My Healing

Decision

Liam

I woke up determined to find a wife. If that's the condition for me to take over Laser Inc. and my fortune, then that's exactly what I'll do. However, after a restless night, during which I spent hours tossing and turning in bed thinking about this, I decided that my father would have a big surprise when he found out what I intended to do.

He has stipulated that I should get married, but he didn't specify with whom. I intend to find a wife completely opposite to what he believes the person I'll choose to marry would be like.

Determined to forge my own path and make a choice that defied my father's expectations, I set out to find a wife who was completely different from what he imagined. Someone who didn't fit the stereotype of a shallow socialite from São Paulo's high society.

But where could I find someone like that? I have no idea. Maybe I should go out, and explore places different from the ones I usually frequent. I was thinking about this when my secretary walked into my office after a quick knock on the door.

Marta is a woman in her fifties, efficient but not very practical. I have no patience with her. However, I noticed that she seemed sad that morning. It was the second time she had come to my office and remained in complete silence, which was highly unusual for Marta.

"Is there a problem?" I asked irritably as I signed some documents she had placed on my desk.

"No."

"Why do you look like you're at a funeral?" I know, I'm an i***t.

"There's nothing, Mr. Ricci."

Marta left after I finished all the documents without saying anything, and that's how it went throughout the day. She always stuck to the strictly necessary, and I wondered what had happened to her.

When the end of the workday came, I walked past her desk towards the elevator, as the doors faced each other, but unlike every other day when I was leaving the office, Marta didn't greet me or wish me "a great evening" as she does every time.

When I got home from work, I was once again greeted by the same scene as the night before, but this time I simply retreated to my room. I had no patience for Frederico and Julian together.

However, I couldn't escape Frederico the next morning, which only added to my anger, especially when I received a message from Caíque teasing me about taking good care of his company. So, more glasses were thrown against the wall and a big mess in my office to clean up. When I called Marta, she surprised me by saying:

"I've already requested the cleaning for your office."

She ended the call after that, leaving me more intrigued by her unusual behavior. A few minutes later, a young man in the same overalls as the girl who usually cleaned my office came in, but that wasn't what caught my attention.

"Where is the girl?" I asked abruptly.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ricci. I don't know which girl you're talking about."

I realized I wasn't being clear and corrected myself.

"Where is the cleaning girl responsible for cleaning my office?"

"You fired her yesterday, Mr. Ricci," the young man explained.

His explanation was clear, but it took me a few seconds to process his words. The memory of the scene from the previous day in my office came back to me, and I felt like a jerk, even though the girl had indeed overstepped by saying what she did to me.

Realizing that I had fired the cleaning girl over an innocuous, albeit misplaced comment made me feel a weight of guilt in my chest. I had acted impulsively and arrogantly, letting my anger control my actions.

Those innocent words, "Have you ever thought about seeking help?" echoed in my mind. At that moment, I had interpreted it as an insult, a challenge to my superiority. However, now, I felt compelled to do something to rectify my mistake.

I noticed the young man was still staring at me, probably waiting for another question, so I simply gestured for him to continue his task and called my secretary, requesting her presence in my office after the cleaning was done.

"I'd like you to request HR to contact the cleaning girl and rehire her," I said while typing some information on my computer. Then, a minute passed before I realized that Marta remained in complete silence about my order. "Marta?" I asked, a little impatient.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ricci, but I must admit I'm surprised by your decision. Of course, I'll immediately get in touch with HR and arrange for the cleaning employee to be rehired. She'll be back to work as soon as possible."

I was pleased to hear Marta's response. I needed to correct the injustice I had committed and offer an opportunity to the cleaning girl, demonstrating that I was capable of recognizing my mistakes and acting justly. In other words, I didn't need help, as she had erroneously suggested.

"By the way, her name is Cecília," Marta said, already holding the door handle.

"I don't see why that matters. Just do as I instructed."

Before the end of the workday, Marta returned to my office and informed me that HR was unable to reach the cleaning girl, meaning rehiring her hadn't been possible yet. Marta remained in front of my desk for a few more seconds, as if waiting for something, but I simply dismissed her, and she soon left my office.

I had tried to fix the situation, but now it was out of my hands.

However, for some strange reason, that matter wouldn't leave my mind throughout the night, keeping me awake. This time, I didn't even remember the absurd condition my father had imposed on me to continue leading the company. All my thoughts were on Cecília, a very beautiful name for such an unremarkable girl, but my body responded foolishly every time I remembered her sweet and gentle voice.