Chapter 2: Getting Fired

"Excuse me, Annette, Mr Terrence is requesting your presence in his office." A voice interrupted Annette's thoughts as she stopped what she was doing.

Lifting her gaze, she found Terrence's secretary standing there, a sense of urgency in her demeanor. Annette's pulse quickened; this summons was likely tied to her being fired by the CEO, because Mr Terrence hardly calls her to his office because he was a busy man

"Why does he want to see me? Do you have an idea?" she inquired, her heart skipping a beat.

"I'm not sure honestly, but you'd better head over quickly. He's not in the best mood," the secretary replied before leaving abruptly, her demeanor always cold in her interactions with Annette, though the reason remained elusive.

"Just a moment," Annette called out, halting the secretary in her tracks. "Did he meet with the CEO recently?"

The secretary arched an eyebrow, her expression puzzled. "Yes, Why do you ask? Mr Hudson just left his office few mins ago"

"No reason," Annette muttered, her gaze fixed on the floor. She felt a sinking certainty that her impending meeting in Mr. Terrence's office was about her termination. I speculated that Mr. Terrence preferred to break the news himself, a notion Annette wanted to avoid due to his instrumental role in securing her the job.

"Best not to keep him waiting. Consider yourself warned," the secretary advised before walking away, forcing Annette to reluctantly follow in her footsteps.

Regardless of the impending conversation, Annette was determined to secure her due payment. Her hard work warranted nothing less.

Upon entering Mr. Terrence's office, she greeted him politely, a veneer of composure masking her inner turmoil.

He was engrossed in a file, his focus only shifting when Annette greeted him for the second time.

"Take a seat," he directed, his tone conveying his displeasure. Annette obliged, mentally rehearsing her explanations for the impending berate.

"I must say, Annette, I find your recent actions quite disappointing," he began, settling back in his chair. "What happened with the CEO? To make him angry enough to fire you"

Annette's gaze lowered as she replied, "Mr. Terrence, I truly didn't recognize him initially. If I had, things might not have ended like this."

Mr. Terrence contemplated her words for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Regrettably, I lack the power to sway his decision in this particular matter." His eyes shifted to the file resting on his desk.

Having foreseen this outcome when the CEO informed her of her dismissal, Annette braced herself. With her heart sinking and her mind finally grasping the harsh reality, Mr. Terrence extended a termination letter bearing her name in bold script, causing her emotions to plummet.

"Please sign here," he instructed.

She peered at the document, her frustration simmering. Her mind raced, head throbbing with indignation. "You will be compensated for the weeks you've worked," he offered, pushing some bills toward her.

With a fiery determination, Annette refused to accept defeat. "Mr. Terrence, the situation hardly warrants termination. I had no way of knowing it was the CEO. How could I have acted differently?"

He shrugged, his tone remorseful. "Your role is that of a receptionist. Perception matters. Your actions left an unfavorable impression."

Silent and seething, Annette locked eyes with him, her resentment palpable.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, you may leave and clear out your desk" he concluded, signaling the conversation's end.

Annette rose from her seat, a surge of anger burning within her. Her voice laced with sarcasm, she confronted him. "So, simply because he's the CEO, I should be dismissed without a second thought. I understand perfectly."

With that, she stormed out, her determination unwavering. She knew she deserved better and would find a more appreciative opportunity elsewhere.

As Annette exited the room, Mr. Terrence found himself bemused by her bold exit. Perplexed by her refusal to accept his terms, he pondered the unforeseen turn of events, unsure of the motivation behind her defiance.

A few minutes later…

Annette eased the door of their apartment open, stepping inside as she continued her conversation with Jane, who was scheduled to stay over for the night.

"Of course, Jane, we'll be waiting for your you," she responded with a hint of weariness, traversing the living room.

"Stay strong, my dear. Something better will surely come your way," Jane comforted with a soft sigh, her lips parting. "The news of your termination has already spread among many in our department. I suspect that woman had a hand in it."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later. She simply expedited the process," Annette remarked, calling out for her younger sister who seemed to be nowhere in sight.

After tossing her bag and coat onto the faded blue couch, Annette sank into it, her pounding headache worsening. She sighed, regretting not having any pain relievers on hand. Thankfully, Jane was on her way with dinner and some much needed medication.

"Alright, catch up with you later," Annette concluded the call, her gaze sweeping around the room.

A sense of disappointment settled in as she took in the tired appearance of the place. She had intended to replace those old couches before losing her job, but that plan now felt like a distant memory since her job was gone. Annette's mind raced, grappling with the uncertainty of her future.

Three weeks had passed since Annette and her younger sister, Cassandra, had moved into this apartment. The loss of their parents five months prior had forced them to uproot their lives, selling their family home to afford a more affordable living arrangement. As memories of her job termination replayed in her mind, a wave of emotions washed over Annette. Tears welled up as she scanned the room, a poignant reminder of the challenges they were facing.

Annette found herself consumed by thoughts of the CEO and his dubious proposal. She pondered over the rumors she had heard about him, questioning why his charms seemed to affect her despite her better judgment.

Frustration and anger swelled within her as she recollected his inappropriate conduct. "Idiot," she muttered quietly, her mind in turmoil. Lost in her contemplation, Annette was taken aback when Cassie, holding her teddy bear tightly, suddenly stood before her.

"Anne?" Cassie's suspicious gaze locked with Annette's.

Annette recovered from her initial surprise and warmly embraced her sister. She inquired about Cassie's day at school and their latest lessons.

Cassie's concern grew evident as she studied her sister. "Are you alright, Anne? You look quite exhausted."

Annette nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Just dealing with a persistent headache. It's been bothering me."

Cassie, eager to help, suggested, "I can run to the pharmacy for some medication. It's just around the corner."

Annette shook her head gently, appreciating her sister's concern. "Thank you, Cassie, but Auntie Jane is actually bringing me some medication. I should be fine."

Cassie still seemed uncertain. "If you're sure you can wait..."

Annette reassured her, "I'll manage, dear."

Cassie's worry lessened a bit before she continued "Alright. And guess what? I made dinner!"

Annette sprung to her feet, racing to the kitchen where a scene of perfect order greeted her: two plates of mac and cheese set on the table. A surge of warmth enveloped her as she turned to find her hesitant sister, Cassie, lingering by the door.

"I– I'm sorry, I just wanted to do something for you to show I love you," Cassie stammered.

"Thank you, Cassie. I'm not upset, so there's no need to apologize. I've always known you love me, kid," Annette reassured, pulling Cassie into a heartfelt hug and planting a gentle kiss on her temple.

"Okay," Cassie responded, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

"Cassie, you're growing up," Annette observed, her voice quivering, her grip on Cassie tightening as tears welled up.

"Are you crying?" Cassie inquired, perplexed by her sister's unusual behavior.

Annette brushed away her tears, attempting to mask her emotions. "No, don't worry. I just need to freshen up. I'll be downstairs in a moment." With that, she exited the kitchen, leaving Cassie standing there, lost in contemplation.