Secretary Jane

Jane sat at her desk, rubbing her eyes from a stressful day. Her father’s shadow was there with her as he had relentless debt that she had been struggling to pay for over five years which didn’t seem to lessen at all. Her sleep deprived eyes sharpened as she rested them on a stack of bills that seemed as if they were adding on top of each other. The numbers blurred together, as time continued on, making it too hard to understand. When the economy started taking a decline, Todd Industries, her father’s business, took a great hit, leaving him insurmountable debt. With an already faded appearance, his pride made it worse as his frustration and depression did nothing other than keep him mentally sick and depleted. Her father’s once strong lively appearance was gone, fully replaced with bags under his now lifeless eyes. Twenties were not fun at all for Jane as it meant getting stuck in a dead end job and working for twelve hours every day, living paycheck to paycheck. But that is exactly what she did in order to save her father’s dignity and gain back my authority. At the age of twenty-five, she thought that she had spent a lifetime of sacrifices. Five years had pass and her entire life was based on fulfilling only one goal which was to repay the debt of her father. She never gave up no matter what, always aiming for the finish line. She fulfilled it at last but she still felt empty inside. She had no plans,no dream nor the idea of who she was outside of this struggle. The silence in the room amplified the feelings in her, she had to leave in order to lift her mood. Jane got to work earlier than usual the next morning with her resignation letter prepared for submition in her bag. The magnificent modern office of Blackwood Enterprises was way more at higher standard compared to her apartment. The floor-to-ceiling windows showed an astonishing view of the New York Skyline. Jane walked through the wonderfully looking hallway with her heels clicking against the polished floor, her juniors greeting her politely with a bright smile on their faces as she passed, oblivious to the decision she was about to make. Her boss, Steve Blackwood’s office was located at the extreme side of the hall, constructed with glass which enabled her to see a man inside. Steve's broad shoulders rested over a pile of documents with his blue eyes focused. Jane hesitated at his doorstep, her heartbeat raised. She inhaled giving herself more confidence, and knocked gently. “Come In”, he answered in his deep voice. Jane opened the door and stepped inside his office, embracing herself. Steve lifted his head, looking at her. Then he went on and asked “Jane, what is it?” in his calm deep voice. She walked up to his desk handing over the envelope to him. “I'm resigning, Mr Blackwood” She said. An intensed aura was felt the moment she said it. Steve remaining calm picked up the envelope, unfolded the letter, and read through it meticulously. After he was done reading, he adjusted his sitting staring at her. “Why?” Jane adjusted her sitting, refusing to show any form of weakness. “I've been in this company for over five years, and I've given it my all. But need to start over my life. I want to explore new opportunities, to see what I can offer, to find out what I can do if this company was not there for me. I am getting old too and i need a partner i am going to spend the rest of my life with.” Steve being unease tapped against his desk. He didn't speak for a while, later saying. “I won't accept this” Jane was shocked. “excuse me?” “You are of great value to this company—to me.” he said with his calm deep voice. Jane swallowed hard, “I'm really grateful, but—” He suddenly stood up, his huge appearance made her take a few steps back. “Jane you're the best secretary I've ever employed. You're effective, efficient, dedicated and never complained. I can't imagine this company or my life without you.” On hearing this Jane's hear raced, but she ignored. I'm sorry, Mr Blackwood, but I made up my mind.” His jaw tightened. For the first time since Jane had known him, Steve looked unsettled. He changed from his known usually cool confidence to something unreadable, looking desperate. He nodded slightly instead of arguing any further. “Okay, no problem,” he said, his voice measured. “But know this, this isn’t over.” Jane faced the direction of the door, but before she could step out, his voice stopped her. “Jane.” She stopped but didn't look back. “This isn't over,” Steve repeated, softer this time around, but unmistakable finality. Later that day, Steve sat in his penthouse, staring at the letter Jane submitted. The city's light looking beautiful and vibrant through the window, but he didn't pay attention to it, only one thought was on his mind. He couldn’t let her leave. Not like this. Not without more argument. He took his phone to call his friend, John. “John,” he said, Steve's voice uncharacteristically tense. John, his assistant also his childhood friend and closest confidant, answered immediately. “Steve?” “She's leaving, ”Steve said, gripping the letter. “I can't Let her go.” A pause. “Then find a way to let her stay.” “I intend to.” Steve said. His head spiked, planning and calculating. He was also a strategist aside being a businessman. He made sure he laid his hands on whatever he wanted, but right now he didn't want Jane to leave. He repositioned himself on his chair resting even further, staring at the ceiling. There was only one was to ensure that Jane stays. A slow smile curved his lips as the idea solidified in his mind. “I need to find a way to make her stay,” he murmured, more to himself than John. “No matter what. “ Steve took Jane's letter one last time, then set it aside. Even if it meant marrying her.