Resign
1227 Words
Irene moved through the office like a machine.
From the moment she clocked in that morning, her mind had been spinning. Ethan and Elias's question from earlier haunted her like a shadow clinging to her heels.
"Mama, do we have a dad?"
Her lips had gone dry immediately and her heart had nearly stopped From that question.
And ever since, everything around her had felt like a blur.
Her hands had moved on their own filing documents, passing forms, replying “yes sir” and “on it” to her boss's endless commands but she wasn’t there.
Not really.
Her body was present, but her soul was elsewhere, trapped in that single question she had no answer to.
Mr. Blackwood had barked orders all morning.
"Where are the Peterson files?"
"Did you cross-check the shareholder update?"
"That email should’ve been sent ten minutes ago!" She didn’t even flinch.
She did everything without protest, without expression just like a robot.
It was around midday and she had just returned from submitting paperwork to the PR department.
She stepped out of the elevator and took a few steps toward her desk.
Suddenly, everything tilted.
Her vision darkened.
The voices around her became muffled, then completely faded.
And then
Blackout.
—
When Irene opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the white ceiling.
A dull hum from the air conditioner echoed above her.
The sterile scent of alcohol filled her nose.
She was lying on a narrow bed.
Beside her, a police officer stood, arms crossed.
Another sat on a stool by the desk, scribbling in a small notebook.
A nurse hovered close to her bed. At the far end of the room, Mr. Blackwood stood with his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable.
“You’re awake,” the nurse said, leaning in slightly. “How do you feel?”
Irene blinked. “W-where am I?”
“You fainted,” the nurse replied gently. “Right in front of the elevators. You’re in the office clinic.”
“I… fainted?”
“Yes. You’ve been out for almost fifteen minutes.
The security team called us immediately, and since you lost consciousness in a corporate space, the police had to be informed.
It’s standard protocol.”
One of the officers stood up.
He stepped closer, flipping his notebook shut.
“Miss, do you know what caused the fainting? Did you skip breakfast? Any medication, illness, injury?”
Irene shook her head slowly. “No, I… I didn’t eat much. I was just… stressed.”
The officer exchanged a look with his colleague.
“Anything you want to report? Threats, harassment, anything out of the ordinary?”
“No,” she whispered, eyes darting away. “Nothing.”
Mr. Blackwood finally stepped forward.
“That’ll be all,” he said sharply to the officers.
“Thank you.”
The taller officer gave a nod but not without adding “If you feel unwell again, please do call us.”
And with that, they left.
The moment the door shut, silence fell.
Irene slowly sat up, clutching the edge of the bed. Her palms were clammy and her heart still raced.
Mr. Blackwood’s gaze was cold and Distant.
“Irene,” he said, his voice low and hard. “Would you mind explaining to me what exactly is going on?”
“I—I don’t understand…”
“Do you think this company is a playground?” he snapped.
“This is your second day here, and you are already fainting in the middle of working hours.
What kind of impression do you think you’re giving?”
“I’m sorry…”
“Save it,” he cut in. “If you know you can’t handle the work, then hand in your resignation letter.
This is not a charity organization so you won’t get any special treatment here he barked at her.”
Tears stung the corners of her eyes.
“I’m trying my best…” she tried to say.
“Then your best isn’t good enough,” he said cutting her off flatly. “
And then he turned and walked out.
The nurse placed a glass of water on the table beside her, “Drink that.
And take your time before you stand up.”
But Irene wasn’t listening.
Her ears were ringing and her face burned with humiliation.
She hated the way her hands trembled.
Hated how her chest tightened with each breath.
A few moments later, one of the admin girls from her team entered quietly and shut the door behind her.
“Hey,” she said softly, walking closer. “Are you okay?”
Irene wiped her face quickly. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine…”
“I said I’m fine,” she snapped, instantly regretting it.
But the girl didn’t flinch.
She simply sat on the edge of the empty bed beside her.
“Mr. Blackwood can be… intense so don’t take it personally. We’ve all been there.”
Irene shook her head. “I’m not looking for pity.”
“It’s not pity.
It’s just… we’ve seen worse and most of us could not endure it.
But you’re still standing, aren’t you?”
Irene looked at her, surprised at her words.
Then, unexpectedly, she laughed a soft, bitter sound. “Barely.”
After a beat of silence, she tilted her head and asked, “So, tell me something… What made you decide to work for Mr. Blackwood as his secretary?”
Irene blinked, surprised by the question.
The girl leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like she was about to share a juicy secret. “Haven’t you heard about all those stories in the newspapers and magazines?
You know, Mr Blackwood is basically a walking headline.
People say he doesn’t just fire employees he obliterates them.
One mistake and poof, you’re done.”
Irene chuckled under her breath. “Yeah. I’ve heard the rumors.”
“So what made you still take the job?” the girl pressed, her brows raised.
Irene looked at her for a moment, then allowed herself a small smile. “Well… when you have two little dumplings like mine, you’d be willing to do just about anything to give them a better life.”
The girl blinked. “Wait… what?”
Irene just sipped the water and said nothing.
Then suddenly, the girl gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Hold on are you saying… you have kids?”
Irene smiled again, this time with a soft, almost mischievous edge.
“Don’t I look like someone who’s given birth?”
The girl shook her head in disbelief. “Absolutely not! Girl, your body is still on point. You’re snatched from head to toe! I would never have guessed.
Like, if you hadn’t told me, that secret would’ve been buried with you.”
Irene laughed, the tension in her chest easing just a little. “Guess whose mouth is hanging open now?”
“Mine, obviously,” the girl said, grinning. “Okay, now I need the full gist. Two kids? Twins? How old? Are you married? Divorced? What’s the story?”
Irene hesitated, her fingers tightening around the cup. Her smile faltered just a little. “Let’s just say… the story is complicated.”
And they both burst out in laughter.
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