Chapter 2) The Fall Before the storm

I was working hard and actually enjoying the day. As a dedicated employee, I had been eagerly anticipating my promotion. I was giving my best, ensuring that not a single excuse could hold me back.

During our usual coffee break, the new boss walked in.

“Hello everyone, I’m XYZ,” he introduced himself. (Not that I cared who he was.) “And from today onwards, I’ll be your new boss.”

We all clapped, offering a polite welcome. I, too, pretended to smile and clap — purely out of obligation. Deep inside, I wasn’t bothered. I knew I would soon be getting that promotion and maybe even be transferred to a higher position — in a different building, city, or even state.

He continued, “Let’s get to the point. I have something to announce. All of you who appeared for the recent promotion interviews and exams — the final list is now live on the company website. Please check it.”

Someone from the team raised a hand. “Sir, wasn’t the list posted already last week?”

The boss gave a casual shrug. “Yes, but apparently our senior board found some discrepancies. So the list has been reviewed and reposted.”

The moment he finished, coffee cups were left half-full as everyone rushed to the computers. The list was huge — over 180 names from different locations — and instead of being sorted by marks, it was alphabetically ordered.

I quickly scrolled down to ‘L’, whispering my name like a mantra: “Lily Stephens… Lily Stephens…”

Nothing.

A little panic bubbled inside me. I refreshed and checked again. Still nothing.

I scrolled to ‘S’, hoping they had written it as ‘Stephens, Lily’.

Still nothing.

My heart sank. My fingers trembled as I rechecked from page one to the very end. But my name was nowhere to be found.

I felt devastated. The promotion I had worked so hard for — gone. Vanished.

Back when the previous boss was in charge, I could’ve asked for clarification or filed a complaint. But this new guy? He didn’t seem approachable at all. Just as I stood frozen, Nany approached.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, concerned.

“My name isn’t there,” I whispered, barely able to believe it myself.

“What? No way. Let me check.”

She scanned the list as thoroughly as I had — her expression growing more serious with every page. “Maybe it’s a glitch. Come on, let’s talk to the boss.”

We knocked on his office door. He looked up as we entered.

“Sir,” I began calmly. “My name was on the list previously. Now it’s missing. Could you please verify it?”

He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “You must have done something wrong. Maybe your feedback wasn’t satisfactory. That’s why your promotion was revoked.”

I felt my throat tighten. “Sir, I’ve always submitted my work on time. I was ranked 34th. My feedback from the seniors has always been positive. This has to be a mistake. Please consider filing a formal query.”

But he raised his voice. “Get out. Do you really think I’ll waste my time for you? It’s not my fault your name’s not there. And don’t think you can walk in here and order me around.”

I stood stunned. So did Nany.

He turned to her. “And who are you? Her secretary? Both of you, leave.”

We walked out, humiliated. My hands were clenched into fists. I wasn’t going to let this go. I turned to Nany. “Didn’t you mention the company’s president is now working in this building?”

“Yes,” she said hesitantly. “But what will that change?”

“I’m going to speak with him.”

“Lily,” she said seriously, “he’s not someone you can just approach. He’s the highest-ranking executive. Surrounded by bodyguards. You won’t get past reception.”

Maybe she was right. I had no idea how to go about it. But something had to be done. I returned to my desk, trying to refocus. But my mind was in turmoil. The canceled promotion, the verbal humiliation… it was too much.

As I blinked away the tears and tried to concentrate, a colleague came by.

“The boss wants to see you.”

I immediately stood up. Maybe, just maybe, he had reconsidered?

I walked in, knocked softly, and entered.

“Are you Lily Stephens?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied, hopeful.

“You’re fired,” he said bluntly.

I blinked. What?

My lips parted in disbelief. “Excuse me?”

“I said you’re fired. Pack your things.”

“But why?” I asked, my voice shaking. “What did I do?”

He looked bored. “Don’t ask me. Orders from above.”

My chest tightened. “I deserve an explanation. I’ve worked hard here. You can’t just fire me without reason.”

He stood up and pointed toward the door. “I’m not here to argue. Leave.”

Furious and heartbroken, I forced myself to stay calm. I walked out without another word. Just as I reached the elevator, a man in a black suit approached.

“Miss Lily Stephens?”

“Yes,” I said cautiously.

“You’re requested on the 34th floor. Please come with me.”

The 34th floor? That was strictly executive-level. I had never even been allowed to step there.

I followed silently. When the elevator opened, it felt like stepping into a different world — luxury oozed from every corner. Chandeliers, velvet panels, and glass walls with panoramic views of the city.

We stopped at a large oak door.

“He’s expecting you,” the man said.

I knocked gently, then stepped inside. The office was like nothing I’d ever seen. A mahogany desk sat in front of a vast window. The air smelled of expensive cologne and polished wood.

And then I saw him.

Sitting there, looking as powerful as a king — was him.

“Lily Stephens,” he said with a slow, knowing smile. “Long time no see.”

My heart stopped.

It was William Thomas — my ex-boyfriend.

What was he doing here?

He stood up, looking taller, sharper, richer… colder.

That once-soft smile was now lined with something darker, something unreadable.

“Surprised?” he asked.

I couldn’t speak.

He was the reason. He was the one behind everything. And suddenly, everything made horrible, twisted sense.