Chapter 4
The video Taylor sent was a CCTV recording from the Richmond office‘ s meeting room.
My heart thudded in my chest as I pressed play, half–dreading what I was about to see. The footage showed Nicholas, Courtney, and the head of HR.
The air in the room seemed thick with
tension, even if I saw it through the screen.
Nicholas was livid, pointing an accusatory finger at the HR manager. “Why did you allow Freida to resign?” His voice boomed, each word dripping with anger.
The HR manager, visibly uncomfortable, stammered, “But I….”
Nicholas cut him off, snapping, “What? You are going to make excuses because I signed the document? You approved her resignation without confirming with me. first.
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“Just because my signature on something does not mean I actually approved it. Do you understand?”
I shook my head in disbelief.
“What an absurd excuse,” I muttered to myself. “Anything with your signature gets processed immediately. Who are you fooling?”
On–screen, the HR manager stood there, completely frozen, eyes downcast. He knew arguing was pointless.
I felt a pang of sympathy for him. No one deserved to face Nicholas‘ s temper.
Suddenly, Nicholas slammed his fist onto the meeting table with such force that even Courtney jumped. The loud bang echoed through the room, rattling the coffee cup and files strewn across the table.
“Get out of my face!” Nicholas bellowed, sending the HR manager scurrying out of
the room like a scolded child.
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The moment the door closed, Courtney timidly approached Nicholas, but before she could reach him, he swiped everything off the table, papers, pens, and his coffee cup went flying, shattering on the floor.
Courtney, startled, stepped back too quickly and stumbled, falling onto the ground with a yelp.
“Aw!” she whimpered, clutching her ankle.
Nicholas‘ s expression softened instantly. Without saying a word, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal–style out of the room.
His anger dissolved into concern as if nothing had happened. I could only imagine the shock on the employees‘ faces as they watched their boss storm through the office, carrying Courtney like that.
I then understood why the video had gone viral in the office chat group.
After all, seeing Nicholas’s outburst and then his tender care for Courtney was
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enough to set the office buzzing. Everyone must have connected the dots between their affair and my sudden resignation.
‘I hope the scandal is worth it for you, I thought as I closed the video, shaking my head.
I immediately replied to Taylor.
[Freida: Thanks for the video, Tay. It was interesting, but my resignation had nothing to do with their affair. I just wanted to move on and gain experience in another company. Their drama is none of my business.]
Taylor’s response came swiftly.
[Taylor: I figured you would not let trivial things affect you. You are too good for that. I am just sad you did not tell me!]
[Freida: You have been a wonderful colleague, Tay. I wish you all the best. Keep in touch, even if we are not working together anymore.]
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After sending that message, I gathered my things and headed out to the arrival gate to meet my father.
However, the sight of my father waiting at the arrivals gate made my chest tighten with emotion. He looked older than 1 remembered, his hair fully gray, and lines etched deep into his face.
I had not realized how much I had missed him until that moment.
“Welcome home, sweetheart,” he said, his voice warm and full of love.
Tears welled in my eyes, and I ran to him, wrapping my arms around him like I was a child again. “Dad, I have missed you so much. I am sorry I stayed away for so long.”
He smiled, patting my back gently. “Do not apologize. We knew you were chasing your dreams. We are just glad you are home
now.”
I pulled back, wiping my tears as I gave him a soft smile. “I am not leaving again,
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Dad. I have got a new job here, and I am staying for good.”
“That is the best news I have heard in a while,” he said, his eyes shining with pride. “This will always be your home anyway.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of those words. settle comfortably in my heart. “Where is Mom? Why did not she come with you?”
“You know how she is,” my dad chuckled. “After hearing your coming, she cooks up a feast to welcome you.”
“I cannot wait to taste her cooking again. It feels like forever,” I said, grinning as we headed to the car.
When we got home, my mother was so happy to see me, until she did not realize that she was crying while hugging me.
Seeing that, I asked her in a sad tone,
“Why are you crying, Mom?”
“I guess I am just surprised that you are actually coming back. Last year you were
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so settled there, and you said it felt like you would stay forever.”
That stung, because it was true.
I had imagined a life with Nicholas, a future where I would stay in that city for good, but things had taken a sharp turn. At that time, staying there felt suffocating, like trying to live in a dream that had soured into a nightmare.
“Yeah, I thought so too. But things change, Mom,” I sighed. “I am bored of that place now, and besides, I have got a great job lined up back home. There is really no reason to stay.”
“I see,” she responded, sounding relieved. “Well, if that is your final decision, you know we will always support you.”
We chatted for a while longer, her familiar voice comforting me in a way I had not realized I needed.
Then, I spent the time talking about work, my plans, and what life I would do in the
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future with my parents. They also listened with enthusiasm, so the warmth of their love filled the space between us.
It really did feel like home again.
**
Finally, my first day at my new job with Hilton Group, one of Richmond‘ s main competitors, had come. I prepared myself and brought everything I needed.
As I opened the door, my mother came rushing after me, holding a small lunch box in her hands.
“I know this is silly,” she said with a warm smile, “but I made you a lunch box for your first day. It is nothing fancy, but I thought you might like it.”
I smiled, touched by the gesture. “Thank you, Mom. I love it,” I said, kissing her on the cheek before heading out.
At Hilton Group, I was welcomed warmly and introduced to my new team.
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To my surprise, my mentor was someone I never expected.
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