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Chapter 9) I would hire you
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2025-08-01 20:59:41Just after signing the contract, something inside me felt wrong. A deep regret settled in my chest.
I shouldn't have signed it. But it was too late. William had already walked out of the room. I slowly sat back on the hospital bed, my mind spinning. I had made this decision in haste. I shouldn't have done that. I looked down at my belly and gently placed a hand over it. I had no idea what kind of future this child—or I—was heading toward. Next morning I woke up slowly, blinking at the sunlight creeping through the blinds. 8:00 AM. I jumped out of bed instinctively but froze midway. Wait... why am I in such a rush? I’m already fired. I smirked bitterly. What else could I do? I freshened up and took a long, hot shower. Half an hour later, as I stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, I froze. Two people were in my room. They weren’t doctors or nurses. William and Natasha. They stopped talking the moment they noticed me. Their faces were unreadable. I couldn’t guess why they were there. Natasha gave me a sweet, practiced smile. “Good morning, Lily!” I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Hi... how are you?” She stood up and walked toward me. “William told me you weren’t well. As soon as I heard, I rushed over.” I frowned. “Why did you need to rush here? I’m fine.” Natasha’s expression flickered before she spoke in a softer tone. “Lily, how can you say that? I’m your best friend. I should be here during tough times. I also heard you were fired?” She gave me a look. “I told you to quit and find another job. But you were so stubborn. And now, look—you’ve been kicked out.” I replied calmly, “It wasn’t because of William. I got fired because I fell asleep at work.” Natasha smiled knowingly. “Whatever the reason, it was still William who fired you. That’s what I meant. I warned you this would happen. You’ve barely been in touch with him for years, but I have. I know how much he dislikes you. That’s why I said you should quit before things got ugly.” She paused, then added with false concern, “Anyway, let’s forget the past. Once your treatment’s over, you should leave this city as soon as possible. Otherwise, he’ll keep troubling you.” I didn’t say anything. But leave the city? This was my home. I had lived here for years. Leaving wasn’t that easy. Still, I said, “Hmm... you’re right. I should leave.” Then I looked at William and asked, “Sir, why are you here?” He was flipping through a magazine, completely disinterested. Without even looking at me, he said, “She wanted to come.” I didn’t respond. I said, “Then... okay. Can you ask the doctor when I’ll be discharged?” Before William could speak, Natasha interrupted, “We’re here to take you home.” I blinked. “Hmm. I’m ready then. Thanks for visiting. Let’s go.” They helped me out of the hospital. William drove, Natasha sat in the passenger seat, and I was in the back, awkwardly third-wheeling. When they dropped me off, I thanked them. As the car drove away, I noticed Justin watching from his balcony. I looked up at him, then quickly looked away and walked toward my flat. I was still heartbroken about losing my job, but what could I do? I tried to console myself: "It’s okay. You’re pregnant now. You shouldn’t stress too much. William’s going to pay you. In a year, you’ll be rich enough to leave this country and settle anywhere you want." I began packing my bags. I remembered—when we were getting into the car, William had told me quietly to pack. He hadn’t said it in front of Natasha, so she had no idea about my pregnancy. Would she find out later? And if she did... would it count as cheating? Knowing William’s habits, probably not. Who knew how many women he’d been with—10, 20, 60? Never mind. I don’t care anymore. Packing wasn’t easy. I had lived here for over five years. Every corner of this apartment held memories. I was still packing when I heard a knock at the door. I peered through the peephole. Justin. I slowly opened the door. “Hey... what’s up?” He smiled. I couldn’t tell if it was sarcastic or genuine. His eyes landed on the packed bags. “Are you leaving the flat?” I nodded. “Why?” Should I tell him? “Yeah... I lost my job. I mean, I was fired. Now I can’t afford this place. Just unlucky, I guess.” He was silent for a good 20 seconds before saying, “Okay. You can work at my office.” “What? Really?” I stared at him in disbelief, a mix of shock and happiness bubbling inside me. He nodded. “I’ve known you for years. My company could really use someone like you. I think you deserve it.” I smiled gratefully. “Thank you. But... why were you here?” He smirked. “I’ll tell you—if you let me in.” I blinked. He was still standing outside. I flushed slightly. “Oh! Sorry—please come in.” He stepped inside and sat down. Then, he asked casually, “So... William dropped you off?” I nodded. “Yes. William and Natasha.” He raised his brows. “How do you know him?” I answered, “I told you before. He was my boss.” Justin chuckled. “Right. I’ve never heard of a boss dropping off an employee after firing them.” I had no reply. He gave me a sideways glance. “Do you think I’m a fool? Why would he drop you off after firing you?” I stammered, “I don’t know. Maybe because Natasha wanted him to.” He raised an eyebrow. “You think William does things just because Natasha tells him to?” I shrugged. “Why not? She’s his fiancée.” Justin shook his head and laughed softly. “Okay, okay. I won’t push. It’s your personal life. But let me ask you again—do you want to join my company or not?” I nodded quickly. “Yes. But what will my role and salary be?” “Same role, with a 10% raise.” I hesitated. “But I was about to be promoted. Shouldn’t my position reflect that?” Justin looked amused. “Lily, you didn’t quit. You were fired. Understand the difference.” I narrowed my eyes. “Fine. I’ll take whatever role you offer.” He raised his hands playfully. “Okay, okay, don’t get mad. I’ll review your profile. If you deserve a promotion, you’ll get one.” I smiled. We were enjoying a light conversation when— Knock, knock! Someone knocked at the door.S
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