened next though. Of course, Preston would help her up then apologize softly, guilt-ridden, and he would cuddle her even more after that while Penelope's baby talk rang on his ears. He would shower her with more affection like a baby to make up for his outburst.

Closing the video, I sent a brief message to Ava, thanking her for everything. I wished her nothing but the best, hoping she'd continue to climb the ladder at the company, even though we'd no longer be working together. I will truly miss her because she was the only genuine person I've met there and I really appreciate her kindness and concern towards me.

She knew everything about me. Everything between me and Preston.