His Secretary, His Life

Chapter 3

As I walked out of the restaurant, the weight of the termination notice letter heavy in my hands, I felt a sense of disbelief wash over me. How could they accuse me of such a thing? I had dedicated myself to that job, putting in long hours and going above and beyond to prove myself. And now, I was being thrown out like trash, accused of an action I didn't commit.

As I made my way down the street, lost in my thoughts and worries, I was suddenly called back to reality, by a familiar voice calling my name. It was Emily, the one person I could always count on for support and trust. She works as a Kitchen Assistant in the same restaurant where I've been laid off. She rushed over to me, concern etched on her face.

"Oh, Sonia, what happened? You look very terrible" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"I...I got fired," I stammered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. Emily's eyes widened in shock as she reached out to embrace me. "Oh, Sonia, I'm so sorry to hear that. But, why did they fire you?"

"They accused me of leaking the recipe, can you believe it?" I explained to her, Emily's eyes widened in shock again. "That's bad! You would never do such a thing. How can anyone accuse you of such a thing?"

"I can't even believe this is happening," I sighed, tears welling up in my eyes. "I loved that job, Emily. I always put my heart and soul into it, including when I was still an Assistant."

"I know, sweetheart," Emily said, placing a comforting hand on mine. "But sometimes, things happen for a reason. Maybe this is the universe's way of telling you that there's something better out there for you."

I nodded, trying to find comfort in her words. But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal and hurt. How could they do this to me?

As we sat on the nearby chair in silence, lost in our thoughts, Emily suddenly spoke up again.

"Sonia, I have to be honest with you, and ask you this" she said, her tone serious. "A…are you sure you are innocent of this accusation?"

I looked at her in shock, disconnected myself from her now suffocating embrace, unable to comprehend what she was saying. "What do you mean by asking me that? Do you not trust me? Did I not tell you that I no longer have anything to do with that guy"

"It's just...I know how deeply you loved your ex," Emily said, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and suspicion. "And I can't help but wonder if maybe...just maybe...you did something for your love and it has sabotaged your own job."

Her words hit me like bricks were being thrown to me. How could she think such a thing?

I had loved my ex, yes, but I would never do something so betraying.

How could she question my loyalty to my employer?

Didn't she know how much I had suffered after our breakup and deleted him from my life?

"I can't believe you would think that of me," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "This shows that you do not trust me as your friend. As my friend, you should know I would never do something like that. You know me, Aunt Wendy. You know I'm not capable of such a thing."

Emily looked away, her expression pained. "I'm sorry, Sonia. I...I just can't help but wonder. I couldn't stop myself from asking", she paused and said again, "I'm just worried about you, Sonia. I want to make sure you're not getting yourself into any trouble."

I forced a weak smile, trying to push aside the doubts and suspicions that threatened to consume me. "Thanks, Emily. I appreciate your concern. But I know what I'm doing. I'll figure this out on my own."

Feeling hurt and betrayed, I excused myself from her presence, needing some time alone to process everything that had happened.

As I walked back to my own apartment, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. How could Emily think such a thing of me? And what was I going to do now that I had lost my job?

When I arrived home, I made a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table, lost in thoughts again. I was startled by the ringing of the phone. It was Aunt Wendy, my dad's sister and my favorite aunt, calling to check up on me.

"Hey, Sonia, how are you doing? Your dad just told me about Seer's attack on him. I'm really sorry you two are going through this, I really wish I have a way to help" Aunt Wendy spoke it all in a rush, her voice filled with concern.

"I...I'm not doing so great, Aunt Wendy," I admitted, tears streaming down my face. "What happened, my sweetheart"

"I got fired today, accused of something I didn't do."

Aunt Wendy's voice softened. "I'm so sorry to hear that, honey. What did they accuse you of?", I told her.

"That's very bad, I know you are innocent, there's no need to worry, a better and high paying job will find you", I thanked her for her words of encouragement and was happy that someone believes me to be innocent.

After discussing Dad and Aunt Wendy's kids, she raised a topic, "Listen sweetheart, why don't you come stay with me and the kids in L.A. for a while? It might do you good to get away for a bit, clear your head and it would be good for you to get away from all this stress, for a week or more."

My heart leaped for joy at her proposal and I forgot my worries, spending time with Aunt Wendy has always been one of my fun and favorite moments. "Yes, that would be f…", I hesitated. I couldn't leave my dad alone in New York, especially not now, with Seer looming around with his 'consequences'. But the thought of getting away, even for just a little while, was tempting.

"I appreciate your offer and I believe it would be fun to travel down to L.A., Aunt Wendy, I really do," I said as tears rolled down my cheeks. "But I can't leave my dad right now. He needs me."

"I understand and I'm happy you are looking after Joe, Sonia," Aunt Wendy said, her voice filled with understanding. "But just know that the offer still stands. If you ever need a break, you're always welcome here."

Feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude, I thanked Aunt Wendy and hung up the phone. Despite everything that had happened, I knew that I was surrounded by people who cared about me. And for now, that was enough to keep me going.